By now, you know that you need a Real ID or a passport to fly. But now it seems there is something else you need to bring with you to avoid problems. A report by Eyewitness News 7 in Chicago says that to help prevent fraud, some airlines require you to insert the credit card used to purchase the airline ticket to check in and get your boarding pass.
One couple was at London Heathrow Airport trying to check in for their flight back to the United States at the kiosk when the issue arose. A Delta Airlines supervisor told them that they needed the actual credit card; their passports and confirmation number were not enough. Fortunately, the couple was told a photo of the credit card would work, so they had a neighbor “break into” their house and text them a picture. After that, they were issued boarding passes and allowed to fly home.
Although they were unaware of this policy, the news report says Delta does have it posted in the fine print on its website:
“To safeguard against credit/debit card fraud, the purchaser may have to show us the credit/debit card along with a valid photo ID. The time varies based on the billing address of the credit/debit card or the country of travel. If the purchaser is not traveling, they can show us their credit/debit card and ID at an airport ticket counter or another ticket office location, whichever is most convenient.”
This policy could pose a problem for parents who purchase airline tickets for their children or for business travelers whose companies pay for their airfare. So, while it seems it is not regularly enforced, it’s just another thing travelers need to keep in mind when flying.
Has this ever happened to you? Message The Seniors Trust on Facebook or X (formerly known as Twitter) and let us know if you will now make sure you pack the credit card used to purchase your airline tickets.
