How to Buy a Plane Ticket for Someone Else

Since 2001, air travel in the United States has become more difficult for travelers as airports and airlines have increased their restrictions and regulations to ensure safety. Buying airline tickets, however, does not have to be a difficult task because major airlines offer electronic ticket purchase online. Anyone can buy a ticket online, even for someone else, by entering the information of the potential flier as it appears on her government-issued photo ID card.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Step 1

Choose an airline that flies from the desired location to the desired destination. The websites Airlines of North America and Nations Online both list major airlines to help in choosing the appropriate airline.

Step 2

Find the airline's website through any online search engine or through the links provided on the Airlines of North America or Nations Online websites. All major airlines will provide a website from which you can buy a ticket.

Step 3

Select the desired air travel dates through the site's "Book" link. Most airline websites are designed to contain a section that provides a calendar and potential flight dates. The link may also read "Book Flight" or "Book Travel."

Step 4

Follow the prompts to enter the air traveler's information, including full name and date of birth, as it is listed on his government-issued ID card.

Step 5

Purchase the plane tickets by paying with a debit or credit card, a PayPal account (if offered), electronic checks (deducted directly from a bank account), airline gift card or cash at a Western Union location (if offered). Many airlines will also reserve the flight tickets and allow pay deferment for up to six months. Ticket information will be saved electronically, and the airline will send plane ticket confirmation and an itinerary for the flight but not an actual paper ticket.

Tips & Warnings

Airlines may offer paper tickets at an additional cost, but these are not necessary with electronic ticketing. The airline will send all flight information to the billing address, as it is listed on the credit or debit card used to buy the tickets. Buy plane tickets online up to two hours before flight departure.

Airlines may offer paper tickets at an additional cost, but these are not necessary with electronic ticketing.

The airline will send all flight information to the billing address, as it is listed on the credit or debit card used to buy the tickets.

Buy plane tickets online up to two hours before flight departure.

Be sure to check with the airline for additional check-in information and baggage requirements. Be sure to have all necessary identification required, including any necessary passports.

Be sure to check with the airline for additional check-in information and baggage requirements.

Be sure to have all necessary identification required, including any necessary passports.

Article Written By Kristen O'hara

Kristen graduated in 2001 from William Jewell College with a B.S. in Elementary Education. During her senior year of college, she received the "Outstanding Senior in Education" award. Kristen spent two years teaching third grade in a public school and is currently teaching at home. She has been freelance writing for one year and has published several articles on Demand Studios.

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