Information Needed Much like when you buy your own ticket, you will need specific information for the person who is going to fly. That includes date of birth, their full name (as it appears on a driver's license or other official ID), You also must know the person's country of residence.

To book a flight for another person in 2026, the most critical piece of information is their full legal name exactly as it appears on the government-issued ID or passport they will use to travel. Even a minor typo can result in a denied boarding or a costly "name change" fee. You will also need their date of birth and gender, which are mandatory for Secure Flight data requirements. For international travel, you will likely need their passport number, expiration date, and country of issue. Additionally, it is highly recommended to have their frequent flyer number to ensure they receive mileage credit and their known traveler number (TSA PreCheck/Global Entry) if applicable. While you can use your own email and credit card for the payment and confirmation, you must provide a valid contact phone number and email address for the traveler so the airline can alert them directly of any gate changes or delays. Some airlines may also require the traveler to present a copy of the purchaser's credit card or ID at check-in if the transaction is flagged as high-risk, so always check the specific "Third Party Payment" policies of the carrier.