Airlines Verifying Your Credit Card at Check-In

By xim | Oct 2, 2018 | Updated: Nov 3, 2021

When buying plane tickets online using a credit card, keep in mind that some airlines will ask to see said credit card before checking-in at the airport. If you fail to show the card, boarding will be denied without a refund.

This can happen:

  • When buying a plane ticket for someone else with your credit card
  • If a credit card expires after the purchase and is replaced before the flight
  • If your credit card gets lost / stolen before your flight
  • If you used a virtual credit card

Contents

Important things to know regarding this policy


  • This action is taken as a means to combat fraud.
  • Not all airlines will ask to see the card used for buying the tickets, and even those that do may only do so randomly or on certain flights.
  • It is more likely to happen if you buy your tickets online directly from the airlines. You can avoid this by booking through a travel agent or by paying with Paypal if that's an option, as they will be the ones responsible in case of fraud, and not the airline.
  • It seems to be more prevalent in Asia and the Middle East (departure or arrival), but it can be asked anywhere.
  • It is usually only asked on the departure flight and not on the return flight

How will I know if the credit card will be needed at the airport?


When booking online you are likely to be told at some point something like:

The card used to purchase the tickets will have to be produced at the time of check-in.

It may be during the booking process, or it may be written on the confirmation e-mail that you receive after booking (make sure to read the small print).

If you want to be sure, go to the Terms and Conditions page (or equivalent) of the airline you're flying. Press Ctrl-F and search for "Card", to read their policy regarding this matter. This articles also gathers many airlines policies on the subject (see below).

What if someone else booked my flight? Or if I want to buy tickets for someone else?


When booking you may be asked if the person paying is also flying. If someone else booked and paid for your flight you may get away with it by showing a copy of the credit card (both sides) used to buy the tickets, along with a copy of an ID and a note from the owner acknowledging the purchase. If you buy the tickets for someone else, you may want to provide those documents for them.

However:

  • Showing a copy instead of the original card might work but some airlines will not accept a copy and will want to see the original card.
  • You should 100% trust anyone you give your credit card information to. You do this at your own risk.
  • Some airlines don't allow "third-party booking", or may only allow it under certain circumstances, such as booking for family members (same surname probably necessary). You'll have to check the Terms and Conditions for details on this.

What if you your credit card expired or got lost since?


It's a good idea to have a copy (both sides) of your credit card with you. Even if your credit card expired, you may want to keep it and bring it with you at the airport.

Using a virtual credit card


As a general rule of thumb, using a virtual credit card is not recommended. Your boarding will be denied if the airline requires you to show the physical credit card (which doesn't exist) used to book the flight (unless their terms and conditions explicitly mention virtual credit cards, which is very rare).

Don't take any chances


If for some reason you think you may not be able -or will not be able- to show the original credit card used to purchase your tickets, you should contact the airlines as soon as possible before the flight. They will be able to tell you if the credit card will be needed or not, and what to do in your particular situation (lost credit card, someone else booked for you, etc).

You can also do this preventively and contact the airlines before booking, or book through a travel agency instead.

Was your flight delayed?


If you reached your final destination with a delay of more than 3 hours, you are entitled to get compensation up to €600 / $700. Click here to check if you are entitled to compensation.

List of airlines policies regarding credit card verification


Aegean Airlines

Aegan Airlines has a dedicated page regarding credit card payments. It says:

You may be required to present the payment card used for the transaction for verification prior to your flight's departure.

Also it seems that their self check-in kiosk ask to insert the credit card used to pay for the tickets.

Aer Lingus

Aer Lingus' conditions of carriage document doesn't say much on the subject, except maybe:

Check-In and Boarding: [...] You are required to provide such valid identification for all flights as we may specify from time to time.

Aeroflot

Aeroflot's website, terms & condition and FAQ do not clearly address the subject. This page only talks about a e-ticket printout and a proof of identity:

Having booked and successfully paid for your online air ticket, you will see a confirmation page with the Booking Confirmation code and an e-ticket number. You will also receive an e-mail confirming your booking and online payment with an electronic ticket (attached in PDF format) containing detailed information about your journey.

Please show a printout of your e-ticket and proof of identity at check-in.

Aerolineas

There is no information about the subject on Aerolineas website. This page says:

What documents do I need at the airport to board?

You should have your e-Boarding Pass or check-in confirmation together with a document valid for your trip, according to your destination (ID card, Argentine National Identity Document or Passport). Except for flights where the QR code is not enabled and there is the possibility to print the boarding pass.

Aeromexico

According to this page, Aeromexio can verify your credit card when checking-in:

Prior to your flight's departure, you may be asked to show the original Form of Payment with your government-issued ID, to unlock the reservation and check in for your flight.

