Lufthansa Group makes Travel ID mandatory for online check-in

Lufthansa Group is making a Travel ID account mandatory for online check-in on many of its flights, with the requirement rolling out in phases by departure point. According to Live and Let's Fly, a major expansion took effect on 2 November, and departures from the United States are covered from 16 November.

Which airlines and when

Live and Let's Fly, citing Lufthansa Group's notice to travel partners, says passengers will increasingly need a Travel ID to check in through the websites and apps of Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Air Dolomiti, Edelweiss and Discover Airlines.

The rollout depends on where the flight departs:

• 20 October: Schengen countries outside Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
• 2 November: European non-Schengen countries, Germany except Frankfurt and Munich, Austria, and Switzerland except Zurich.
• 16 November: the United States, Canada, Mexico, Munich and Zurich.
• 30 November: all remaining regions and Frankfurt.

Exceptions

Lufthansa lists several cases where a Travel ID is not needed, according to the same report:

• Check-in at an airport counter or self-service kiosk.
• Tickets issued by another airline.
• Flights operated by another airline on a Lufthansa Group-issued ticket.
• Group bookings.
• Selected tour operator and charter bookings using agency-provided booking details.

One person can check in several travellers using their own Travel ID, and someone giving personal assistance to another passenger may also use their own account.

Why the change is contested

Lufthansa presents Travel ID as a single login across its airlines, with stored details, fewer forms and personalised offers. Live and Let's Fly, which is critical of the move in its commentary, argues that a booking reference and surname have long been enough to start check-in, and questions whether a compulsory account is needed other than for data collection. The writer says they already hold a Travel ID and welcome it, but that occasional travellers face an extra login to manage. The site also describes the exemption for tickets issued by other airlines as an odd disincentive to book elsewhere. These are the outlet's opinions rather than statements from Lufthansa Group.

What this means for travellers

• Create a Travel ID before you travel, particularly if you depart from the US, Canada or Mexico, where the requirement applies from 16 November.
• Check the date for your departure airport: Frankfurt and all regions not listed earlier follow on 30 November.
• If you prefer not to open an account, you can still check in at the airport counter or a kiosk, which may take more time.
• Travellers on group bookings or tickets issued by another airline are exempt from the online requirement.
• Anyone checking in a family or party can do so from one Travel ID.

The sources do not say what happens to passengers who attempt online check-in without an account beyond being directed to other options, nor whether any further exemptions will be added.

Sources: Live and Let's Fly.