Can I Book a Flight for Someone Else Using My Flight Credit?

Yes, you can certainly book flights for others using your flight credits or payment method. However, to ensure a smooth process, some aspects need careful consideration.

Booking Flights for Others

When booking a flight for someone else, it's essential to maintain the integrity of the booking process. The ticket should be booked under the name of the person who will be traveling, along with their accurate contact details. This ensures that the passenger can easily check-in and travel without any issues.

It's also crucial to provide the mobile phone number of the traveler. This number will be required for important notifications and updates regarding the flight. Additionally, make sure that the number of passengers you can book does not exceed the maximum limit set by your account.

Using Another Person's Payment Method

While you can book a flight for someone else using your payment method, there may be additional verification steps involved. For instance, the passenger's name on the payment card may need to match the name on the ticket. If there's a discrepancy, the airline may request additional proof of payment.

Example Scenario with Turkish Airlines

Imagine a situation where you book flights for your sister using Turkish Airlines. Two months prior, you book the tickets from New Delhi to Istanbul and then from Istanbul to Toronto. However, 24 hours before departure, the online check-in for the first leg of the flight opens, and you encounter a problem. The airline informs you that the first leg is operated by Indigo Airlines, and you need to contact them for check-in.

Indigo confirms that international passengers cannot check-in online and suggests counter check-in. When you contact Turkish Airlines, they ask for a seat assignment for the same flight but mention that the name on the payment card does not match. They request proof that you have made the payment. Although this can be frustrating, the airline is acting within their policies.

Resolution and Lessons Learned

In the described scenario, to resolve the issue, you can send the passenger their ID copy, a copy of the credit card, and a letter confirming the booking and payment. The key takeaway is that while booking flights with someone else's payment method is possible, you might need to verify your identity before boarding.

Another option is to leave the booking process to chance. Most of the time, there will be no issues. However, if the airline insists, you can argue that the ticket was booked over a month ago, providing ample time for the passenger to dispute any fraud that might have occurred during the booking period.

Furthermore, you can escalate the matter by contacting the airline's management or even tagging the airline on social media, such as Instagram, to increase the pressure on the airline to resolve the issue promptly.

By following these steps and understanding the potential challenges, you can ensure a smoother travel experience for everyone involved.