Air Arabia

Air Arabia's Conditions of Carriage do not clearly say anything about presenting the credit card itself, but they state:

Payments must be authorized by the cardholder named in the Booking. We withhold the right to cancel Your reservation without prior notice if [...] you cannot provide, when questioned, contact information for the cardholder in order for Us to carry out security checks;

Air Astana

According to their Terms and Conditions, Air Astana does not require the card holder to be a passenger:

It is not compulsory for a card holder to be a passenger. However, please be advised that the card holder will be responsible for transactions made online via the Air Astana website.

However, you can choose to validate your payment by showing your credit card at the airport if your transaction is flagged as "high risk":

For the online transactions considered as carrying high risk of possible fraud, during the payment process on our website, Air Astana offers a client to choose one of the following transaction validation options:

a) presenting a physical payment card used for making the payment and appropriate ID at the airport check-in and boarding for verification purposes;

b) inputting an “authorization code” of the transaction (this code can be received from the card-issuing bank. If a passenger chooses this option, he will not be required to present the physical payment card and ID at the airport check-in and boarding. Online check-in will also be available for bookings verified this way. An authorization code is a numerical or alphanumerical code generated and provided directly by the card-issuing bank that is uniquely ascribed to a sales transaction as verification that the completed sale has been authorized.)

If the passenger chooses option “a,” he will also receive an appropriate email notification with a reminder to present the physical payment card and ID at the airport check-in and boarding. As per the fraud prevention procedure, in case the passenger fails to present the physical payment card and ID at the airport check-in and boarding, he will be denied boarding. The airline will not be liable for costs associated with it.

In case of suspicion of fraud, Air Astana reserves the right to make a complete investigation, cancel a ticket and report fraud details to respective authorities and the police. Any passenger found to be travelling on a fraudulently purchased ticket will be blacklisted.

Air Austral

Air Austral's General Conditions of Sales state:

The credit card used for payment can be requested at the moment of check-in for control: keep it on hand.

Air Baltic

According to Air Baltic's Payment Options page, the credit card holder must be reachable by phone:

If necessary, the itinerary can be paid for by a payment card not belonging to the person(s) travelling. In this case, the card owner's phone number should be provided. We reserve the right to contact this person for confirmation that he/she is willing to cover the costs of the itinerary. If the card owner is unable to be contacted by phone, we reserve the right to cancel the reservation.

Air Belgium

Air Belgium's Conditions of Carriage say:

If the credit card holder is the passenger or one of the passengers named in the booking, they agree to present the credit card used for that booking at any time during the journey on demand. If the credit card holder is not the passenger or any of the passengers named in the booking, the credit card holder (or sponsor) agrees to send us a copy of the front and back of the credit card used in making the booking on demand.

Air Canada

Both Air Canada Domestic Tariff General Rules and International Tariff General Rules state:

In the event that carrier does not have reliable confirmation that payment has been validly made or if carrier advises passenger for the need for additional information, carrier may request additional information from the passenger(s) and/or, when a ticket was paid by a person who is not the passenger, carrier may request the presence of the cardholder at the airport any time after ticket issuance including at check-in, prior to travel or after travel has commenced. Carrier also reserves the right to require another form of payment should a passenger not be able to reliably confirm that payment was validly made and/or provide the additional information requested.

But only the Domestic Tariff General Rules has this paragraph:

Refusal to Transport [...] When the passenger fails to provide additional information and/or is unable to ensure the presence of the cardholder at the airport, or if the passenger is unable to present another form of payment for its ticket as requested by the carrier pursuant to tariff rule 25, or wherever carrier is unable to reliably confirm that the passenger holds a valid ticket.

Air Caraïbes

Air Caraïbes Booking and payment methods page has a lot of details:

The carrier reserves the right to carry out checks and verifications on remote banking transactions at any time.

The bank card used to pay for the order may be requested for verification during check-in. This measure is intended to prevent any risk of fraudulent use of the bank card by a third party without the cardholder's knowledge.

The Carrier may be required to contact the buyer and/or request from them, by any means whatsoever, via the contact details provided during the Booking, the following documents:

  • a legible copy of the front of the credit or debit card used to pay for the tickets, showing the first and last 4 digits of the card number, the expiry date and the name of the cardholder (photocopy or photo);
  • a legible copy of the identity document of the cardholder and the passenger.

There is also a paragraph regarding third party bookings:

If a reservation is made for a third party the passenger must present the following specified documents:

  • a legible copy of the front of the credit or debit card used to pay for the tickets, showing the first and last 4 digits of the card number, the expiry date and the name of the cardholder (photocopy or photo);
  • a legible copy of the identity document of the cardholder and the passenger.

Failing this, or in the event of presentation of documents deemed non-compliant, the Carrier reserves the right withhold the Passenger's boarding pass for safety reasons. This is a security measure to prevent fraudulent use of bank cards by a third party.

Air China

Air China's FAQ contains this sentence in an unrelated question:

Please note that overseas credit cards can only be used to purchase tickets for the card holder or for a group of passengers that includes the card holder.

The information is confirmed in their Privacy Policy:

In some cases, you will also be asked to provide payment information such as the credit card used for ticket purchase as part of verification procedures.

