Lufthansa Group is making a Travel ID a requirement for online check-in. Stages for departures from parts of Europe started on October 20 and November 2, 2026, and the stage that covers departures from the U.S., Canada and Mexico starts on November 16, 2026. The details come from Lufthansa Group's notice, dated October 21, 2026.
Which Airlines
The requirement applies to check-in through the websites and apps of Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Air Dolomiti, Edelweiss and Discover Airlines. Travel ID gives travelers one login for the digital services of the Lufthansa Group airlines.
Start Dates
The start date depends on where your flight departs:
- October 20, 2026: departures from the Schengen Area, except Germany, Austria and Switzerland
- November 2, 2026: departures from European non-Schengen countries, Germany (except Frankfurt and Munich), Austria and Switzerland (except Zurich)
- November 16, 2026: departures from the USA, Canada and Mexico, as well as from Munich and Zurich
- November 30, 2026: departures from all other regions, as well as from Frankfurt
Lufthansa Group says you'll be told by email before departure, in your check-in invitation and on the check-in page.
Who Is Exempt
The notice lists five exceptions:
- Travelers checking in at an airport counter or self-service kiosk
- Travelers with tickets issued by other airlines
- Travelers on flights operated by other airlines with a ticket issued by a Lufthansa Group airline
- Group bookings
- Selected tour operator and charter bookings where online check-in uses the booking details from the travel agency or tour operator
Checking in for Someone Else
Another person can use their own Travel ID to assist you, which Lufthansa describes as personal assistance only. On a booking with several travelers, if one person checks in the whole group, only that person needs a Travel ID.
What a Travel ID Is
Travel ID is a login that uses an email address. It opens the digital channels of the group's airlines. Lufthansa lists pre-filled forms, personal and booking information in one place, and tailored offers as benefits. It also gives access to Miles & More benefits if you want them, so Miles & More is optional on top of the login.
If you book long-haul Lufthansa Group awards with Miles & More, our report on Lufthansa's award ticket surcharges covers Lufthansa's latest surcharge increase on long-haul tickets.
The Takeaway
If you're departing from the U.S., Canada or Mexico on or after November 16, you'll need a Travel ID to check in on these airlines' websites and apps, unless one of the five exceptions applies. Departures from all other regions and Frankfurt follow on November 30.
