Check all the information printed on a paper ticket for accuracy and copy and save the ticket number as soon it is received.

Notify the carrier immediately so that they can issue another ticket. Providing them with the ticket number will aid them in the process.

Any penalty for re-issuing a lost ticket will determined by the individual airline.

The charge for issuing a replacement ticket can be substantial.

Some airlines require that you to buy a new ticket at the current rate, which may be higher than the original since you probably are no longer eligible for an advance purchase discount.  In that case, you should receive a refund for the original ticket, less a service fee. Refunds can take weeks or even months to be processed and sent, Obviously try not to lose a ticket, or better yet, always ask for an electronic or E-ticket.

Consider electronic ticketing. There's less to lose. Many carriers are only using  electronic ticketing, with a few exceptions. Always get a confirmation or PIN number and carry it with you for check-in. It's a good idea to reconfirm your flight number and times with the airline before departure date, especially if someone else, such as a Travel Agent,  made the booking.

Using an E-ticket will help to avoid the extra charges associated with the issuance and delivery of a paper ticket.

Always check with the airline in advance if you have an electronic ticket to obtain some paperwork to get you through security and into the gate area. Most airlines allow online check-in 24 hours prior to departure and the ability to print your own boarding pass. This should help to speed-up and simplify the process.

When traveling overseas try to avoid electronic ticketing. Some countries require that you have a paper ticket, along with passport and visa, to enter their country. That may hold true even if you are just changing planes on a connecting flight.

Paper tickets still provide "ownership" since you have something in your hand to prove your right to be on that airplane. They also come in handy when the airline personnel have limited computer skills. Paper is good if a flight is cancelled and your airline attempts to accommodate you on another carrier. Most airlines in foreign countries are not equipped to accept E-tickets from other carriers. Often, your paper ticket must be endorsed over to the other carrier, which is difficult with an E-ticket.

A driver’s license or government issued picture I.D., such as an expired passport, current passport or state I.D. card. You need to be able to prove that you are really you !

College IDs may not be accepted.

The name on your ticket must match the name on your I.D. exactly.

Don't forget your confirmation or PIN number.

It's a good idea to bring the credit card on which the ticket was charged. Sometimes the airline will swipe it through the computer as an additional security step.

Check with the airline in advance with electronic ticketing to obtain some paperwork to get through security checkpoint and into the gate area. Most airlines allow online check-in 24 hours prior to departure and the ability to print your own boarding pass. This should help to speed-up and simplify the process.