Air Corsica

Air Corsica's website has no information regarding their credit card verification policy.

Air Dolomiti

Air Dolomiti's website has no TOS/Conditions of Carriage page and no information regarding their credit card verification policy.

Air Europa

Air Europa's website has no information regarding their credit card verification policy. A quick Google search seems to indicate that they can ask for your credit card at check-in.

Air France

Air France's General conditions of sale say:

The credit card used to pay for the booking must be personal to one of the passengers and the credit cardholder must be over 18.

Air India

Air India's Online Booking Terms say:

The Credit Card used to purchase the ticket/s will have to be produced at the time of check-in. If the card holder is not a member of the travelling party, the travelling member should carry a photo copy of the card used (front and reverse) with the Credit Valid Verification (CVV) number blocked for security reasons and a signed letter from the credit card holder authorizing the payment for the travel.

Air India Express

Air India Express' Terms and Conditions say:

In case the booking is made using credit card, passengers are requested to carry the following documents at the time of Check In:

If the Credit card holder is the passenger or one of the passengers, then the credit card will have to be produced at the time of Check In. If the Credit Card holder is not one of the passengers, then a copy of the credit card (both front and back), self-attested by the credit card holder should be produced at the time of Check In. In addition to this, it is also required to produce a letter, signed by the credit card holder, authorizing the use of the credit card for the purchase of the ticket. The letter should mention the names of the passengers, date of travel and sector of travel. This letter, along with the self-attested copy of the credit card will have to be submitted at Check In desk. Hence please carry two copies of the same if you are traveling on the return sector.

At the time of submitting the credit card copy, please ensure that the CVV number on it is blacked out. (CVV Number is a three-digit number at the reverse side of the credit card, at the end of the signature panel).

In case the above documents are not produced by the passenger, Air India Express reserves the right to deny boarding to the passenger. In such case no refund (except for the taxes) will be given to the passenger.

In case of erroneous / inadequate / misleading information given while, Air India Express reserves the right to cancel the PNR without any intimation

Please ensure that the name, address and other details entered at the payment page match with the credit card issuing bank's records.

To make online shopping safer, the RBI has made it mandatory, for all online transactions to have an extra level of authentication. The extra level is a password that you will have to enter after entering your credit card details while making online payments. You will require this extra password for transacting on any website. This new technology is called VbyV – Verified by Visa or MSC – MasterCard SecureCode. Please ensure that your card is enrolled in the 3D Secure service such as VbyV or MSC for online payments. Please contact the card issuing bank for further details.

Air Macau

Air Macau doesn't have any information related to their credit card policy on their website. However, the vast majority of airlines based in China & Hong Kong explicitly state than they can verify your credit card when checking in.

Air Malta

According to their Payments page, Air Malta does not require credit card holders on board:

You can still book and pay for your flights online if the passenger and credit card holder are not the same person. However, payment with debit cards is currently not available.

Air Mauritius

Air Mauritius' FAQ says:

Can I pay for an online booking with my credit card if I am not travelling myself?
We accept payment for another person (3rd party) with your credit card, only if you are travelling with that person.

Air Namibia

Air Namibia has a whole "Credit Card Restrictions" page dedicated to their credit card policy:

Please be advised that payment for Online tickets purchased with credit cards is only allowed if the card holder is the traveler or the card holder is travelling with the person(s) that he/she has paid for.

Passengers are required to bring the credit card used to purchase the ticket(s) with their travel documents to the airport on the date of departure, as it is required for verification.

Failure to present the credit card used as per above directive on verification process, will result in the airline cancelling the related booking(s). Boarding will be denied and funds will be Refunded back to the original credit card that was used for the transaction.

Please Note: Tickets booked cannot be cancelled, changed or refunded, without presenting the credit card used in the original transaction.

Air New Zealand

There is no mention of the subject on Air New Zealand's website. Their "What you need to check in" list does not include the credit card.

Air North

Air North's website has no mention of their credit card verification policy.

Air Seoul

There is not much information about credit card verification on Air Seoul's website. This page might offer a clue:

Corporate credit cards must bear the name of the ticketed passenger and are subject to the same online verification program (ISP) as personal credit cards.

Air Serbia

Air Serbia's FAQ says:

If you received a notification message after you successfully checked in on the confirmation page that all transactions from the credit card need to be verified by presenting the card to the airport agent or boarding will be denied, you will not be issued a boarding pass. You need to bring the card or a photocopy of the card used for purchase with you to the airport so the agent will be able to verify it and to issue the boarding pass.

Air Tahiti Nui

According to Air Tahiti Nui's FAQ a person can book without traveling:

Can I make a reservation online with my credit card if I am not traveling myself?
Yes, there are no restrictions.

Air Transat

Air Transat's Conditions of Sale say:

To avoid fraudulent purchases, (e.g. due to a lost card or the provision of false information), AIR TRANSAT reserves the right to request additional information from the passengers and/or the cardholder at any time after a purchase has been made - including at check-in - so that it may verify the information provided when the purchase was made. AIR TRANSAT also reserves the right to require another form of payment should a customer not be able to accurately provide such additional information. Furthermore, Air Transat reserves the right to cancel the booking in case of suspected fraud, theft or dishonesty.

