Do you need a passport to book an international flight?

You’re about to book an international flight when you realise your passport has expired or is about to. Cue the panic and frantic Googling: can you book an international flight without a passport number?!

We’ve got you covered: here’s everything you need to know so you can plan your trip and get one step closer to takeoff.

Do you need a passport to book an international flight?

Let’s start by answering the most important question first and then we can get into the weeds of travel requirements. 

In general, most airlines will allow you to book an international flight without entering a passport number at the time of booking. However, this information is usually requested about 24 hours before a flight, during the online check-in process.

You’ll also need your passport to get through security and to board the plane, so while you can book an international flight without a passport, you will need it about a day before the flight departs.

Booking without a passport number can vary between airlines, so keep this in mind when securing your flight. Paylater Travel doesn't ask for your passport details when booking any flight.

What if I’m waiting for a new or renewed passport?

This is a scenario people often find themselves in; they need to book an international flight, but they are waiting on their new passport to arrive (either after applying for the first time or for a renewal). 

In the US, it can take up to 6 weeks for your passport application to be processed, so be sure to leave enough time between applying and your flight departing. There is the option to pay an additional fee for expedited processing, or you may be eligible for an emergency passport in certain circumstances.

If you need to travel urgently (within 15 business days), you can be issued an emergency US passport, which is valid for 12 months. These passports are usually processed and issued on the same day of receiving the passport application.

If you're confident your passport will arrive in time and your current passport is still valid, you can add your current passport if its required and then change the number later when the new passport arrives. Make sure your passenger details like name and date of birth match exactly as this is often harder to change than the passport number.

Can you book an international flight with an expired passport?

Technically, yes, you can book an international flight with an expired passport, since most airlines and booking websites don’t require passport details at the time of booking. 

However, you’ll need a valid passport to check in and travel, so it’s best to leave those fields blank when booking and update your details once your new passport arrives.

Can you use an expired passport for a domestic flight?

Yes, you can use an expired passport as a form of identification for domestic flights within the US. TSA currently allows expired IDs to be used for up to 2 years after their expiration date (we’ve listed other acceptable forms of ID further down in this article). Make sure your expired passport and IDs have the same details as your booking though. In particular name differences can cause issues when checking in.

Can you change your passport number after booking a flight?

You can update your passport number after booking your flight and most airlines make this easy to do online through their ‘manage booking’ section. Or if you've booked through an agent or online flights website then you should be able to contact their support team to get this updated. If you’re unable to update it beforehand, you can usually provide your new passport details when you check in for your flight so long as the details like full name and date of birth match the booking.

When do airlines require passport information?

You generally don’t need to input your passport information when booking a flight, but this is when you’ll need to produce it.

• For check-in: When traveling internationally, airlines require your passport information for check-in, which starts around 24 hours before the flight. This can be done online or in person. 
• When dropping your bag: Even if you’ve checked in online, you’ll still probably need to show your passport during baggage drop off.
• For boarding: You’ll need to show your passport again at the gate to be allowed to board the plane.
• At passport control: Once you’ve reached your destination airport, you’ll need to have your passport handy for another check at immigration before you can exit.

Do I need a passport for a domestic flight?

No, you don’t need a passport to book or board a domestic flight, but you do need to present another form of ID. There are strict rules around what is an acceptable form of ID for this situation, these include:

• REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses or other state photo identity cards issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent)
• US passport card (this is a wallet-sized, plastic passport that has no visa pages and is used as proof of US citizenship and identity)
• US Department of Defense ID
• Border crossing card
• Foreign government-issued passport
• Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)

If you don’t have any of the above, but you do have a passport, this is also considered an acceptable form of ID and can be used for domestic flights (you just won’t get any stamps in your passport for this travel!). 

Passport validity requirements

Another important piece of information to be across is passport validity requirements. Most countries require at least 6 months of validity remaining on your passport after your date of entry or exit. 

This is generally a pretty strict rule, with some countries not allowing you to enter if you have less than 6 months left on your passport from the date you plan to leave that country. 

If you’re planning on traveling soon and your passport is due to expire in the coming months, it’s recommended to renew it as soon as possible to avoid being stopped from entering another country. 

What about visas and entry requirements?

It’s also worth noting that a valid passport might not be the only document you’ll need to travel internationally. Many destinations have specific visa requirements, which depend on your nationality and the country you’re visiting. Before you travel, always check the official website of your destination’s embassy or consulate for up-to-date entry information.

Some countries allow visa-free entry for short-term stays, while others may require you to apply online in advance or obtain a visa upon arrival. In some cases, you may also need to provide supporting documents, such as your travel itinerary, proof of sufficient funds, or recent passport photos.

Ready for your next getaway, but not quite ready to cover the cost of a new passport and your flights upfront? With Paylater Travel, you can lock in the best flight deals now and spread out the cost with a payment plan that works for your pay cycle. 

Our flexible layaway model lets you secure your trip today with just a small deposit, so you can focus on planning the fun parts, not stressing about the budget.