And they require a boarding pass. Which can’t be changed without the airline’s permission.
Back in the old days, sales like this were common. No ID checks, non-passengers allowed through security, and the classified ads in newspapers would say “round-trip coach ticket May 8-12 JFK to SFO, male name, call 212-555-1234”. So you met them, got your paper ticket, got a boarding pass at the counter or the gate, and flew.
Depends on the departure and arrival city. It is common for ID to be checked at the gate for international flights because airlines are held responsible for transporting passengers that don't have the correct paperwork / visitor permits for the destination country.