Air Vanuatu

Air Vanuatu's website doesn't say anything regarding their credit card verification policy.

AirAsia Berhad

AirAsia's FAQ page says:

What are the required documentation that I need to provide?
All the required documents will be detailed in your booking reference. Most important is to have your booking reference, valid photo ID, and in rare cases the credit card used to make the booking.

Aircalin

Aircalin's website has no information regarding their credit card verification policy.

Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines' website has no information regarding their credit card verification policy.

Alitalia

Alitalia's website has a page dedicated to credit card information that says:

Attention: in order to ensure protection against frauds, you might be asked, by authorized personnel, to show the credit card with which the ticket was purchased. Failure to exhibit the credit card, in original or in copy (if you are not the holder of the card with which the ticket was purchased), could result in not being allowed onboard.

Allegiant Air

Allegiant Air's website has no information regarding their credit card verification policy.

All Nippon Airways (ANA)

ANA's website says:

You may be asked to present the credit card used to make your ticket purchase at the time of check-in.If you are unable to present the card, you may be denied boarding for your reserved flight.

American Airlines

American Airlines has a Conditions of carriage page. It does not mention anything about having the credit card used to buy the tickets with you.

Asiana

There is a "Book Online" page on Asiana's website that says:

You may be asked at the airport to confirm whether you have the [credit] card. If such confirmation fails, you may be denied boarding by our company.

Austrian Airlines

Austrian Airlines' website does not disclose their credit card verification policy.

Avianca

Avianca's website has no information regarding their credit card verification policy.

Azerbaijan Airlines

Azerbaijan Airlines' General Conditions of Passenger and Baggage Carriage state:

Within the framework of protection against illegal use of bank cards and electronic fraud, the Airline has the right to ask a Passenger for a credit card by which the payment of carriage has been made. Payment for carriage using a credit card of a third party is not permitted.

Their Help and Support Center confirms it:

The staff at the check-in counter may also ask you to provide a bank card which was used to pay for the ticket, if the card details do not match with the name of the passenger. During check-in for the flight, you will also need to have the original passport with you.

Azores Airlines

Azores Airlines' website has no information regarding their credit card verification policy.

Azul Airlines

Azul Airlines' website has no information regarding their credit card verification policy.

Bamboo Airways

Bamboo Airways' Conditions for Online Booking say:

If you purchase tickets by International payment cards, the card holder must submit the payment cards, passport and eTickets for verification upon requested at the airport or at Bamboo Airways branch offices before travel.

Bangkok Airways

Bangkok Airways' website has a "Payment" page that says:

As part of efforts to minimise credit card fraud, Bangkok Airways employs a third party fraud prevention operator to audit all payment transactions. If you have paid by virtual credit card, you need to present evidence of the transaction in order to prove ticket purchase. During the check-in process at the airport, Bangkok Airways will perform a random check on the credit card used for online payment. Failure to present the card or proof of payment will result in passengers being required to purchase new tickets for all sectors. Passengers will be denied boarding if found travelling with tickets purchased by the fraudulent use of credit card.

British Airways

It has been reported that British Airways can require your credit card when checking-in, but their website does not say much about the topic. This page briefly mentions:

All you need is your booking reference or form of identification (e.g. credit/debit card, Executive Club card or passport).

Brussels Airlines

Brussels Airlines has a FAQ page that says:

Do I need to present the credit/debit card I've used for purchase at check-in?
No, you don't need to present your credit or debit card at check-in.

Carribean Airlines

Carribean Airlines' Payment Options page says:

Caribbean Airlines is dedicated to protecting its customers and cardholders against credit/debit card fraud and ensures your security as you use your cards on our website. As part of the company's policy to fight against credit/debit card fraud it reserves the right to request in person card validation before acceptance for travel. If tickets are being purchased online and the card holder is not part of the travelling party please contact Caribbean Airlines via ccvalidate.questions@caribbean-airlines.com on how your transaction can be validated or visit the Caribbean Airlines ticketing office most convenient to you before the date of travel.

Cathay Pacific / Cathay Dragon

Cathay Pacific's FAQ says:

The physical credit card used to pay for tickets must be presented by the cardholder for verification at check-in, or when collecting the tickets. Otherwise the cardholder must present the physical card used at the nearest Cathay Pacific Ticketing Office for verification prior to the flight departure.

If the credit card used is renewed with a new card number by the credit card issuer between the time of ticket purchase and time of verification, please retain and present the original credit card for verification.

The cardholder does not need to book and travel. The carrier reserves the right to deny boarding or collect a guarantee payment (in cash or from a new credit card) should you fail to present the card originally used.

Cayman Airways

There is no information regarding credit card verification on Cayman Airways website.

CEBU Pacific Air / Cebgo

There is no information related to credit card verification on CEBU Pacific Air website.

