'Ticketless Travel' Looks Difficult for Near Future

A quick heads-up for TheStreet.com and RealMoney.com readers trying to get back into the nation's beleaguered air-travel system: If, like many of us, you've become used to using so-called "e-tickets," where there's no paper trail -- or at least, not one in your hands -- expect problems when you try to get through airport security to your departure gate -- and maybe at that gate as well.

The days of walking up, saying your last name and flashing your driver's license are probably over, at least for some time to come. Both airport security gates and the airlines themselves are demanding much more documentation of your ticketed status and your personal identification.

I always take a printout of my confirmation email from the airline with me when I travel with e-tickets. I've only rarely had to use it -- and always only to unsnarl some reservations snafu -- but even that printed email may not be enough for some airlines and at some airports. ...