A Smooth Airport Experience: Checking Your Passport

When travelling, it is important to know what identification documents are required at the airport. For international flights, passengers will need to present their passports at the gate. For US citizens, a valid passport, lawful permanent resident card, driver's license, or other state-issued photo ID are all acceptable forms of identification for domestic flights. However, beginning May 7, 2025, state-issued IDs must be REAL ID-compliant to be used for air travel within the US. It is recommended to always carry a passport when travelling, as it is the most universally accepted form of identification.

When to show your passport at the airport

When travelling, it's important to keep your passport on you at all times. You will need to show it at various points during your journey, and it's your only form of identification when outside of your home country. Here is a detailed breakdown of when to show your passport at the airport:

During Check-In

If you are checking in at a staffed counter, you will need to present your passport. This is the case for both international and domestic flights. However, if you are checking in at a self-service kiosk, some airlines may not require you to scan your passport at that moment. Instead, an agent will check your passport at the gate before boarding.

Boarding

For international flights, you will almost always need to present your passport along with your boarding pass at the gate. This is to ensure that you are legally allowed to enter the country you are travelling to. Some airlines may also call passengers by name for passport verification at the gate, especially if they have checked in online or are connecting from another airline.

For domestic flights, you may not always need to show your passport at the gate. However, it is always a good idea to keep it on hand, as some airlines or airports may have different requirements. Additionally, your passport can serve as your ID during security checks.

Connecting Flights

If you have a connecting flight, you will typically need to present your passport again at the gate before boarding the next flight. This is true even if your connecting flight is domestic. Keep your passport accessible throughout your journey, as you may be asked to show it at any time.

Returning Home

When returning to your home country, you will need to present your passport upon arrival. This is typically done at the immigration or customs area of the airport. After clearing immigration, you may not need to show your passport again, especially if you are travelling domestically to your final destination.

What form of ID is required

When travelling, it is important to carry a valid form of identification. For international flights, a passport is often required. However, there are other forms of ID that are accepted at the airport.

In the United States, adult passengers (18 and older) must show valid identification at the airport checkpoint to be allowed to travel. This can include a driver's license with a photo, issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent), a state-issued enhanced driver's license, a DHS trusted traveller card (such as Global Entry or NEXUS), a permanent resident card, a foreign government-issued passport, or a U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential, among others. It is worth noting that TSA currently accepts expired IDs up to a year after expiration for domestic travel.

For international flights, some airlines may require passengers to verify their passports at the gate, even if they have already checked in online or via an airport kiosk. This is to ensure that the necessary visa requirements are met. It is always a good idea to carry your passport with you when travelling internationally and to have it readily available, separate from your other belongings, when passing through security.

Additionally, there are now mobile applications, such as the Mobile Passport Control (MPC) app, that eligible travellers can use to streamline their entry into the United States. This app is available for U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, Canadian B1/B2 citizen visitors, and returning Visa Waiver Program travellers with approved ESTA. With the MPC app, travellers can submit their travel documents, photos, and customs declaration information ahead of time, reducing overall wait times. However, travellers must still present their physical passport to a CBP officer upon arrival in the United States.

Mobile passport control apps

Mobile Passport Control (MPC) is a free, official application created by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. It is available to download on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. The app streamlines the process of entering the United States by reducing passport control inspection time and overall wait time.

• Create a traveller profile: Use biographic information from your passport to create a traveller profile. You can create a profile for all eligible members in a family group. These profiles will be securely stored on your device for free and can be used for future travel.
• Select your method of travel: Choose your port of entry and terminal (if applicable).
• Answer CBP inspection-related questions: Certify the accuracy of your answers and, upon arriving at your selected port of entry, tap the "Yes, Submit Now" or "Submit Now" button.
• Capture a clear photo: Take a clear and unobstructed photo of each traveller (including yourself) that you added to your submission.
• Receive a virtual receipt: Once your submission is processed, CBP will send a virtual receipt to your device.
• Proceed to the MPC lane: Present your virtual receipt, passport, and other relevant travel documents to a CBP officer in the designated MPC lane. The CBP officer will complete the inspection.

It is important to note that the MPC app does not replace your physical passport. You must still bring your physical passport and present it to the CBP officer for inspection. Additionally, travellers using the MPC app will still be processed by a CBP officer and directed to a specific processing lane.

Checking in online vs at the airport

Checking in online is often a faster and more convenient option for travellers, especially if you are not checking in luggage. Many airlines have separate bag drop desks for those who have checked in online, and these lines tend to move faster than the conventional check-in desks.

Checking in online can also increase your chances of getting a better seat. Some airlines charge for advance seat selection, but if you wait until online check-in opens, you can often choose from the remaining unselected seats in your cabin class for free. Checking in online also reduces the risk of being bumped from an oversold flight. The sooner the airline knows you are coming, the less likely they are to give your seat to someone else.

However, checking in at the airport can be a good option if you need to verify your documents, especially for international flights. Some airlines require passengers to check in at the airport so they can scan passports and verify visas. Even if you check in online, you may still be called up at the gate for passport verification.

Additionally, checking in at the airport may be a better option for those who are not comfortable with technology or who need a physical ticket as proof of their flight for reimbursement purposes. Checking in at the airport can also be a good opportunity to speak to an airline representative about any issues with your ticket or travel plans.

Ultimately, the decision to check in online or at the airport depends on your personal preferences, the airline you are flying with, and the specific requirements of your destination.

What to do if you don't have your passport

If you are travelling internationally, your passport will be checked at the airport. For international flights, gate agents often call passengers by name for passport verification. This usually occurs for passengers who checked in online, via an app, or at an airport kiosk. Checking in at a kiosk is usually fine as it will ask to scan your passport. The same goes for checking in with an agent, who will also check your passport.

If you do not have your passport, you may still be allowed to fly. A TSA officer may ask you to complete an identity verification process, which includes providing information such as your name and current address. If your identity is confirmed, you will be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint, but you may be subject to additional screening. It is recommended that individuals without acceptable identification arrive at least three hours in advance of their flight time.

If you do not have acceptable identification, decline to cooperate with the identity verification process, or your identity cannot be confirmed, you will not be allowed to enter the security checkpoint.

Frequently asked questions