18POS18 Boarding Identification Procedures

Position

18POS18 5 December 2018

Boarding Identification Procedures A key component of aviation security is the capability to ensure that the person who checks in is the same person who boards the aircraft, and not someone who has taken the original passenger’s place. The absence of such capability increases the security risk of a flight.

position

IFALPA fully supports the provisions of ICAO Doc 8973 (Chapter 11) for international flights, which state that “passengers should be required to produce a valid boarding pass or equivalent related boarding document in conjunction with a government-issued identity document such as a passport before being allowed to enter an airside or security restricted area and prior to boarding an aircraft.”

IFALPA believes that systems should be in place to ensure that each passenger boarding the aircraft is indeed the same person that previously checked in. Any mismatch between the two records should be investigated immediately and, if not resolved boarding should be denied.

Such systems, where allowed by national legislation, may include identification procedures or biometric technology.

IFALPA also stresses that the pilot-in-command always has the final decision on whether a passenger should be allowed on board or not. If the pilot-in-command has any doubt as to a particular passenger, that person should be disembarked and referred to the relevant Authorities.

©2018 The International Federation of Air Line Pilots’ Associations. This publication is for your information only. In all cases, pilots should follow their company’s guidance and procedures. In the interest of flight safety, reproduction in whole or in part is encouraged. All reproductions must credit IFALPA. This publication may not be sold or used commercially.