What info do you need to book a flight?

Booking an airline ticket requires a significant amount of information, and getting it all together ahead of your next TSA screening can be worrisome. If any of your documents are missing or incorrect, it could lead to delays, cancellations, or uncomfortable seating arrangements. 

Here’s a rundown of all the info you need to book a flight so you can set the stage to arrive at your destination ready to do business. 

Why it’s important to gather information before booking a flight

In addition to the regular delays that leisure travelers face, for corporate travelers, the ramifications of booking flight tickets under the wrong credentials can significantly hamper their business goals. Here are several reasons why you need accurate airline ticket information:

• Convenience: Having the right information saves you the inconvenience of correcting information at the airport, allowing you to get on your way faster.
• Security requirements: If your name, date of birth, or other information doesn’t match your identification, the TSA can pull you aside for additional screenings and verification.
• Frequent flyer programs: Including membership numbers with passenger details allows you to access the airline’s frequent flyer program and other loyalty benefits.
• Travel updates: With accurate contact information, airlines can notify passengers of flight delays, itinerary changes, or other details relevant to their trip.
• Personalized services: Some airlines may use personal details to offer complementary travel services like free baggage checks or upgrades.
• Fraud protection: Using the correct personal information ensures no one uses the flight ticket but the intended passenger. 
• Emergency contact: Having a traveler’s contact information on file makes it easier for the airline to contact passengers and their families in an emergency. 
• Regulatory compliance: TSA’s Secure Flight program requires airlines to collect passenger information such as full name, date of birth, and gender to operate in the United States.

Information you need before booking a flight

If you’re planning a trip for business or otherwise, here’s all the information you need to buy a plane ticket.

1. Travel dates and times

The first thing you need to book an airline ticket is the date and time of your departure and return. If you have an established itinerary, you can enter the information immediately into the booking platform. If you have a flexible itinerary, airline websites allow you to set that option when searching for flights.

Once you select the desired dates, double-check the departure times before settling on a flight. You want to arrive at the airport with enough time to check in, pass through security, and reach your gate without rushing.

2. Flight itinerary

While selecting travel dates, consider which airports you want to use. Depending on the population density of your destination, there may be more than one airport to choose from.

For example, three airports service the New York City region: John F. Kennedy International Airport and LaGuardia Airport in the city proper, and Newark Liberty International Airport in nearby New Jersey. Depending on your point of origin, it may be more cost-effective to fly into Newark than JFK or LaGuardia.

Once you’ve determined where to take off and land, review transportation costs and travel time from the airport to your final destination so there are no surprise expenses. With the above example, it’s much easier to take the subway from JFK than LaGuardia, so planning ahead is worth the effort.

3. Personal details

Once you’ve established airports and flights, enter basic passenger information into the purchase form. You’ll need the following:

• Full name
• Date of birth
• Gender
• Phone number
• Email
• Passport number (when booking international flights)
  

If you’re registered under a known traveler number or have a frequent flyer account, you’ll need that as well.

4. Seat preferences

Depending on the fare selected, passengers can choose their seats for free or for a small fee. Basic fares typically don’t offer these options, and travelers receive assigned seats at check-in. 

If your seat selection comes at a cost, the total fare will reflect its addition upon final checkout. Travelers should note that these are separate charges and may not be refundable if you change or cancel your flight. Always double-check the airline’s terms and conditions before changing your itinerary.

5. Payment method

Once you’ve finalized the flight criteria, it’s time to enter your payment information to purchase the tickets. Airlines accept several payment methods, including:

• Debit card
• Credit card
• PayPal
• Buy Now Pay Later services like Klarna

Once you reach the final payment page and select the method you want to use, double-check the dates, times, departure, and destination airports. After you confirm, you can usually change the details up to 24 hours before check-in, but the airline may charge a fee. 

Do you need a passport to buy a plane ticket?

Typically, you need a passport number to book international flights. However, international flights add an extra layer of complexity to planning and purchasing airline tickets. Additionally, most airlines will request the following:

• Name
• Date and place of birth
• Passport issue date
• Nationality
• Passport expiry date

Airlines also require travelers to present a valid passport at check-in, security screening, and boarding. The passport and ticket information must match, or you could be delayed or removed from the flight.

Passengers on international flights should also double-check their passports' entrance requirements for their destination country. Some countries require that passports remain valid for at least three months after their trip. 

Also, a valid passport doesn’t mean you can ignore visa requirements. Visas are separate travel documents—depending on where you’re from, you may need both to enter certain countries. Check with the U.S. Department of State or the country’s embassy before the flight to learn more about visa requirements. 

Find the best flights with Engine

Between sprinting to your connecting flight or staying sharp for your next business meeting, corporate travelers don’t have the time to deal with errors on their flight tickets. With Engine, you only have to enter personal details once. Our platform stores the information, using your data to streamline the flight booking process. 

Engine is an all-in-one travel platform that facilitates flight booking, hotel reservations, and car rentals. If something goes wrong, our 24/7 customer service professionals are there to quickly get you back in the air.

FAQ

What happens if there’s an error in the name on a ticket?

If the name on your flight ticket doesn’t match your license, passport, or other identification, it can lead to delays or cancellations. If you notice the error more than 24 hours before your flight, contact the airline as soon as possible so they can reissue the ticket. 

If you’re at the airport and notice a minor error in your name, the TSA and the airline may accept a correction. If the misspelling is significant, head to the airline's ticket desk for help and advice.

Can you book multiple flights for a team at once?

Most airlines and travel sites allow users to book multiple passengers onto a single flight. When booking the tickets, select the number of travelers from the drop-down menu, specifying if they’re adults, children, or infants.

Can you book a flight for someone else?

Booking tickets for other people is common—just make sure to enter accurate information about their identity and passport, and have them verify the booking prior to confirmation.