To book a flight you need four things: the full names of every traveler exactly as they appear on their ID, your travel dates and airports, a payment method, and a contact detail for the confirmation. That is the whole list — everything else is optional. Here is each part in detail, so you can have it all ready before you book.
1. Traveler details (the part that matters most)
For every passenger, you need:
- Full legal name — exactly as printed on the government ID they will show at the airport. Not a nickname, not a shortened version. Tickets are not transferable, and a mismatched name can stop you from boarding.
- Date of birth — required on every booking, even domestic flights.
- Passport details for international trips — passport number, expiry date, and nationality. Some countries also require the passport to be valid for six months beyond your travel dates.
If you are booking for family members, collect everyone's details before you start. It is much faster than stopping halfway through the form.
2. Trip details
- Airports, not just cities. Atlanta is Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL). New York has three major airports — if you are not sure which one fits your trip, read our comparison of JFK and LaGuardia.
- Dates — and a little flexibility helps. Fares can move a lot between neighboring days. If your dates can shift by a day or two, say so when you book.
- Trip type — one-way, round-trip, or multi-city. Sometimes two one-ways beat a round trip in price, so it is worth comparing.
- Travelers, cabin, and airline preference — for example, if you want Delta options from Atlanta, our Delta flights from Atlanta page shows the main routes.
3. Payment and contact details
- A payment method in the booker's name — it does not have to match the traveler. Card is standard; some agencies take other options.
- A phone number and email address — the confirmation, e-ticket, and any schedule changes go here. Use an email and number you actually check.
4. Nice-to-haves that speed everything up
You can book without these, but they help:
- Frequent flyer number
- Seat preference (window, aisle, extra legroom)
- TSA PreCheck or Known Traveler Number
- Any special needs — wheelchair assistance, meals, infant in lap
What a phone booking agent will ask you
When you call an agency like ours, this is exactly the list we work through, in order: names as on ID, dates of birth, trip type, airports, dates, airline preference, payment, and contact details. If you have all of that in front of you, a booking call takes about five to ten minutes. We then check current fares across airlines — including taxes and fees — and nothing is booked until you approve the total.
If you would rather send your route first, use our fare-check form and we will call you back with options.
Questions people ask
Can I book a flight without a passport?
For domestic flights in the United States, yes — a state-issued driver's license or Real ID is enough for adults. For any international flight, every traveler including children needs a valid passport, and many countries require it to be valid for six months beyond your travel dates.
Can someone else book a ticket for me?
Yes. The person booking only needs the traveler details — full names exactly as they appear on ID, dates of birth, and for international trips the passport information — plus a payment method and a contact email or phone number for the confirmation.
What happens if I spell a name wrong on a flight booking?
Small typos can often be corrected, but it gets harder and more expensive close to departure, and a completely different name usually means canceling and rebooking. Always double-check every letter against the traveler ID before you confirm. Our guide to why the name on your ticket must match your ID explains the rules.
Do I need an account to book a flight?
No. Airlines, booking sites, and phone agents can all book a flight without you creating an account. You only need an email address or phone number so the confirmation and any schedule changes can reach you.