CheapOair

CheapOair's FAQ page states:

Do you accept third party credit card payments?
Yes, we do accept 3rd party credit card payments. However, they may require additional verification and authorization. If paper tickets are mandatory they will be shipped to the billing address.

But according to CheapOair's Terms & Conditions, this might not apply for their "Vacation packages":

Travel Suppliers require a valid credit card to be presented at the time of check-in at the hotel and/or at the pick-up location of the car rental company. This is to provide confirmation of authorized card usage and/or to secure any additional charges. The cardholder must be a traveler listed on the booking.

China Airlines

China Airlines has a very detailed Notice for Credit Card Payment page that says:

Passengers who paid for travel for themselves and travel companions (passengers in the same booking) with their own credit card, can process the verification at the airport check-in counter by presenting the credit card that was originally used for the corresponding purchase. China Airlines reserves the rights for the passengers to sign the indemnity of payment forms upon check-in. (If the name on the credit card is different from the name in the booking record, the credit card verification should be processed according to number 2.)

If the credit card holder is not part of the travel party, he or she must process the verification in one of following ways:

(1) Visit a China Airlines city office at least 72 hours before first CI/AE flight departure during business hours. All necessary documents (please see B, Required Documents) must be prepared beforehand including the credit card used for the purchase. This credit card holder must sign an “Indemnity of Payment” in front of a China Airlines staff.

(2) Process the verification at the airport during the check-in period for the first CI/AE flight on the itinerary. All necessary documents (please see B, Required Documents) must be prepared beforehand including the credit card used for the purchase. This credit card holder must sign an “Indemnity of Payment” in front of a China Airlines airport staff. (In view of the time limit during airport check-in, and because check-in may be handled by contracted airlines that may not be familiar with such practices, may we suggest that you contact China Airlines in advance to make sure someone is available to help at the airport.)

China Eastern

China Eastern's website does not mention credit card verification.

China Southern

China Southern's website FAQ mentions credit card verification:

Passengers can purchase ticket on China Southern Airlines website by holding international credit card which is not issued domestically, such as VISA or MASTER. For the safety of your card, we may inform you to verify your payment card and indentity. If our Customer Service Agent has informed you to verify your payment card and identity via call or email, please cooperate. Otherwise, you will be rejected for boarding.

And in another answer:

If the holders of the international cards with the logo of VISA MASTER issued outside China buy ticket on China Southern Airlines website, considering the factor of safety, their cards need to be verified.

Condor

There is no information regarding credit card verification on Condor's website.

Copa Airlines

There is no information regarding credit card verification on Copa Airlines' website. However, a quick Google search seems to indicate that some passengers were denied boarding because they couldn't show the credit card used to pay.

Croatia Airlines

Croatia Airlines' website doesn't mention credit card verification.

Czech Airlines

Czech Airlines' website doesn't mention credit card verification.

Delta Airlines

Delta's website does not mention it directly, but there have been multiple reports of a confirmation email that requires you to have your credit card with you at the airport to board the flight.

Egypt Air

Egypt Air FAQ page says:

Can someone else purchase and pay for my ticket on line?

No, as the credit card holder must be one of the travelers in each online booking considering that if the customer failed to present the card used for purchasing the ticket(s) during check-in time, EgyptAir has the right to deny passenger boarding.

Emirates

Emirates' Online booking payment options says:

In some countries, for security reasons, the holder of the credit card used to book a ticket or group of tickets must be one of the travellers on that itinerary, and will be required to show the credit card at the airport check-in counter prior to receiving boarding passes.

Since this does not apply to all countries, they also have a dedicated page about paying for someone else's ticket.

Can I make a booking online with my credit card if I am not travelling myself?

This will depend on the country of departure. In some countries, for security reasons, the holder of the credit card used to book a ticket or group of tickets must be one of the travellers on that itinerary or have the same family name. In some cases, you may be required to present the credit card used to pay for the tickets at the airport check-in counter prior to receiving your boarding pass.

On the Enter billing information page where the credit card details are entered, if the "Cardholder last name" can be typed in, you will be able to pay for the booking even if you are not travelling and do not hold the same family name as one of the travellers. If the "Cardholder last name" appears in a drop-down menu and cannot be changed from those of the travellers, you will unfortunately not be able to pay for the booking unless you are travelling or have the same family name.

As an alternative, you could select a different payment option where available, such as bank transfer, PayPal or simply to book online and make the payment at a local Emirates office. The options available will depend on the country of departure and how much time remains prior to your flight.

Please note that the fare quoted is only valid for payment in the country of departure. Due to ticketing regulations, a different fare may apply if you wish to pay for the tickets at an Emirates office in another country, or in some cases you may not be able to pay outside the country specified at the time of booking. After three days, the booking would be cancelled automatically if tickets have not been collected and paid for. Please contact your local Emirates office to confirm.

Emirates Skywards members may make a redemption booking for friends and family, and pay for the applicable taxes online with their own credit cards.

