Credit card payment for Girlfriends Air fare

[diggerdo]

Hi

I need a quick piece of advice, I have to suddenly return to Ireland for a family emergency, leaving tonight, as the GF needs a visa (she has been several times before so I expect a visa to be issued quickly) I had planned that as soon as she gets the visa issued I would then purchase the flight tickets for her and she would follow me on, but from memory I think you have to present the credit card which was used to purchase the tickets at the check in desk, if this is the case how do I get around this ? I have no problems leaving her my CC and I just taking the details with me but I could see that been problematic also as it only has my name on it...... advice please.

[h90]

I had it once with Malaysian Airways.

I left her a copy of my credit card, a copy of my passport and I wrote per hand on that copy that I authorize that.

My wife (she has a different family name, so they can't see that we are married) told that no one wanted to see anything of it.

But it might be different from Credit card to credit card, from airline to airline and check in staff....

[jack244]

Hi,

Yes many airlines refuse boarding if paid by card, unless you have the card present. Usually the small print tells you this info on booking/quoting.

Perhaps you could call the airline and ask, make double sure you get an email confirming it if they waive the need, or visit the same airlines office if one is present, show them in advance both booking and card.

The other gamble would be to print the online booking, check in online and print the boarding pass. It's a gamble.

My last year experience, was with China Airlines BKK to AMS, my card was lost here, so no way of proving. I was flying Business Class so that may have played a part. I did the above.

Option two would be to use a local travel agent to pay, ask them the query.

Good luck

[AnotherOneAmerican]

Buy your ticket through a travel agent.

Then the airline have no idea how the ticket was purchased.

[Commander Tamson]

I do this quite regularly for my GF - buy her air ticket with my credit card that is! She carries a colour photocopy of my card with her and that has always worked so far. It's always a good idea of course to first check that the airline will except that.

Good luck

[StreetCowboy]

The small print also normally tells you what to do if the card was booked on someone else's card. I think you're supposed to have a photocopy of the card and the cardholder's ID.

SC

[krisb]

The airline makes her sign a form saying if the credit card holder shouts fraud, she will wear the cost that's all. I know, happened with us 2 weeks ago flying Thai air. Its no big deal.

[diggerdo]

Thanks for that guys I will probably go down the photo copy route.

[StreetCowboy]

Thanks for that guys I will probably go down the photo copy route.

Check your small print to see exactly what is required - don't rely on people on the internet who can't be bothered to check their facts... they might point you in the right direction, but their advice is not definitive. Your airline might be different...

SC

EDIT: "... but a bloke on the internet said it!"

Edited August 8, 2013 by StreetCowboy

[diggerdo]

Cheers SC good point and taken on board.

[harrry]

_{Diferent airlines different policies. Some total ban on carriage..you lose your fare. Some need you to fill in a special form and send it to them in advance and some require you to go personally to an airline office and sight the card.}

_{Simplest is to use an agent if you can.}

[arthurwait]

As said different rules for different airlines. Never been asked to see the card when booking on my wifes and she kept her name. It may be different if it's a Thai woman using a western credit card due to prejudice.

Anyway as said above use a travel agent or go buy the ticket in advance at the airport or airlines office.

[Commander Tamson]

Hope you got it sorted Digger & the family emergency isn't a bad one.

[pattayadingo]

My recent booking with Sri Lankan states the credi card holder must be present, but they do have a part that also asks if the person named on the ticket is the same as on the card.

Some must allow you the alternative option.

I'd ask by phoning them - especially their home county base or an english base, get a name and e-mail them for confirmation.

Edited August 8, 2013 by pattayadingo

[nisakiman]

I recently paid for (separate) flights for my wife and me with my card (she's leaving before me and we'll return together), but I booked the flights via an online agent, as it worked out cheaper to book the domestic and international flights together as a package. As pointed out above, the airline will have no knowledge of how the fares have been paid for as they will have been paid by the agency. So just book her flight via Zugu or Momondo, whatever and the issue shouldn't arise. (Unless you are directed back to the airline to buy the tickets, of course! But I think normally you will be given price options with agents).

[David48]

The guys over in the Travel Forum discussed it fairly recently ... qantas-booking-requires-in-person-bangkok-office-visit ... might be some extra info there for you.

[harrry]

The guys over in the Travel Forum discussed it fairly recently ... qantas-booking-requires-in-person-bangkok-office-visit ... might be some extra info there for you.

They even need this for your own ticket within a few days of buying. Does not matter if you are in ChiangMai. Why I changed to Thai and Singapore airlines.

[rizla]

Here is an interesting twist,

I have a Kasikorn Visa debit card, within this card you can have an online E credit card ( which i use for purchases that req a credit card , it has a different number and has the 3 digit code also )...it works for non present purchases etc that req a credit card and not a debit card...

BUT it is not a fisical card as such.....What would you guys do in that situation...your thoughts please..

[supaprik]

Going through this myself this week...

Booked a return flight Melb - Bkk with Thai for someone in Australia, I paid by credit card online through Thai Air web site, then downloaded Thai Air form and had to go into Thai office in Silom ( the only office they will take the form ) then they approve it, noted it on their system and gave me a reference number, its a bit of a screw around but 812.74 AUD return with the return leg changeable without cost was easily the cheapest direct fight. Anyway that is the Thai system, other airlines I cannot comment on..

travelform.doc

Edited August 8, 2013 by supaprik

[diggerdo]

Going through this myself this week...

Booked a return flight Melb - Bkk with Thai for someone in Australia, I paid by credit card online through Thai Air web site, then downloaded Thai Air form and had to go into Thai office in Silom ( the only office they will take the form ) then they approve it, noted it on their system and gave me a reference number, its a bit of a screw around but 812.74 AUD return with the return leg changeable without cost was easily the cheapest direct fight. Anyway that is the Thai system, other airlines I cannot comment on..

travelform.doc

Thanks Supaprik, that's worth knowing, we usually fly thai air or AF together, so I guess that's Thai air ruled out, as I am now in transit I think I will try and book AF through Expedia or similar for her.

Thanks everyone for the advice.