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Lufthansa Group Travel ID check-in rule: what you need before you fly
A booking reference is no longer enough to check in online for many Lufthansa Group flights, and the rule reaches US departures on November 16.
A new requirement for online check-in
Buying a ticket and having a booking confirmation is no longer enough to check in online for many Lufthansa Group flights. [1] Lufthansa Group is requiring customers to have a Travel ID account in order to check in online via the website or app. [2]
The group is expanding the mandatory requirement throughout November, including US departures beginning November 16. [1] This piece covers what Travel ID is, when the rule reaches each region and who is exempt. [1]
What Travel ID is
Travel ID is a single account that customers can use to log in across digital platforms of all Lufthansa Group carriers. [2] It is separate from the Miles & More loyalty program. [2]
Lufthansa presents Travel ID as a way to use one login across its airlines, with stored information, fewer forms to complete, and personalized offers. [1]
Previously, a booking reference and surname were enough to retrieve a reservation and begin online check-in. [1] Lufthansa Group is implementing a policy that makes online check-in more difficult. [2]
Which airlines and dates
According to Lufthansa Group's notice to travel partners, the requirement applies to check-in through the websites and apps of Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Air Dolomiti, Edelweiss, and Discover Airlines. [1]
The rollout is gradual. [2] It starts October 20, 2026 for departures from the Schengen Area, except departures from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. [2]
From November 2, 2026, the requirement applies to departures from the European non-Schengen area, from Germany (excluding Frankfurt and Munich), and from Austria and Switzerland (excluding Zurich). [2]
From November 16, 2026, it applies to departures from the USA, Canada, and Mexico, as well as from Munich and Zurich. [2] From November 30, 2026, it applies to departures from all other regions, as well as from Frankfurt. [2]
Who is exempt
Travelers do not need a Travel ID if they check in at the airport counter or machine, travel on a ticket issued by another airline, or fly on a flight operated by another airline with a ticket issued by Lufthansa Group. [2]
Exceptions also cover group bookings and selected tour operator and charter bookings that use agency-provided booking details. [1]
Why airlines want the login
Online check-in is arguably something that helps the airline more than the customer, unlike loyalty-linked perks such as free Wi-Fi. [2] Airlines use data and marketing access as a reason for loyalty and log-in incentives. [2]
The article expects the requirement to be a compelling reason for people to register for a Travel ID. [2]
What it means for you
If you plan to check in online on a Lufthansa Group flight, you need a Travel ID account, and a booking reference and surname no longer cover many of these flights. [2][1] The date that applies to you depends on where you depart. [2]
If you travel with others, one person can check in multiple travelers using their own Travel ID. [1]
If you do not want an account, you can still check in at the airport. [1] Check whether your ticket was issued by another airline or comes through a group, tour operator or charter booking, because those cases are exempt. [2][1]
Sources
- Lufthansa Now Requires An Account Just To Check In Online — Live and Let's Fly
- Bizarre: Lufthansa Group Now Requires Travel ID For Online Check-In — One Mile at a Time
Written from the sources above and checked twice before publishing. How we work · Report an error
