Will I be able to use United Airlines ticket that was paid by a credit card of my friend from USA?
I am from Europe, and I live in a country that is not listed on the United Airlines site as an option country to buy a ticket from, and I need a ticket from NY to SF (I will get to NY with a ticket I have already bought).
My best friend from USA could pay for it with his credit card, but I am worried if United will allow me to board if I don't have the card the purchase was made with or if I am not the card owner? How could they know I am really the guy who bought the ticket? The friend will only fill my name/birth date, and enter my email to get the reservation confirmation?
Is it possible for me to buy a ticket that way?
Best Answer
There's really two answers to this question - the answer that normally applies, and the real answer that rarely applies...
Whenever you purchase a ticket with United, during the process it will often advise you that "The credit card used for this purchase must be available at check-in". In theory at least, if you are unable to provide the credit card then you will need to provide another means of payment, or you will not be able to fly.
This requirements exists as an anti-fraud mechanism, to stop you purchasing a ticket with (for example) a stolen credit card number.
In practice, this requirement is not normally enforced - but it does happen. If you search Google for the above phrase you'll find a number of forums discussing this requirement, and a number of reports of people being asked to show their card.
Presuming that you do have the means to pay for the ticket at the time you fly (eg, if you have a credit card - even a foreign one) then I would say it's worth the risk. In the unlikely event that they do ask to see the card and you can't provide it they will be able to refund the original card and charge the amount to the card you can provide.
I've just checked the confirmation email from a recent booking and it also includes a reference to this.
Airline tickets are nontransferable. The name on your ticket must match the name on your government-issued photo ID presented at time of check-in. You may also be asked during check-in to present the credit card used for purchase.
(Bolding mine - in the actual email the bolded text is shown in red!)
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Can I use a United credit to book a flight for someone else?
These credits can normally only be used by the traveler whose name was on the original reservation. However, United is allowing credits issued for tickets purchased on or before Aug. 31, 2021, to be used to book travel for others.Can I use my MileagePlus for someone else?
MileagePlus members can use a MileagePlus Upgrade Award for another traveler, and Premier members can use PlusPoints for someone else, even if they are not traveling on the same reservation.How long is United flight credit good for?
You now have until the end of 2022 to use your United Airlines flight credits. United Airlines passengers now have until the end of 2022 to use travel credits that may predate the pandemic. The carrier is extending the window for redeeming flight credits, which are typically valid for one year, through Dec. 31, 2022.What do I do with unused airline tickets?
Remember the 24-hour rule. If you're flying domestically, you can cancel most tickets within 24 hours of booking them. Airlines will try to offer a flight credit, but if you cite the 24-hour rule, you should get an immediate refund. Use a travel agent \u2013 and get travel insurance.WATCH THIS before you book United Airlines BASIC ECONOMY ticket!!
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Answer 2
There is no issues with one person paying and another flying. That's how unaccompanied minors fly all the time.
If you look at required documents for international travel from United it will tell you what you need to get to your flight.
The only problem can arise if your friend dispute the charges before your flight registration, which will effectively void your reservation.
Answer 3
Yes. This should be fine. The ticket must have your name and you should carry valid identification. Of course if there is a mis-understanding between the both of you and he files a formal complaint saying his card was stolen, then of course you will be welcomed by a different set of uniformed men/women at the airport ;)
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