E-ticket
What it really means
A train ticket on your phone as a barcode or QR code, usually in an app or PDF. Scan it face-down on the barcode reader at the ticket barrier. Make sure your phone has battery — a dead phone means no ticket.
Context, tips & common mistakes
Choose the e-ticket option whenever it is offered: the barcode arrives by email and PDF, lives in your phone, and cannot be lost at a collection machine. Screenshot it or save it offline — station Wi-Fi dead zones and dying batteries are precisely where tickets get checked — and turn screen brightness up at the barrier scanners.
Carry whatever railcard the discount came from, because inspectors ask for ticket and railcard together; a forgotten railcard turns a valid ticket into a fare problem. Keep the booking reference too: refunds, changes and Delay Repay claims all key off it. Where only 'ticket on departure' collection is offered, you will need the payment card and reference at the machine, so bring that exact card.
Example conversation
What you could say back
No spoken reply needed for this one.