ID Checks?

[Andyc]

Having recently traveled a fair bit around Europe (on MANY different airlines) I became very used to having my ID checked (or at least glanced at) before boarding each flight. But now that I'm back in AUS I've not been asked for ID on any of my domestic QF flights; using both business and economy check-in desks. I only really noticed it when I was asked for ID last night by JQ on OOL-SYD flight.

Is it just QF that doesn't check id? Is it random?

 

[Petch]

Answering this question is difficult... given the following domestic check-in options -

• On-Line
• Self-serve Kiosk
• Main Counter
• Bag Drop
• Lounge
• Interline/Transit

As a general rule - @ security choke points & boarding gates, they do not conduct a positive photoID check for domestic passengers.

There is also variation between airlines, for example on Tiger there is 100% photoID check (@ Main Counter check-in, i.e. the only check-in option) where as on Qantas/(Jetstar@lounges) a Qantas issued card* is normally acceptable as ID. (*e.g. Qantas Club, Frequent Flyer, Chairman’s Lounge.) (In other scenarios, PNR knowledge or a credit card are accepted as sufficient for identifying you for check-in purposes.)

I think it is possible the cost of initiating positive ID check @ domestic choke points/boarding outweighs the benefits (to airlines or security) in Australia!?

 

[Andyc]

I suppose it's a little difficult to compare because with QF I always have to stick QC card into kiosk and then do bag drop but I use main check-in desk with JQ.

But then this leads onto my next question, what is to stop me booking a friend of family member onto a flight in my name, give them my QC card and thus allow them to both enter QC and then earm me points for their flight?

 

[Evan]

But then this leads onto my next question, what is to stop me booking a friend of family member onto a flight in my name, give them my QC card and thus allow them to both enter QC and then earm me points for their flight?

Ummm, terms and conditions ! and the fact when you buy the ticket you have to say if your the person traveling.
And its against a law as far as i would know.

But as you say who checks... not often.

I usually find for domestic travel i am not asked for ID, just use the card for getting boarding pass.

Note: i am sure all are aware but international domestic flights (ie QF399 and below but flying in AU) you will need correct photo ID, license or passport.

E

 

[Maca44]

Used online checkin on four occasions last week with DJ and was never once asked for identification. I don't know if QF would be any different.

 

[straitman]

Used online checkin on four occasions last week with DJ and was never once asked for identification. I don't know if QF would be any different.

No they are not. I've specifically asked when I've had checkin baggage and the answer was NO. Without checkin baggage I just frunted at the airport and used my printed boarding pass to board without any questions.

 

[stuartfaz]

I think TT is now the only airline that always asks for photo ID at check-in.

For JQ it's still needed when at the check-in desks, but they also have the kiosks and web check.

Flew DJ from CBR last weekend and they said ID, even at the check in desks, wasn't necessary anymore.

 

[JohnK]

But then this leads onto my next question, what is to stop me booking a friend of family member onto a flight in my name, give them my QC card and thus allow them to both enter QC and then earm me points for their flight?

Nothing. And you do not need to even give them your Qantas Club card. Name and flight details are enough to be able to check in.

In BNE yesterday I went to the check in kiosk. Typed in my surname and then first name. It then asks to which city your are travelling today. So I chose SYD and then it listed the next 5-6 flights. I picked the correct flight and it printed a flimsy boarding pass with all the FF details and status. I went to the lounge and at the front desk asked to have a cardboard borading pass printed and then proceeded inside the lounge.

At no stage was I asked for ID....

 

[bambbbam2]

I think TT is now the only airline that always asks for photo ID at check-in.

And Skywest seem to.. no OL check in, and no check-in machines so MUST go to the counter even if hand luggage only.

 

[thadocta]

I really don't see what the big deal is. There is NO benefit security-wise, as long as everybody has been positively security screened. The only possible advantage to an airline would be revenue based, and given that QF does not offer return fares which are cheaper than two one-way fares, they really don't care.

Dave

 

[opusman]

If that's true (they don't care) I wonder why they still have the "no name changes" rule, even on full-fare J tickets?

 

[straitman]

If that's true (they don't care) I wonder why they still have the "no name changes" rule, even on full-fare J tickets?

Perception my friend :!:

 

[thegurio]

I thought it was only me and how trustworthy i look....

