Air New Zealand moves to compulsory identification at check-in

In line with the majority of Australasian carriers, Air New Zealand has moved to make identity checks compulsory at check in for domestic flights.

The new process, which begins on 23 June 2003, effectively strengthens an existing recommendation made at the time of introducing ExpressClass to customers - to have identification available when checking in - into a standard requirement.

Most airlines worldwide using the e-ticket (ticketless) travel system require a form of identification to be presented when customers check in. This ensures that the customer named in the booking is the same person who boards the aircraft.

A form of photo identification such as a driver's licence, passport, student ID card, or recognised form of company ID is the preferred method of confirming identity.

However, for the small percentage of customers who do not hold any form of photo identification, Air New Zealand will accept Airpoints or Koru Club cards, Air New Zealand personal UATP Travelcard, Star Alliance partners frequent flyer card, a major credit card, birth certificate or Community Services card as identification.

To enable customers to get used to remembering to have identification available, a one-month period of grace starts from 23 June 2003, where identification is discretionary.

After 28 July 2003 the policy will be enforced.

For the increasing number of customers using the self-service ExpressCheck kiosks to check-in, there will be no change to the current process. These kiosks require a form of identification - either a credit card or frequent flyer card - to operate, which is an in built form of identification screening.

Infants and children (aged up to 11 years) will not require identification, however their parent or guardian will be asked for verification of identity. Travellers aged between 12-17 years inclusive will require identification or verification by a parent or guardian.