November 6, 2026, 12:35 pm | Read time: 3 minutes
Those who check in online before departure can often skip the counter. However, Lufthansa and other airlines in the group now require an additional step: Travelers will generally need a customer account. Booking data alone will no longer suffice.
Those who do not yet have an account must first register. The customer profile Travel ID is intended for this purpose and can be used on the websites and apps of the group airlines. Affected airlines include:
- Lufthansa
- Swiss
- Austrian Airlines
- Brussels Airlines
- Air Dolomiti
- Edelweiss
- Discover Airlines
When the Travel ID Becomes Mandatory
The transition will occur in stages, depending on the departure location of the flight. There are four key dates for travelers:
- Since October 20: A Travel ID is required for online booking for departures within the Schengen Area, excluding Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
- Since November 2: The rule also applies to Germany, except for Frankfurt and Munich, to Austria, to Switzerland, except for Zurich, and to European countries outside the Schengen Area, such as the United Kingdom.
- From November 16: Munich, Zurich, the U.S., Canada, and Mexico are added.
- From November 30: Frankfurt and all other regions will follow.
After these four steps, the Travel ID will be required worldwide for online bookings.
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What Travelers Need to Provide for the Travel ID
Registration requires an email address, name, and date of birth, among other details. Users also set a password and confirm their registration via email. Membership in the Miles & More program is not required and remains optional.
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Additionally, payment information and travel documents can be stored in the customer account, so these details do not need to be re-entered for future bookings.
Options Without a Personal Account
Those traveling with family do not need to create a separate account for each traveler. If multiple people are on the same booking, one person can use their Travel ID to check in online for everyone.
Assistance is also available if travelers cannot check in online themselves due to a disability or lack of internet experience. In such cases, relatives or other helpers can use their own Travel ID.
Group bookings, as well as certain package and charter trips, are also exempt from the new requirement. Additionally, those who prefer not to create a customer account still have an alternative: Check-in at the counter or a kiosk at the airport remains possible without a Travel ID.