EasyJet

EasyJet does not require you to have the credit card when checking-in, however they might ask for information about the credit card holder. Here's what their Terms and Conditions say about the topic:

We reserve the right to cancel your flight or Bookings connected to you, deny you boarding or take other action to protect us and our systems, with or without prior notice to you, if:

  • you cannot provide, upon request, contact information for the cardholder in order for us to carry out security checks;
  • the cardholder did not authorise or disputes the authorisation of the payment and/or claims that the Booking is fraudulent;
  • you have not paid (or the Booker has not paid on your behalf) the appropriate fares or any other outstanding charges related to your Booking;
  • we reasonably suspect that the Booking, or any information provided in relation to the Booking (whether provided by the cardholder, the Booker or a Passenger) is fraudulent, deceptive or inaccurate; and/or
  • we reasonably suspect that the cardholder, Booker or any Passenger on the Booking, is connected to any other fraudulent activity.

Etihad Airways

Etihad Airways Terms and Condition say:

The credit card must be in the name of one of the passengers travelling and the same card must be carried at the time of travel, together with the form of identity submitted during the booking process, for verification at check-in. Alternatively, if the passenger travelling is not the cardholder, or if for any reason, the credit card used for the booking cannot be produced at check in, Etihad may require that a clear photocopy of both sides of the credit card used for a booking may be presented, duly signed by the cardholder authorising the use of the card for the purchase of the ticket. For security reasons, we request you to strike out the Card Verification Value (CVV) code of the card on the photocopy.

EVA Air

EVA Air's Information for Reservation page clearly states:

You are required to present the credit card used to purchase the ticket during check-in at the airport. For identification at the check-in counter, you must use a credit card with the card number and name stamped into it. You are required to input your first name and last name exactly as displayed on the credit card. Passengers who fail to do so will be denied boarding unless they purchase a full-fare ticket at the airport ticket counter.

However, they seem to have a procedure for "non credit card holders", which is explained on this page:

If you used a credit card to purchase a ticket online for another passenger and you will not be traveling with that passenger, then you must complete our credit card verification procedure. If you cannot meet the requirements of our verification procedure, then you may have to buy another ticket.

Fiji Airways

There's no information regarding credit card verification on Fiji Airways' website.

Finnair

Finnair's FAQ says:

Do I have to show the credit card that I used for payment at the time of check-in?

No, the credit card is used for the payment of the ticket only. Depending on the requirements of airport authorities, you will need to present your travel documents and a mobile boarding pass, a paper boarding pass printed out by you or a paper boarding pass picked up from the check-in desk.

Flydubai

Flydubai's Ways to pay page says:

When you pay using a card, you'll be charged an administration fee for the booking. flydubai will also ask to see the card at the airport before you board your flight.

Please note:

  • If a credit/debit card has been used to pay on behalf of someone else, we'll need to see a photocopy of the front and back of the credit or debit card and a photocopy of the cardholder's passport at the airport.
  • If the passenger is unable to produce the photocopies at the airport, flydubai will not allow the passenger to travel.

Credit or debit cards can't be used to pay on behalf of someone else travelling to or from Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Sudan or South Sudan.

FlyOne

Neither of FlyOne's General Rules or FAQ mention the subject of credit card verification.

Frontier

While there are not many details, Frontier's FAQ states that you need to bring your credit card for self-service kiosks:

Airport Check-In: Frontier offers self-service kiosk check-in at many airports. Simply bring your confirmation code, confirmation email, credit card and ID, or passport. You will be able to quickly view your itinerary, purchase checked or carry-on bags, upgrade your seating and print your boarding pass. Full-service check-in counters are also available at all airports.

Garuda Indonesia

There's no information about credit card verification on Garuda Indonesia's website.

GOL Airlines

GOL's Passenger Air Transportation Agreement says:

For the purpose of possible confirmation of the regularity of purchases made by credit cards and/or the security of the data of the passengers and purchasers of the air tickets: (i) carry with him/her, at check-in, the credit card used for the purchase; (ii) in the case of purchases made by credit cards of parents or guardians, present documentation that proves parentage, guardianship or family tie and; (iii) in case of purchases made by third parties, in which the credit card holder is not present, the passenger must inform a telephone number (preferably fixed) so that contact can be made with the credit card holder at check-in; (iv) in case of purchases made by third parties in which the credit card holder is present at check-in, the same must present a document containing the taxpayer identification number CPF number and photo, as well as the credit card used at the time of the purchase in person.

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines

There is no mention of this topic on KLM's website. However, they answered the question on Facebook:

When booking on KLM.com a notice will be shown if the owner of the credit card used to make the payment has to be present at check-in. When booking via a travel agency we recommend you contact them to ask if it's necessary for the owner of the credit card to be present at check-in as we cannot take any responsibility for what travel agencies do and do not display on their website.