But yes on QF i havent been asked for ID in the last 2 months (3 months ago i was flying internationally and as we all knows i was lucky to escape the Rectal examination... Heathrow however i wasnt so lucky!) But no i havent been asked. I am about to fly DJ on the 6th so i'll check then but i have always been asked previuosly.

 

[Therma]

Enjoy it while it lasts. Later today I am flying out of Manila. I will have to:
1 Show my passport and e-ticket print-out at the front door
2 Get my check in luggage and carry on scanned and be be frisked before check in
3 Show my passport and print out on check in
4 Have my boarding pass checked before being allowed to pay departure tax
5 Wait for an hour in poorly ventilated room before having my passport stamped.
6 Have to remove my shoes, belt and watch before being scanned and frisked (again)
7. Have to show my boarding pass and passport yet again to go towards the lounge
8 Show my boarding pass to get into the lounge
9 Have my boarding pass and passport checked at the entrance to the gate before having my bag searched again in case I smuggled in a gun or a lighter from the lounge
10 Show the boarding pass and passport at the airbridge.
11 Show the boarding pass to the stewardess

In India and Pakistan I also would have to get a luggage tag that has to be stamped as inspected (together with boarding pass) during the friskings, that will be checked about 5 metres from security check and once more before the airbridge! No wonder the first thing I ask for as I plonk down into the seat is a stiff drink:!:

 

[simongr]

The only possible advantage to an airline would be revenue based, and given that QF does not offer return fares which are cheaper than two one-way fares, they really don't care.

Dave

And TT is the only one that checks and as the most restrictive ticketing conditions coupled with very cheap fares and TT checks ID...

 

[taswegian77]

maybe domestic QF offers same one way prices, but international fares, i challenge someone who can find a one way fare to say MEL-SIN and a one way fare back SIN-MEL at the same price as a return ticket....

 

[acampbel]

Enjoy it while it lasts. Later today I am flying out of Manila. I will have to:
1 Show my passport and e-ticket print-out at the front door
2 Get my check in luggage and carry on scanned and be be frisked before check in
3 Show my passport and print out on check in
4 Have my boarding pass checked before being allowed to pay departure tax
5 Wait for an hour in poorly ventilated room before having my passport stamped.
6 Have to remove my shoes, belt and watch before being scanned and frisked (again)
7. Have to show my boarding pass and passport yet again to go towards the lounge
8 Show my boarding pass to get into the lounge
9 Have my boarding pass and passport checked at the entrance to the gate before having my bag searched again in case I smuggled in a gun or a lighter from the lounge
10 Show the boarding pass and passport at the airbridge.
11 Show the boarding pass to the stewardess
....

1. Last week I turned up without a printed itinerary. After a few minutes questioning I was allowed to write my name in a scrapbook and proceed inside the terminal, but I would advise travellers to save themselves the bother and bring a printed copy.
2. This really worried me as I had 2 litres of booze in my bag and there were lots of signs about the 100ml fluid maximum. Surely they can't be scanning for this before check-in, thinks I, and in any case they said nothing when I picked my bag off the x-ray belt. Anyone know what the full story is?
3. QC check-in also ask for my itinerary. I commented that they let me in the airport without one, and she made no fuss about it. Why an easily faked printout should carry more weight than a passport and the details on their own booking system is beyond me.
4. Yep
5. Only a 10-minute wait .... I had reached the airport before the Qantas check-in opened so maybe I beat the rush.
6. Yep (though I left my watch on)
7. Yep
8. Yep
9. They were doing manual searches of all bags and had pulled out bottles of water and bags that clearly exceeded cabin dimensions. So much for the x-ray and check-in process.
10. Yep
11. Yep

I think it has been stated before but the QC only has a single unisex toilet. That wouldn't be a big problem but there seemed to be no other toilets within sight, so a long queue formed when they called the flight. It hardly mattered due to the subsequent queue for the final search and frisk, but you may be advised to time your run a bit better than I did.

All-in-all not a great airport .....


Cheers,

Andrew

.

 

[simongr]

All-in-all not a great airport .....

Cheers,

Andrew

.

Can we assume this was a domestic flight from CBR?

 

[acampbel]

Can we assume this was a domestic flight from CBR?

Errr...... no.

I was counterpointing Therma's post about Manila airport. Perhaps this got lost in translation or have things got that bad in Canberra too?


Cheers,

Andrew

.

 

[simongr]

Sorry - my misunderstanding. Some of your references seemed to mirror some people's experiences of domestic travel in oz.