Why are passports checked at the gate for intra-Schengen flights?
Answers to the question Why are passports checked at the check-in counter, Immigration and even at the gate? point to the fact (among others, but this is the main trend) that airlines are held responsible by the arriving country if they did not do some due-diligence on the capacity of an individual to enter the destination country.
The Schengen Agreement allows, in normal times, for free travel between Schengen countries. I therefore cannot think of a reason for the airlines to check the IDs or passports of the travelers at the gate.
I remember that 15 years ago the check was random (sometimes they would check for the ID, sometimes not) and further back there was no check at all.
Since you can drive between EU countries freely the "can they go to the other country" aspect is moot.
The ticket is already payed off so whoever travels does not make a difference here (except if there are fees for changing the name (which is the case at least for low-cost airlines), but this is not the problem of the airport and their staff)
Is this just tradition or security theater, or is there a specific EU reason for that?
Best Answer
ID checks at the gate are so called "conformity checks". They check whether the person presenting herself at the gate is indeed the same person as the person that is on the passenger manifest.
Whether these checks are done depends on airline policy, and national requirements. Some airlines do this for all flights, because they want to prevent resale of tickets. Low cost airlines typically always require ID. Some countries require all airlines to do such conformity checks.
But it is by no means universal. I fly SWISS and LH a lot, usually from Zürich, and never have to show a passport or ID at the gate. When flying Brussels Airlines however I almost always have to show a Passport or ID.
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Do they check passport between Schengen countries?
Any person, irrespective of nationality, can travel between Schengen countries without going through border checks. However, national authorities can carry out police checks at borders between these countries and in border areas.Do I have to go through passport control for a connecting flight in Europe?
Many wonder, \u201cdo I have to go through customs for a connecting flight?\u201d This is a common question amongst international travelers, and the answer is usually \u201cno.\u201d As long as you're not leaving the airport, your bags are checked through to your final destination and you have a boarding pass for your next flight, you won ...Do you pass passport control on connecting flights?
In almost all cases, if your bags are checked through to your final destination and you already have your onward boarding pass, you'll go through transit security when you land at your connecting airport instead of customs.Do you need a passport in the Schengen area?
What do I need to enter the Schengen area? A U.S. passport (with applicable visas, if needed), valid for at least 90 days beyond your intended date of departure from the Schengen area. Note: Border officials often assume you will stay the maximum 90 days, even if this is not your intention.Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
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