Travel Document Requirements

Identification Requirements for Flights Within Great Britain

A government-issued photographic ID is required on all domestic flights when checking in luggage.

Here's a few examples of Government Issued photographic ID that is accepted when checking in Hold luggage:

• A valid passport - an expired passport can be used up to a maximum of five years after expiry
• Valid photographic driving licence, provisional or full
• Young Scot Card
• Bus pass 

Please ensure you still look like the photograph in the ID you are presenting.

 

Identification Requirements for flights between Great Britain, the Common Travel Area (CTA) and Northern Ireland 

 

Travel between Ireland and Great Britain

If you're a British or Irish Citizen, you don’t need to show your passport to a Border Force officer when travelling from Ireland to Great Britain. However, you may be asked to show a document that confirms your identity and nationality.

This could include:

• a valid passport or passport card (if you’re Irish)
• a copy of your passport or passport card with your identity and nationality clearly visible
• an expired passport or passport card, which Border Force are satisfied was issued to you originally
• evidence of having obtained British or Irish citizenship

This list is not exhaustive and other documents including providing more than one may be accepted. These are considered on a case by case basis by Border Force.

If you're not a British or Irish Citizen, please check the latest government advice here

If you are checking in luggage, a government-issued photographic ID that is required by the airline to confirm your identity

 

Travel between the Crown Dependencies and the UK

There are some additional requirements when travelling from Crown Dependencies, including Isle of Man and the Channel Islands 

For the latest requirements, please visit GOV.UK

 

 

Child Identification

Children are not required to present identification when travelling on domestic flights as they are accompanied by an adult. If a youth aged 12 to 15 is travelling on their own and checking in a bag, they will be required to present ID at check-in.

 

 

Identification needed for International flights

All customers on International flights must have a valid passport and are responsible for any relevant visa’s that may be required. 

 

 

Special Notice - EU/EEA or Swiss citizens travelling to the UK from 1 October 2021

From 1 October, an EU/EEA or Swiss National ID card will no longer be accepted for travel to the UK

Travellers will only be able to use a valid passport unless they:

• have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme
• have made a valid application to the EU Settlement Scheme but have not yet received a decision (other than as a joining family member of a relevant sponsor)
• have a valid EU Settlement Scheme family permit
• have a Frontier Worker permit
• are an S2 Healthcare Visitor
• are a Swiss Service Provider

Irish citizens will continue to be able to use a passport card.

For further information, visit GOV.UK 

British Airways

Starting from 1 September 2023, it will be necessary for British Airways customers to carry valid photographic identification when embarking on UK domestic flights. This identification will be requested at specific points during your journey. Kindly note that failure to provide this identification could result in being unable to proceed with your travel plans.

While a passport is not mandatory for domestic travel within the UK, it is important to carry a form of photographic ID when flying with us. Acceptable forms of ID include:

• Valid Passport
• Valid driving license, either provisional or full
• Valid EU national identity card
• Valid Armed Forces identity card
• Valid police warrant card or badge.

For children under the age of 16, identification is not mandatory when travelling on domestic flights. However, the accompanying adult must possess photographic identification and be able to verify their own identity.

For unaccompanied children aged 14 and 15, identification will be required when travelling on domestic flights.