Pax Sentinel - Lufthansa Group Mandates Travel ID for Online Check-in

The Lufthansa Group announced on October 21, 2026, that a Travel ID will progressively become a mandatory requirement for online check-in through the websites and applications of Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Air Dolomiti, Edelweiss, and Discover Airlines. This change signals a shift from traditional booking reference access to a unified digital account system for most online check-ins. Travel ID functions as a free customer account, centralizing various digital services including check-in, Wi-Fi access, and optional integration with the Miles & More loyalty program under a single login. The group stated that this system allows passengers to store personal details, booking information, payment details, and travel documents, aiming to streamline future bookings and check-in processes. Phased Implementation The new requirement is being introduced in stages, dependent on the flight's departure location. The initial phase began on October 20, 2026, for flights departing from the Schengen Area, excluding Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Subsequent phases include November 2, 2026, for departures from European non-Schengen countries, as well as Germany (except Frankfurt and Munich), Austria, and Switzerland (except Zurich). From November 16, 2026, the mandate will extend to flights departing from the USA, Canada, Mexico, Munich, and Zurich. The final phase, beginning November 30, 2026, will encompass departures from all other regions and Frankfurt. Exceptions and Alternatives Several exceptions to the Travel ID requirement have been outlined. Passengers checking in at an airport counter or self-service kiosk are exempt. Travelers with tickets issued by other airlines, or those on flights operated by other airlines with a Lufthansa Group ticket, also do not require a Travel ID. Group bookings and certain tour operator or charter bookings are similarly excluded. For bookings involving multiple travelers, only the individual completing the online check-in needs a Travel ID. Furthermore, individuals checking in on behalf of others, such as travel agencies or tour operators, can use their own Travel ID. Eurowings remains unaffected by this change and will continue to permit online check-in using a booking code and last name. Lufthansa Group states that travelers will receive notifications regarding the new requirement via email before departure, within their check-in invitation, and on the check-in page. Despite these changes, the group indicates that checking in at the airport will remain a free option. Passengers opting for airport check-in, however, may encounter limited seat choices, particularly for certain fare classes. This follows a pattern of the Lufthansa Group's digital platforms creating additional hurdles for passengers, as previously reported by Pax Sentinel regarding the [Lufthansa Compensation Portal Remaining Conveniently Defective](/en/article/OW4t2sUb_lufthansa-compensation-portal-remains-conveniently-defective). Some travelers may prefer to avoid creating a Travel ID due to concerns regarding data privacy and the centralization of personal travel information within a single corporate entity. Others may find the additional step of creating and managing another digital account inconvenient, especially for infrequent travel or if they prefer to minimize their digital footprint. The reliance on digital platforms for check-in may also disadvantage passengers who are less familiar with online systems or who prefer traditional airport services.