Would there be a problem if you purchase tickets for foreigners (parents) to visit USA?

[Anonymous]

I want my parents to visit me sometime this spring. Since I am asking them to visit, I want to buy them the tickets. Other reason is that they are older and get flustered dealing with a travel agent in their country and even the minutest of the detail is a big deal for them. I thought I will just get on an airline website and purchase their tickets.

Would they be hassled anyway by the airline or customs because they didn't purchase the ticket themselves? I don't see why since they will be here on tourist visa, they came here before/did not overstay and will have a return ticket with them this time too. They will be coming here for a month to stay with me and also visit a couple of other family members. Is there anything I am overlooking? TIA.

[Anonymous]

Nope, as long as the tix have their names on it, it will be fine. I have done it before.

[Anonymous]

Anyone can purchase the tickets, but check if your parents might have an additional security procedure online or in person at their US embassy in their country. My parents in France, despite having visited me numerous times as tourists, recently had to enroll online on the US embassy website and give their travel dates etc, because the rules had suddenly changed.

[Anonymous]

No immigration problems but some airlines want to see the credit card used to buy the tickets at check in. You may need to check with airline.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:No immigration problems but some airlines want to see the credit card used to buy the tickets at check in. You may need to check with airline.

I had this happen - all I had to do was go to the airport one day and show them my credit card. They then documented this. We were flying a friend over to stay with us for the summer - she had no problems.

Also - I second what the other poster said about filling something in online regarding US immigration. I think we had to do that as well.

[Anonymous]

No. Just make sure their names are exactly as on their passports. There are some extra rules for people from visa waiver countries.

[Anonymous]

Depending on the country of origin and the airline, they may get a much better fare if they purchase from their own country.

[Anonymous]

I paid for a cousin's ticket with a credit card and the airline called me within 10 minutes after the purchase online to verify that it was an authorized charge. They also asked for the passport number too. They had no trouble traveling.

[Anonymous]

I have bought tickets for my parents who come to visit from abroad and never had any problems.

[Anonymous]

Thanks everybody for responding. This is OP. I tried to purchase tickets directly from the airline website and it won't let me saying the credit card holder should be one of the travelers. So I tried on expedia, which let me purchase tickets using my credit card.

Just in case, I am thinking of sending a notarized letter over to my parents saying that I so and so am the daughter and used my card to purchase their tickets.

And good point about checking latest rules on the country's US consulate. I didn't think of it. Thank you all.