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Can I book flights while waiting for a new passport?

Our passports don’t expire until October 2023, but if we plan to travel this spring we need to renew them now so they’ll still be valid 6 months after our trip dates, per law. What happens if I find a great airfare but haven’t received my new passport yet? I know in the past we’ve always been asked (required?) to provide passport numbers or upload passwords when purchasing tickets. Can I purchase tickets and add the passport information later, or will I not be able to purchase until I receive the new passport (which could take a while!)? Does this vary by airline or country of departure? Thanks!

Posted by
7837 posts

You can add the passport info later. You will be able to purchase a ticket without putting in a passport number.

Posted by
7548 posts

No requirement to have a passport to book a flight. You do not need it until check-in, though most airlines request you put the information into your profile early, just to alert to any issues.

Posted by
8375 posts

You already received the right answer, I just wanted to applaud you for being proactive and thinking through these deadlines in advance. It is heartbreaking when we read of the people denied boarding at the airport because they hadn't checked expiration dates.