What personal information do you need to book a flight

At some point in your life, you may find yourself needing to buy an airline ticket for someone else. In many cases, adult children purchase tickets for their parents to visit grandchildren or attend a family get-together. Fortunately, it’s relatively easy once you know-how.

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You will need certain information and must follow specific steps. Equally important is that the people you book the trip also know the kind of information they will need to carry to the airport. While you’re paying for the ticket, they will need to correctly identify themselves before getting the tickets and boarding the plane.

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Steps to Buy An Airline Ticket For Someone Else

The following steps provide a general guideline for how to buy an airline ticket for someone else. These apply whether you are a member of an airline’s rewards program – such as Southwest’s Rapid Rewards – or buying for the first time from an airline.

Important Information

Much like when you buy your own ticket, you will need to provide the birth date, full name (as it appears on their driver’s license or other official ID), and country of residence. This seems simple, but it often trips people up because they don’t ask their parents how their name appears on their IDs! You want to have an exact match. If the flight is international, you may have to fill in passport information.

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Using Air Miles

Most airlines will allow you to buy an airline ticket for someone else using your frequent flyer or air miles. Double-check to make sure that is the case with your airline, as it can save you big bucks.

Add Amenities

When you buy an airline ticket for someone else, especially your parents, you will want to think about adding extras that can make the trip more enjoyable. For example, think about early boarding, requesting a seat close to the front, and getting seats with more legroom.

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Send the Itinerary

Sending the itinerary is a simple step that people can forget. With some airlines, you can send the itinerary directly to the people who are flying. However, in some cases, all the information is going to come to you. Make sure you forward all the information to your parents. Also, communicate any other useful information, such as parking garage locations and all the extras you may have purchased.

Bring the Proper ID

At this point, everything works as if your parents had purchased the tickets themselves. They can download the ticket on their phone or print it out. They will need to bring IDs that match the name on the purchased tickets. Otherwise, they are good to go! Buying an airline ticket for someone else is a great gift. It’s especially true if it’s your parent and they want to come to spend time with you, their grandchildren and other family members. With the ease of purchasing online, it’s easier than ever to book travel for parents and spend quality time together.

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How to buy a plane ticket for someone else?

STEP 1

On the search form at the top of the page, enter the destinations/airports that the person(s) you're buying the flights for is travelling between and the dates that they wish to travel on. Click 'search flights'.

STEP 2

This page will display all available flights for the destinations and dates you've chosen. Select the flights the person(s) you're buying for wants to fly on and click 'confirm selection'.

STEP 3

First, enter the passenger details of the person(s) that is flying. Then, enter the contact information.

The contact information should be the details of the person that you wish the travel documents to be sent to and the person you'd like Alternative Airlines to contact if we need to speak to you about your booking.

The contact information will not appear on your travel documents and it does not need to match the passenger details or payment details.

STEP 4

Once you've entered all the details, select your payment method.

STEP 5

Enter the relevant details needed to make the payment. Click 'Pay XXX' and you're purchase is complete! It's that simple to buy a plane ticket for someone else!

What info do you need to book a flight for someone else?

To book a flight for someone else online, you'll need the following things.

Details of the person(s) flying

You must have the personal details of each passengers flying, ready to enter on the passenger details page. This includes their title, first and last name (as it appears on their passport) and date of birth.

You're not required to enter the details of the person paying on the passenger details page, unless they're a passenger on the flight too.

Contact Information

You must provide the contact information for the person that you want the travel documents to be sent to and the person you'd like Alternative Airlines to contact should we have any questions or information regarding your flight reservation.

This can be anyone, but we recommend choosing either the person travelling or the person paying for the flight.

Your Payment Details

You must have the payment details of the payment method you're choosing to pay for the airline tickets with. With Alternative Airlines, you can choose to pay in over 40 different payment methods, including PayPal, Mastercard, Maestro, Visa, Apple Pay, Affirm (US) and Fly Now Pay Later (UK) and in more than 160 different currencies.

Buying a Plane Ticket For Someone Else FAQs

Can you buy a plane ticket for someone else?

Yes. You can buy a plane ticket for someone else at Alternative Airlines. You don't have to worry about matching the details of the person(s) that's flying with the details of the person paying. Alternative Airlines allow you to pay for someone else's plane ticket in a fast, easy and convenient way.

Can you buy a plane ticket for someone else online?

You can buy a plane ticket online for someone else on the Alternative Airlines website! Whether you're buying a plane ticket for a family member, friend or even a business partner, Alternative Airlines allows you to book a flight in a name that's different to the details of the person paying!

What info do you need to book a flight for someone else?

To book a flight for someone else you need — the details of each passenger flying, the contact information of the person you want us to send the booking confirmation to and the payment details that you're using to buy the flight with.

Take a look at all the information needed to book a flight for someone else with Alternative Airlines.

Can I book a flight for someone else using my credit card?

Yes! You can book a flight for someone else using your credit card! Alternative Airlines accepts many major credit cards worldwide, including Visa, Mastercard, Discover and JCB, as well as payment systems that you can link your credit card to, such as PayPal, Masterpass and Visa Checkout.

Can I use my Southwest points for someone else?

No, you can't use your Southwest points for someone else. But you can collect Southwest points while paying for flights for someone else. Take a look at our blog on the best frequent flyer programs.

How to buy airline tickets for someone else?

Buying airline tickets for someone else with Alternative Airlines is easy. All you need to do is select the airline tickets that you wish to buy, enter the name of the person(s) travelling and enter your payment details when you want to buy the flight. It's that simple!

Still not sure? Take a look at our step-by-step guide which shows you exactly how to buy airline tickets for someone else.

Can I buy a plane ticket for someone else in a different country?

Yes, at Alternative Airlines, you can buy a plane ticket for someone else even if they're in or from a different country. All you need to do is enter their details instead of your own details in the passenger details section of our booking process.

Unless we need your passport details to confirm the flight (as certain airlines require this), we don't ask for the country of origin of a passenger when booking a flight. You just need to make sure that all other details, such as the passenger's name and date of birth are correct.

Can someone else buy my plane ticket?

Yes, someone else can buy your plane ticket for you. Not only can you buy a plane ticket for someone else, at Alternative Airlines, but you can also have someone buy a plane ticket on your behalf. Just make sure that they have all your correct details (name, date of birth etc) to buy the flight.

What details are required to book a flight?

Flight and passenger details.

Trip details..

Personal information – Full names (to be spelled exactly as it is in your ID or passport), date of birth, country of residence..

ID number..

Ideal departure times and length of flights (do you prefer a direct flight or are you happy with connections?).

Preferred cabin class..

Can someone book a flight for me?

Buying a plane ticket for someone else is easy. All you need to do is make sure that you have the passenger information listed exactly as it is on their ID (driver's license, government-issued identification card, or passport). You can use any form of payment – even if it is not tied to the passenger.