Iberia

Iberia's Purchase General Conditions say:

In order to correctly verify the identity of the card holder, the card used for payment must be presented at check-in on the day of travel. You will only be required to show the payment card once, at the beginning of your journey (not on the return or transit Avios.) NOT complying with this rule may mean that you are NOT ADMITTED on the flight, and you may only be admitted by the purchase of a new ticket at that time.

However, one of their FAQ pages says slightly otherwise:

You do not always have to show the credit card used to buy the ticket at the airport on the day of departure.

When you purchase your ticket (either through Iberia.com or by calling Serviberia) and depending on a number of factors, such as flight dates, destination, cost of the ticket and the country where the credit card was issued, you will be notified immediately if you need to show your credit card at the airport on the day of departure.

If you purchased your ticket from an Iberia ticket office or a travel agent's, please check again with the issuing office. If you are told upon purchasing your ticket that a credit card should be presented, you MAY NOT use a virtual card, remember that Iberia does not accept virtual cards for the purchase of tickets.

IndiGo

The IndiGo has a Travel Documents page that states:

Do I need to carry a copy of my credit/ debit card or the original copy on the date of travel?

Yes, passengers should carry their card at the time of check-in for verification purpose. In case, they have used someone else's card to book ticket than we recommend our passengers to carry the copy of the credit/ debit card. Alternatively, in the absence of original card or card copy passenger may carry the statement of the card reflecting the transaction done for said IndiGo reservations.

Passengers may be denied boarding in case the card verification process is not complete.

Customers who have used cards issued out of Indian Boundaries must carry the card or a photo copy of the card at the time of Check-in. Customers who have used such cards for making a Booking may receive a verification call. If the transaction remains unverified, the amount will be refunded and an email notification will be sent to make the payment towards such Booking through the prescribed alternate modes within the stipulated time, failing which the reservation may be cancelled. We strongly recommend that the Customers check the status of their Booking on the Website before travel.

Japan Airlines

One off the "Q&A" pages of Japan Airlines website says:

Does the name on the credit card used for payment have to match the name of one of the passengers?

Passenger can purchase ticket with third party payment. However, you may required to present your e-ticket itinerary/receipt and the credit card that was used for payment to the check-in agent upon check-in for verification.

If the payment is not authenticated by Verified by Visa or MasterCard® SecureCode™, the cardholder may be required to present the physical credit card used for payment at check-in counter for verification, disregarding whether the cardholder is the traveling party or not.

If the credit card used for the payment cannot be presented for verification, the passengers on the booking will not be allowed to check-in and is required to purchase a new ticket with fare applicable on departure date for boarding. The fares (or an equivalent amount) of the ticket(s), will be refunded and credited to the same credit card used in the original purchase.

However, another page slightly contradicts the first one by saying that the credit card holder must be a passenger:

Who is eligible to use this online booking service?
This service is available to customers who have an e-mail address and a valid credit card. The credit card holder must be a traveler in the itinerary being purchased and the credit card used to purchase the tickets must be presented at check-in.

Korean Air

The Korean Air website has a document that says:

The cardholder will be required to present the original credit/debit card used for purchase, along with valid photo identification, as well as sign the ‘Credit/Debit Card Verification Form' at the time of check-in.

They seem to have a procedure to verify credit cards prior to the flight:

Prior to boarding the initial departing flight or on the date of boarding, the credit card holder is required to visit a Korean Air Branch office located in the city or at the airport with a photo ID and the credit card used to purchase the ticket in order to verify the credit card payment. Failure to carry out this procedure will result in the cancellation of your purchased ticket. It will be processed for a refund and you must purchase a new ticket. Confirmation of credit card payment is included in the e-Ticket ITR and sent to passengers required to undergo the credit card payment verification procedure.

LOT Polish Airlines

LOT's General Conditions of Carriage contain this vague statement which isn't specific regarding credit card verification:

A passenger shall present all exit, entry, health and other documents required by laws and requirements of the relevant state authorities and permit the carrier to make and retain copies of these documents in connection with these laws and requirements. The carrier reserves the right to refuse carriage to any passenger who does not comply with applicable laws and regulations, whose documents do not appear to be in order, or who refuses to produce all such documents to it.

Their FAQ says:

Can I book a ticket for somebody else?
Reservation can be made for anyone. It is not necessary for the passenger to be the payor.

November 2020 update: a woman and her family were denied boarding when flying from Rzeszów to London with LOT after failing the present the card used to book the tickets.

Lufthansa

Lufthansa's General Terms & Conditions say:

In the case of an Electronic Ticket, you shall not be entitled to be carried on a flight unless you provide positive identification and a valid Electronic Ticket has been duly issued in your name. A flight booking in the electronic reservation system of Deutsche Lufthansa AG is only made a) on request of the passenger by billing his card number (LH Customer Card, Credit Card) and b) by presenting his card at check-in.

Qantas

The Conditions of Carriage on Quantas website only mention domestic flights regarding their credit card policy:

For Domestic Carriage you must be able to produce identification on request, such as your driver's licence, Qantas Frequent Flyer or Qantas Club card or the credit card used to purchase your Ticket.

