What info do you need to book a flight? Here’s the complete checklist

Maybe it’s been a while since you last booked a flight, or perhaps this is your very first time doing it yourself; either way, there’s a bit of information you’ll need to have on hand before you can hit that ‘book now’ button. 

From personal details and payment info to passport numbers and travel preferences, being prepared can make the process much quicker and smoother. Here’s a breakdown of what information you’ll need to book your flight.

What information do you need to book an international flight?

There is quite a bit of information needed to book a flight and plenty of double-checking to make sure it’s all accurate. Here’s what you’ll need to have on hand when booking an international flight.

Personal information

Check the following details are correct, they’re essential and need to be accurate before you complete your flight booking. 

• Full name, as it appears on the passport
• Date of birth
• Gender
• Contact information, like phone number and email address
• Frequent flyer number (this isn’t essential at the time of booking, but it’s worth adding if you have it handy, so you don’t miss out on earning points)

Travel details

Here comes the exciting part: deciding where your next adventure will take you and when you’ll go.

• Departure and destination airports 
• Travel dates and times
• Flight class (economy, premium economy, business class, etc.)
• Number of passengers traveling 

Passport and travel documents

When booking an international flight, you’ll may be asked to provide passport details, but don’t worry if you don’t have them yet. Depending on the airline or website you can still book your ticket without your passport and add this information later, usually during online check-in about 24 hours before departure. At Paylater travel we don’t require a passport at the time of booking but will usually ask for passport details when you’ve paid off your flight and are ready to send you the e-ticket.

When you’re ready to enter your passport information, here’s what you’ll need to have ready.

• Passport number
• Passport issue date 
• Passport expiry date (make sure this is more than 6 months from your departure date)
• Nationality 
• Country of issue 
• Visa (not all international destinations require a visa, but it’s best to check early to see if your destination does and start the application process as soon as possible if needed)

Payment details

Finally, the least exciting part of booking a flight: payment. You’ll need the below info to complete the booking.

• Credit or debit card details
• Billing address

If you’re ready to plan your next getaway but aren’t quite ready to pay upfront, consider Paylater Travel. Lock in the best flight deals now and spread the cost over a payment plan that fits your schedule.

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. Book now, pay later and make your next vacation happen sooner.

Additional details

When booking your ticket, you’ll also have the option to add extras to enhance your trip, though these usually come at an additional cost.

• Seat selection
• Baggage options
• Travel insurance
• Meal preferences
• Special assistance requests

What information do you need to book a domestic flight?

Requirements for booking a domestic flight are all the same except for the passport. Instead, you’ll just need to make sure your name matches your form of government issued ID, most commonly a drivers license. 

If you’re taking a connecting international flight then you will still need to eventually add your passport details.

Can I book a flight for someone else?

Yes, you can book a flight for someone else. You’ll need the same information as listed above and pay particular attention to ensure that all of their personal details are correct before purchasing the ticket.

Can I change the information on a flight booking if it's incorrect?

You can change information on a flight booking if it’s incorrect, but be sure to contact the airline as soon as possible. Minor changes are generally easy to fix, but more significant errors can incur fees to change especially where the names of the passengers are incorrect.

At Paylater Travel, you can reach out to our support team via the chat or email support@paylatertravel.com for any changes. There may be a charge depending on the request and the airline’s policies.

Last-minute reminders before you book

• Double and triple-check the spelling of names and ensure that all details on your passport match what you enter into your booking.
• The same goes for dates; be sure to double-check you’ve selected the correct travel dates
• Have your passport or visa handy (and make sure your passport has at least 6 months’ validity remaining, as most countries require this beyond your intended date of entry or exit)