A Flying Primer For Haters

Attention all haters who have never booked a flight: 

All you need to book a flight for someone else is their name. Also, there are flights you can book that allow you to transfer the ticket to a later date if the person can't travel on the flight you booked.  Got that?

Here's how it works, from USA Today:

There may be instances when you want to book a flight for another person--a child, an elderly or disabled person, a supervisor, or a group. Most airlines and travel services make it easy to do so whether or not you are traveling with the person for whom you are arranging the flight. It's just a matter of following the proper procedures.
Items you will need
    •    Traveller's full legal name
    •    Traveller's itinerary
    •    Account information (for online travel services)

Booking a Flight for Someone Else

Step 1
Obtain the traveler's full legal name. It must match the name listed on her passport or other identification that will be used for travel. If there is any uncertainty, ask.

Step 2
Obtain the traveler's travel itinerary. Double check the dates and locations and details such as airport preference. If you are traveling together, make sure your companion's itinerary matches yours.

Step 3
Book the flight according to the requirements for the airline or travel service being used. Some sites require verification of your authorization to arrange travel for another person. This requirement is often in play when booking flights for unaccompanied minors.

Step 4
Place the reservation on hold if possible. Check once again with the person traveling to confirm the arrangements. In the case of a child or elderly person, confirm that he is still up to traveling on the specified date.

Step 5
Book the flight. If the traveler is paying for the flight, be sure you have accurate and complete payment information, including billing address.

Step 6
Send a confirmation to the traveling person. Sometimes the airlines will send the confirmation, but it's a good idea to do follow-up yourself. Double-check the confirmation to ensure the accuracy of the reservation.

Tips
    •    You can usually book flights using your own credit card, a company card or another person's credit card. In some instances, electronic checks or PayPal are also accepted. As long as the payment information (including the billing address) is accurate, there shouldn't be a problem. However, the purchaser may be required to show the credit card along with a photo ID.
    •    If you regularly make reservations for a particular person, consider establishing an account or other regular designation for that person to save the trouble of re-entering data every time you arrange travel for that person.
    •    Some airlines and travel services allow you to establish a group account to book reservations for a wedding, family reunion or other occasion. Discounts may also be available.
Warnings
    •    The name on the ticket must match the name of the ID presented at the ticket counter. If not, the person may be denied boarding.
    •    You may need to provide proof that you are authorized to arrange travel for an unaccompanied minor. Many airlines will refuse to make reservations for an unaccompanied minor under the age of 15 or 16.