Can you book an international flight without a Passport?

Traveling from one country to another sounds so simple when you say so! But in actuality, this can be hectic because you need to plan out so many things and even get your document. Yes, the document here is the main issue since nothing is possible without the correct set of verified documentation. Passports, boarding passes, tickets, and related stuff are mandatory for a journey. But what have you even thought do I need a passport to book an international flight? Anyway, you would have indeed laid some emphasis on this. So hold back and lay calm; here is the simple answer for your reference: carrying a passport might not always be possible. It goes as!

Is a Passport Needed for an International Trip?

Passport Needed for an International Trip

The clear answer to this is a big No! Yes, that’s so. In most cases, travelers in the United States do not need a passport all the time, even for completing international flight reservations. However, the moment you have to check in for your plane and get inside it, you need to present a valid passport document. For example, the European countries within the Schengen region need you to provide a passport with at least six months of passport viability. Otherwise, you will not be able to board a plane to the countries in this belt. However, in other countries, there are different rules; Mexico only requires you to show a valid passport when you travel. On the other hand, you do not need to carry a passport to travel within the United States using a state ID or a Clear pass.  

Cost of Passport in the United States 

The complete cost of the United States passport is solely dependent if you are applying for a passport first time or renewal of an expired passport. But noted below is a quick breakdown of the US passport charges for first-time applicants. It is:

Services Offered Final Charges 
Passport Book$130
Passport Card$30
Passport Book and Passport Card$160
Execution Acceptance Fee$35

However, you would pay some execution charges for the first-time applications, and you will be charged to pay $165 in total for the passport book. For the renewal, you are supposed to pay a little lesser amount because there are no acceptance charges. You must pay for the passport card cost or the passport book charges. For the first turnaround, the expenses on services would cost you an additional charge of $60, and the two-day delivery would be $19.53.

Steps to Apply for a United States Passport

So, this was all about the charges you need to pay for a passport and its renewal. But how would you apply for one? Wait! Here are some top steps you should follow for an in-person application at a passport acceptance service. They are:

  • First of all, fill out the complete the renewal forms, name changes forms, data correction forms, and new passport forms. 
  • Give the evidence to justify your United States citizenship, along with a photocopy. 
  • Add an Identity with a photocopy along with a photograph. 
  • Then, calculate the charges and submit the required amount to the United States Department of State with cash or cheque, except debit cards or credit cards.
  • Finally, provide all the documents to the passport acceptance services and track your application online. 

You should jot down that there is an acceptance fee separately, and you need to get the charges for your area. A few U.S. states have some agencies that can deliver your passport within 28 days. 

How to Renew a United States Passport?

If you want to apply for a passport renewal, then you need to mail it. You would be surprised to know that there is no provision to get a passport renewal at the passport acceptance services unless you don’t qualify for a mail-in renewal. As an eligibility, you need to adhere to the following:

  • The passport should never be damaged.
  • The issue day would be the last 15 years. 
  • Submit the previous passport card with the renewal application. 
  • There should be no lost or stolen passport report. 
  • The issue date of your passport would be 16 years or older. 
  • Your passport should have a current name unless you provide a marriage certificate or a divorcee decree as a name change document. 
  • Above all, the passport should not be limited to fewer than 10 years due to passport theft, loss, or damage. 

Time Taken to Get a United States Passport

Though getting a fresh United Passport can be a game of pushing someone’s buttons, because this could take time. Yet, the US Department of State processes a passport in the following timeline:

TypeTimeline
Expedited processingTwo to three weeks
Routine processingFour to six weeks

This timeline does not include the mailing times, so you must also account for that. Thus, to cut a long story short, you need a reasonable amount of time to receive the final travel date. 

Final Words

In a nutshell, even if you don’t carry your passport to complete the flight reservation, you will present it during the check-in and boarding. You just need to share your passport number to book an international flight. However, ensure enough time to complete the passport renewal procedure or a new application, as this can be time-consuming. So, if you are thinking of embarking on an international journey, then it would be better for you to carry a passport beforehand. Don’t miss out on any exceptional international travel deal because of missing documents. Plan a safe and happy journey, and enjoy!

Common Questions & Answers!

Do you need a passport for booking an international flight?

No, there is no need for a passport to complete an international flight reservation. But, yes, you need to present some valid passport details before departure. A genuine passport is required to complete the boarding procedure and provide the details of the final destination. 

Can you book an international flight without a passport?

You do not need a passport to buy tickets for an international flight. But you must present the passport before the authorities for the immigration and check-in processes. They will even ask you for the passport information before departure for identification. 

Can I book an international flight without a passport number?

There is no need to provide the passport number for booking an international flight. But you must share the details for the boarding, identification, and entry into the arrival county. 

Is there any need to put the passport info before flying?

Usually, the airline authorities would ask you to share your name, passport details and date of birth while you book your flight or check-in. Yet, for additional queries, it would be better to reach out to the airline officials for the complete details. 

I have shared the wrong passport number. What would happen now?

In such a case of miscommunication, the best to do is to speak to the airline authorities, who will help you immediately. 

Can I travel with the wrong passport?

This is a big No! Even if your passport has a minor error, you would face a considerable risk while carrying the wrong passport. The international airline authorities would simply claim the denial upon your entry into the country. 

There is a mismatch between my boarding pass and passport names. What should I do now?

If you find your name on the boarding pass different from that on your passport, then you will have to get your ticket changed. Though some airlines charge you nothing for this change, but others would ask you to pay the fees depending on the error. 

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