Why do airlines ask for passport during boarding and not any other document?

Why do airlines ask for passport during boarding and not any other document? - Cute little girl with suitcase and passport

Provided that a person travels within the EU, what is the purpose of verifying the passport? I presume that the company just needs to be sure that I use my own ticket. So why do not they accept a driver's license, for example? Or some other kind of ID?



Best Answer

I fell in the same situation a year ago. I showed my EU driver's license at check in desk but was refused checking in because the clerk stated that driver's license does not show nationality. Then I gave her my national ID card and everything was ok.

First, the question "please show me your passport" is likely a mantra as stated by @Lassi. Just like when you are checked tickets in a bus but officers ask you to show passes, please (in the sense of the monthly/seasonal pass used by frequent commuters).

Anyone can get a driver's license in any EU country regardless of his/her nationality. So the driver's license can never be accepted because does not prove EU citizenship. Only the ability to drive a motor vehicle of corresponding EU category.

Now to Schengen agreement: while it is commonly called to be "no borders" (and no checks) between countries, mind that freedom of circulation in Schengen space is a right granted only to Schengen citizens. So you basically have to prove the airline that you are a Schengen citizen to travel the Schengen area.

That is what was told me.




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What documents do you need when boarding a flight?

What documents should you take onboard of a plane?
  • ID card or passport. It is recommended to have a valid passport while travelling abroad, even if you travel inside Schengen zone, where only ID card is required. ...
  • Visa. ...
  • Number of electronic ticket or boarding pass. ...
  • Hotel voucher. ...
  • Insurance policy. ...
  • Other documents.


Is a passport required for all flights?

You must present an acceptable ID, such as a valid passport, state-issued enhanced driver's license or U.S. military ID, to fly within the U.S. You will not be allowed to fly if your identity cannot be verified. Review the complete list of acceptable identification.

Why do we need to check passengers travel documentation?

With airlines having to bear the costs of repatriating passengers found to be travelling on fraudulent, expired, or erroneous documents as well as any related (and often hefty) fines, our Travel Document Verification scheme offers a viable solution to a growing concern.

What are the reasons for denied boarding?

Non-Discriminatory Reasons For Being Denied Boarding
  • Being intoxicated or under the influence of illegal drugs.
  • Attempting to interfere with the duties of a flight crew member.
  • Disrupting flight operations or engaging in unruly behavior.
  • Having an offensive odor that is not caused by a disability or illness.




How forged passports are caught in UAE




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Answer 2

Because the only country in the world where a drivers license is an identification document is the USA. In the rest of the civilized world a passport or a national ID card are the only valid identifcation documents.

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