Arriving at the airport without the right document is one of the few problems nobody can fix on the spot. Check these points when you book, not the night before.
US domestic flights
Since 7 May 2025, adults flying within the US need a REAL ID-compliant driver's licence or state ID (usually marked with a star), or another accepted document such as a US passport or passport card. Children under 18 travelling with an adult do not usually need ID for domestic flights, but airlines may ask for proof of age for lap infants.
International trips
- Passport validity: many countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after you arrive, and to have blank pages.
- Visas and travel authorisations: some countries require a visa or an electronic authorisation before you travel. Visitors to the US from Visa Waiver Program countries need an approved ESTA; visitors to Canada from many countries need an eTA.
- Transit: even if you do not leave the airport, some connections require a transit visa.
- Children: some countries ask for a consent letter when a child travels with only one parent.
Names must match
The name on your ticket must match your passport or ID exactly, including the order of names. Tell us immediately if a name is misspelled; correcting it is easiest before the ticket is issued.
Official sources: TSA (https://www.tsa.gov), US State Department travel information (https://travel.state.gov) and the embassy of the country you are visiting.