I too booked my air tickets online @ ctrip for the first time. Thanks for the help offered by many of you on this thread & other threads, I succeeded in my booking. To say the least, the experience was a bit nerving. First, it only works with IE browser, NOT firefox. In checking for credit card info, the system refused to accept the actual billing address (which is PO Box). In desperation, I plugged in my home address. To my suprise, it accepted.
Then came the 1st email - confirming my reservation.
Then came the 2nd email - issuance of e-ticket

I am glad that they issue e-ticket now.

The whole process wass soooooooo different. Stodgy? Yeah.