asked Her Majesty's Government:

What personal identification airline passengers on both domestic and international flights are required to show prior to take-off from United Kingdom airports; at what points in the journey from airport entrance to seat on the aircraft must this identification be shown; and under what primary or delegated legislation these requirements are laid down. [HL893]

It is not a security requirement for passengers to provide a passport or photographic ID at check-in. The request for photographic ID by some airlines has been introduced under the airlines’ own conditions of travel to prevent ticket fraud.

Airlines must, however, ensure that the person who checks in hold baggage is the same person who then boards the aircraft. The Department for Transport does not specify how airlines should achieve this to enable them to retain operational flexibility, though on international flights where passports are carried airlines may use these to confirm identity. These checks will be made at both check-in and the departure gate.

These requirements are laid down in the national aviation security programme under the Aviation Security Act 1982 as amended by the Aviation and Maritime Security Act 1990.

The Home Office is responsible for exit control checks.