LONDON- Starting from Friday, September 1st, British Airways (BA) will implement a policy change requiring domestic flight passengers to present photo identification.
Although the airline currently does not demand identification for UK travelers carrying only hand baggage, it recommends that its passengers have some form of ID handy.
British Airways New Policy
The new policy will apply to passengers aged 16 or above. They will be required to carry one form of photo ID, such as a passport, driving license, or an EU national identity card.
While many competing domestic airlines like easyJet already have photo ID requirements for domestic flights, British Airways has held out on this policy until now, allowing its customers to avoid the necessity of carrying a passport or driving license for journeys within the UK where authorities do not mandate such identification.
The recent adjustment aligns BA with its rivals, and automated pre-travel reminder emails will convey this change to customers.
The reasons for BA’s decision remain unclear. Some travelers have been informed of a new Civil Aviation Authority mandate. Still, the CAA denies this, asserting that their stance of allowing airlines to handle this matter individually remains unchanged.
CAA Reports
Andrew McConnell, CAA’s spokesperson, clarified,
“UK aviation security regulations do not necessitate pre-boarding identity checks for domestic flights, akin to train or bus travel within the mainland. Any additional identification requirement could be at the discretion of the carrier.”
BA states, “A passport is not mandatory, yet we recommend having a photographic ID for your journey, as it may be requested at certain points.”
The updated policy, now displayed on its official website, affirms, “Traveling within the UK does not necessitate a passport, yet you must possess a form of photographic identification while journeying with us.”
Acceptable examples comprise valid passport; valid driving license, be it provisional or full; valid EU national identity card; valid armed forces identity card; valid police warrant card or badge.”
Additionally, it notes, “Passengers under 16 years old are exempt from showing identification for domestic flights. However, the accompanying adult must possess a photographic ID and confirm their identity. Unaccompanied minors aged 14 and 15 will need to present identification when flying domestically.”
Despite this new directive, indications suggest that BA does not intend to enforce passenger ID checks on all domestic flights.
“We’ve consistently recommended that customers traveling on UK domestic services carry identification,” remarked a spokesperson.
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