Qatar Airways

This Qatar Airways FAQ page says:

What happens if I cannot present the credit card upon check-in?

If your booking requires a payment verification and the credit card or debit card used for the booking is not presented for verification at the airport at the time of check-in, passengers may not be allowed to check in and you will be asked to purchase a new ticket using a different credit/debit card. You may apply for a refund of the original ticket.

Ryanair

Ryanair's General terms & conditions consider suspicious not being able to show the credit card used to book the tickets:

We withhold the right to cancel your booking without prior notice if we reasonably suspect that you or the cardholder are associated with any kind of fraudulent activity in respect of any flights operated by any airline of the Ryanair Group (Ryanair DAC, Buzz, Ryanair UK, Laudamotion and Malta Air). Such suspicion may be based on the following activities: [...] You cannot present the card used to make the booking at the airport, if asked to do so.

Royal Jordania

Royal Jordania has an Online Booking & Payment Information page that states:

Check-in Without the Credit Card Used to Pay Online:

If your credit card has expired since payment was made, you have a new credit card, or you do not have the original credit card used for payment, you will not be able to use the check-in kiosks or check-in desks. In this instance, please go to the ticket desk, where an agent will be able to validate your booking for check- in according to procedure.

RwandAir

RwandAir's Privacy Policy says:

If you have purchased your ticket using a credit or visa card, on rwandair.com; RwandAir reserves the right to require you to provide additional payment verification upon request by either submitting an online form or visiting the nearest RwandAir office, or at the airport at the time of check-in.

Scoot Airlines

According to Scoot's Conditions of Carriage, you need to be able to produce the credit card at check-in:

In addition to a Booking, you must check in, receive a boarding pass and provide all necessary documentation (such as a passport) in order to board a Scoot flight. You may also be required to produce any credit card used in making a Booking.

Singapore Airlines

Singapore Airlines has different policies depending on the country. The website isn't very clear but this page (which seems to be for Germany) states:

If you book a flight for a passenger who isn't travelling with you, you may need to meet certain requirements before that passenger will be allowed to board. If you made the booking with a debit or credit card that is not registered under the “Verified by Visa” or “MasterCard SecureCode Programme”, you will need to be present at the airport check-in counter for verification.

Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines' contract of carriage does not mention the subject of checking-in without the credit card used to buy the tickets, neither does their FAQ page.

SpiceJet Airlines

SpiceJet's policy seems to only apply to "foreign" (non-Indian) credit cards:

For all foreign (Non-Indian) credit / debit card payments, the card must be produced for physical verification at the airport check-in counter if the passenger is the cardholder. In case the cardholder is not traveling, it is mandatory for the passenger to furnish to the airport check-in staff a physical copy of the front side of credit / debit card duly authorized by the cardholder, along with cardholder's valid proof of identification. In the absence of such credit / debit card or copy and/or identity mismatch, we will be constrained to refuse the boarding.

Thai Airways

Thai Airways' Terms and Conditions say:

Thai Airways reserves the right to request for the physical credit card to be presented at Thai Airways ticketing office or during check in at the airport for your transaction which is flagged out by our tool. If such a requirement is needed, you will be given the option to collect by another card or payment method when credit card verification fails.

Turkish Airlines

Turkish Airlines answer this question on one of their FAQ pages:

Is it a problem if I am unable to present the same credit card at a sales office that I used to purchase my award ticket online?

If you did not receive an alert asking you to present the credit card to a Sales Office while paying the VAT online and your ticket sale was approved by 3D Secure, then you will not be requested to present the card at a later date. However, if you received an alert during the payment process, the card owner must present the credit card and a valid piece of ID at one of our sales offices or the check-in desk.

Vueling

Vueling's Conditions of Carriage hint that they can verify credit cards:

Right of the Carrier to deny Passengers carriage:

  • The Passenger is unable to prove that the Ticket is paid for in full, has requested that the credit card payment be cancelled, or there is a suspicion of fraud.

It is confirmed more clearly in their Check-in Online page:

Also, some passengers with special seat-related needs may not be able to do printed or mobile phone check-in. They must go to the check-in desk on the day of their flight:

  • Passengers who require verification of the payment card holder's identity.

Airlines Airport Credit Card Flying Legal Plane Administrative

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Written by xim

There are 3 comments
Albert J. P.

Albert J. P.
Mar 25, 2024 at 19:48

Kenya Airways states the following during booking:

If you are paying by card, for security check purposes you are required to bring the card used at the time of booking when traveling. If the card holder is not traveling then the passenger must bring a copy of credit card, a signed authorization note from the card holder and a copy of the card holder's passport.


Alan

Alan
Feb 7, 2020 at 14:27

Oh wow, thanks..... very useful info
My credit card will expire soon, I will replace it before booking anything haha


Akhtiyar Khan

Akhtiyar Khan
Jan 24, 2020 at 09:14

I dont have a credit card can i use debit card and will they allow debit card


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