Passport number required?

We are flying United and had to provide passport numbers. Also the list of countries requiring it earlier in this post is not complete. Just be sure whatever is on your ticket (name and /or passport number) matches exactly with your pasport

We flew Continental to Ireland last year. We were definitely asked for our passport # when we bought the tickets online. If they didn't do that though, just do what Brad said and make sure the names match exactly.

If you travel to or through one of these countries, you are required to submit passport information (known as APIS) before boarding your flight: Antigua Australia Barbados Canada China Costa Rica Cuba Dominican Republic Grenada Jamaica Japan Mexico Republic of Korea Saint Lucia Spain United Kingdom
United States For other countries, there is no such requirement, but of course this can change. The USA is special since it requires passengers to submit additional information (secure flight) at least 72 hours before traveling, other countries in general only require collection of passport information at check-in.

Just make sure the name on your ticket matches whichever ID you are using exactly. When I fly domestic, my ticket is Brad because that's what my drivers license says. When I fly internationally, I need to make the ticket under Bradley because that's the name on my passport. I'm not sure who you are flying with, usually you can review your reservation online to see if you they need any additional information prior to your flight.

I usually enter the number when I check-in online or when I check-in at the airport. I haven't had a problem yet. You should be able to access your reservation online and enter it at anytime before departure.

I have never been asked for pass port information when booking a flight. However, I always have to show my pass port when checking in. In fact, at the automated boarding kiosks for Lufthansa at MUC, you have to scan your pass port to check in.

Years ago when we flew British Airways, and also Virgin Atlantic, we had to provide our passport number when purchasing our tickets on-line. This year we're flying United Airlines and were not asked for passport numbers when purchasing on-line. When I called United and asked about this, I was told that they never ask for this information up front, but will get it from us when we check in.

You won't have any problems checking in at all. They will collect all that information as you check in.

All that Secure Flight requires is 1)name as it appears on gov't-issued ID (as stated, MUST MATCH EXACTLY your airline ticket, although some airlines will squish your first and middle names together, etc.), 2)date of birth, 3)gender. When you check in at the airport, you either scan or type in your passport number into the self-service kiosk, or hand your passport to the agent at the check-in counter. (be sure your name on any frequent-flyer accounts ALSO match!)

Sometimes your passport number and emergency contact information and frequent flyer number can be added on line after purchasing the tickets . Go the to the airline website and search for your itinerary - much like you would do to change your seat assignment.