I purchased a ticket for my brother-in-law to fly BOS-LHR to come visit. Upon completing the transaction on the BA US web site, I learned that paper tickets would be sent to me since I paid for them but I was not travelling.

Nearly three weeks have passed, and in 9 days he flies to visit. I have not received the paper tickets, although I was told they were issued and sent on 22 July.

I have spoken with BA and they have cancelled the previously issued paper tickets and are putting in a "request" to allow the tickets to be issued on departure.

The BA rep told me he would have to get to BOS three hours prior to his 08:10 departure in order to ensure he gets the tickets issued in time.

Is this right? Does he really need to get to BOS at 5am? Why do they have to request that the tickets be issued at the airport? Is an e-ticket not possible in this case?

I understand that ultimately someone devised this hassle with security in mind. I have never had to deal with paper tickets, but it really seems absurd.
--Alex