Many airlines are going to begin charging for paper tickets in 2003 -- another revenue generator, in addition to charges for extra bags, heavy bags, changes, stand by, etc. Anything for another buck or two.
Make sure you have a printed copy of your entire flight itinerary with you when you check in. I've never really needed it, except to refer to in order to tell the agent which flight # I am on. You'll need your photo ID.
I fly United out of Chicago O'Hare a lot and use their E-Z Check-in. Walk up to a kiosk, slide your credit card in and punch a few buttons. Usually in less than a minute I have my boarding pass. In another minute my luggage is tagged and checked and I am heading to the gate. Goodbye LONG lines and Long waits to get a boarding pass. I love e-tickets! Best thing since sliced bread.