Documents Required: A Guide To Airport Travel Essentials

When travelling, it is important to ensure that you have the correct documentation to ensure a smooth journey through the airport. The documents you will need to show at the airport vary depending on your destination and purpose of travel. In this article, we will explore the different documents that may be required, from passports and visas to credit cards and boarding passes, and how to ensure you have the correct identification to pass through security and border control with ease.

Boarding pass and ID

When travelling, it is important to carry a valid boarding pass and ID with you to the airport. This is because adult passengers aged 18 and older must show valid identification at the airport checkpoint to be allowed to travel. While a boarding pass is not always necessary, as some airports have installed Credential Authentication Technology (CAT), which allows agents to confirm your identity and flight details by scanning your ID, it is still good to have it on hand.

A boarding pass is usually issued during the check-in process, which can be done online or at the airport. It typically contains the passenger's name, flight number, seat assignment, and other relevant travel information. It is important to ensure that the name on the boarding pass matches the name on your ID. In some cases, a suffix on the boarding pass may not be required on the ID and vice versa, which is considered an acceptable variation.

For identification, a government-issued ID, such as a passport, driver's license, or state-issued photo ID, is typically required. Some countries or airlines may have specific requirements, so it is important to check before travelling. For travel within the U.S., a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or state-issued ID may be required. Other acceptable forms of ID in the U.S. include a U.S. passport card, DHS trusted traveller cards, U.S. Department of Defense ID, and certain Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe-issued photo IDs.

In addition to a boarding pass and ID, there may be other documents that are required or recommended for travel. For example, some countries may require a visa, especially if you are not a citizen or have a visa-free agreement. If you are travelling for work, you may need an employment letter or IDs, and for conferences, tickets or other documents proving your intention may be requested. It is also a good idea to have the credit card used for booking easily accessible, as some airlines may ask for it during check-in.

Visa and passport

When travelling, it is important to carry valid identification with you. Adult passengers aged 18 and over must show valid identification at the airport checkpoint. Accepted forms of ID include a driver's license, state photo identity card, U.S. passport, passport card, DHS-trusted traveller cards, and a Department of Defense ID. If you are travelling to the United States, you will need to obtain a U.S. visa unless you meet the requirements for visa-free travel. A visa allows a foreign citizen to enter a U.S. port of entry and request permission to enter the country. It does not guarantee entry, but if you are granted entry, a U.S. immigration inspector will stamp your passport with an admission stamp or arrival/departure record. This form will detail the date by which you must leave the country.

If you are travelling with a visa, ensure that the information on your visa matches the information in your passport. If you have a new passport, you can still travel with your old passport as long as the visa is still valid and not damaged. Both passports must be from the same country.

If you are travelling to a country that does not have a visa-free or VOA agreement, you will need to obtain a visa before travelling. Some countries may require additional documents, such as proof of employment or an invitation to a conference. It is always best to check the requirements of your destination country in advance of your travel.

Credit card used for booking

When booking plane tickets online with a credit card, some airlines will ask to see the same credit card before checking in at the airport. This is to prevent fraud. It is more likely to be requested if you buy your tickets online directly from the airline. This requirement is more common in Asia and the Middle East, but it can be asked for anywhere. It is usually only asked for the departure flight and not the return flight.

If you are unable to present the card, you may be denied boarding. Some airlines will accept a copy of the credit card (both sides) and a copy of the cardholder's ID, along with a note from the cardholder acknowledging the purchase. However, some airlines will not accept a copy and will require the original card. It is a good idea to carry a copy of both sides of your credit card with you. Even if your credit card has expired, you may be asked to present it, so it is worth keeping it and bringing it with you to the airport.

If you are travelling on a ticket purchased for you by someone else, you may need to get a letter of indemnity form completed by the cardholder and submitted to the airline before departure, along with a copy of their ID and credit card. This should be done at the airline's office or check-in counter before departure.

If you are concerned about having to show the credit card used for booking, you can book through a travel agent or pay with PayPal, as they will be responsible in the case of fraud.

Firearms declaration

Firearms must be declared at the airline ticket counter when checking your bag. Firearms are not permitted in the cabin of a plane and bringing a firearm to a security checkpoint carries a federal civil penalty.

Firearms must be unloaded and locked in a hard-sided container. The container must completely secure the firearm from being accessed and only the passenger should retain the key or combination to the lock. Firearms should be transported as checked baggage only.

Firearm magazines and ammunition clips, whether loaded or empty, must be securely boxed or included within a hard-sided case containing an unloaded firearm. Small arms ammunition must be packaged in a fiber (such as cardboard), wood, plastic, or metal box specifically designed to carry ammunition and declared to your airline. Ammunition may be transported in the same hard-sided, locked case as a firearm if it has been properly packaged.

It is important to note that bringing an unloaded firearm with accessible ammunition to the security checkpoint carries the same civil penalty/fine as bringing a loaded firearm. Firearm parts, including magazines, clips, bolts, and firing pins, are prohibited in carry-on baggage but may be transported in checked baggage.

Employment letter and/or IDs

When travelling, it is important to carry valid identification documents. While the specific requirements may vary depending on your country of residence and your destination, here is some general information about employment letters and IDs:

Employment Letters:

Employment letters are typically required when applying for certain types of visas, such as the Schengen Visa. These letters serve as official confirmation of an individual's job status, role, and ongoing employment. If you are employed, your letter should include details such as your job title, department, and confirmation of approved leave for the duration of your trip. It should be written on company letterhead and signed by an authorised representative, such as your supervisor or HR department. Self-employed individuals can provide business registration documents, business licenses, or letters from their accountants to demonstrate their financial stability.

IDs:

When travelling internationally, always carry your passport, as it is the most widely accepted form of identification. If you are travelling within your own country, you may only need a valid government-issued ID, such as a driver's license or a state-issued photo ID. However, starting May 7, 2025, residents of many countries will need to present a REAL ID-compliant license or another acceptable form of identification when passing through airport security checkpoints. This includes enhanced driver's licenses issued by certain states, which are already accepted as alternative forms of identification by some countries.

It is always recommended to arrive at the airport with sufficient time, especially if you are unsure about the acceptability of your identification documents. If you are unable to provide valid identification, you may be denied entry at the screening checkpoint.

Frequently asked questions