The only compelling reason (from the airlines point of view) for having E tickets is "if you ever loose your ticket, we can find you in the computer". Well I have news for them--they can also look you up with a paper ticket, with or without a confirmation number! (I have had it happen--with no problem while not traveling on an E ticket). I somehow think, that there is a vague possiblilty that ....could it be....cheaper and more cost efficient for the airlines? Rather than easier for the customer? Perhaps I am just being cynical.