Thousands Of U.S. Flights Add New Travel ID Requirement For Passengers Checking In Online

This company introduces a new authentication requirement

A novelty in the online registration process: Lufthansa Group implements a Unified Travel Identifier

In the context where most airlines encourage passengers to complete the digital registration procedure, unexpected situations occasionally arise. For example, a recent outage affected thousands of American Airlines customers, preventing them from completing their online registration. However, this practice normally saves both the traveller and the airline valuable time from an operational perspective. However, passengers travelling with some of the largest European companies may face an increased complexity of this process. Lufthansa Group is initiating significant changes to the way travel is recorded online by introducing a new account requirement in all its brands. Implementation of this exchange will be carried out in stages, which means that not everyone will receive the adjustment immediately. However, as the next phase approaches, travellers who have planned a trip between the United States and Europe may need to verify their company's specific requirements before starting registration.

Lufthansa Group amends its online registration arrangements for passengers

This company introduces a new authentication requirement for anyone wishing to register through the group's websites or mobile applications. Instead of merely entering reservation details, travellers will need to authenticate themselves using a free Travel ID. This account will run through several companies within the group, according to information provided by One Mile At A Time. These companies include Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Edelweiss and Discover Airlines. A major advantage of this change is that passengers will no longer need to manage separate login sessions for each carrier; a single Travel ID will allow them to access each carrier's digital services, thus eliminating the need to memorize different passwords.

According to the group's official press release, this requirement is being implemented gradually and different departure regions will move to the new system on separate dates. The implementation process started on 20 October 2026, initially affecting travel within the Schengen Area. However, for departure from non-Schengen Europe, including Germany, Austria and Switzerland, it was mandatory to hold a Travel ID for online registration from 2 November. The following in order are passengers from the USA, Canada and Mexico travelling with a Lufthansa Group airline. In this context, travellers departing by 16 November 2026 will need this Travel ID to use the company's website or application for registration.

Creating an account is relatively simple. Passengers

Travel ID is a free access account, giving passengers access to the digital services of the partner companies. It is not necessary for users to accumulate points or pay a subscription to benefit from this system. It is also distinct from the Lufthansa Group's Miles & More loyalty programme. However, it is possible for passengers to link an existing Miles & More account to their new Travel ID. The group underlines that it will notify users of this news by email before departure, in the registration invitation and directly on the check-in page.

Creating an account is relatively simple. Passengers can visit the official registration page of Lufthansa Travel ID, enter their email address and follow the instructions for setting up access. After registration is completed, the same credentials can be used on all Lufthansa Group companies.

There are clear exceptions to this obligation. A traveller will not need a Travel ID if his ticket was issued by another airline, or if the flight is operated by another entity, but the ticket was issued by the Lufthansa Group. If a passenger is unable to make an individual check-in, an accompanying person may use his own Travel ID to assist him. In the case of groups, it is sufficient that only one person in the group holds a Travel ID to register all members.

For those who prefer to avoid digital interaction, there's no worry. Passengers can continue to register directly at the airport, either at a service desk or at a self-service kiosk. Travel ID is not required for these traditional registration methods.

Travel ID offers much more than just the ability to complete online registration. As it covers all brands under the Lufthansa Group umbrella, frequent passengers will no longer have to juggle multiple accounts; a single account will cover all participating companies. This system allows users to store personal information