Not a pleasant experience due to tickets booked via credit card@Etihad
Apr 27, 2016, 6:37 am
#46
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Yorkshire & Bangsaen
Programs: HH Diamond, EY Gold, AY Silver, MR Plat
Posts: 526
I have been asked three times by EY in MAN. But never in the last two or three years. All bookings in the email clearly stated that I had to have original CC with me at time of checkin. It also stated this at the time of booking. For me, there was no excuse not to take it. I don't know if they still make this clear in the email conformation or not.
Apr 27, 2016, 7:54 am
#47
Join Date: Oct 2010
Programs: Emirates, Lufthansa, KLM, BA
Posts: 3
Actually in my case I did provide a letter from the bank stating why my card needed replaced, wasn't good enough for Emirates and they kept referring me to their website and the statement that I should have the original card with me. What swung things in my favour, eventually, was that both myself and the bank pointed out that to carry a card that had been fraudulently used and then replaced with a new card was in effect another form of fraud. Well that and having Emirates feature in a national newspaper and national TV consumer programme on their ethics........
Apr 27, 2016, 10:41 am
#48
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: SFO/SJC
Programs: UA Silver, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold
Posts: 14,889
This is very common on international carriers, particularly in Asia. I've been asked several times, especially when I was ex-India and paying with a US-based credit card. For sure with TK, TG, SQ and CX. May have been others. And your situation is why it is a good idea to make sure you read what the carrier sends you.
Singapore actually has an FAQ on this on their website about it, which says (source: http://www.singaporeair.com/faqCateg...estion-32577):
In fact, in every case I have been asked, it has been travel for me, booked with my own credit card. I know my sister-in-law had to go into an EK office to verify when she booked travel for her parents (so they didn't have to show it at check in).
For your other questions, unless you were watching the other EY pax check in, how did you know you were the only one asked. Possible - sure. Likely, probably not. As mentioned, booking through a travel agency will ensure you never need to show the card, as the TA is responsible for ensuring the carrier gets paid. If you couldn't get the card, yes, they would have likely not allowed you to travel, or could have forced you to buy a walk-up ticket.
In the US, carriers here tend not to verify anymore - I haven't seen this in years. Though several years ago, probably 10+, United did sometimes require this, and included a message in red on the e-ticket that noted you had to either show the card used for purchase at check-in, or present it at a ticket office prior to travel.
Singapore actually has an FAQ on this on their website about it, which says (source: http://www.singaporeair.com/faqCateg...estion-32577):
When you use your credit/debit card on our website, our fraud detection tool uses several types of information in your booking – such as the amount charged, your point of departure and destinations. A sophisticated algorithm determines the risk level of your payment transaction. If the risk level of your booking is high – for instance, if the charge exceeds a certain amount in your local currency – you’ll be required to verify your credit/debit card in person, as well as provide photo identification. This verification process protects you against credit/debit card fraud and ensures your security as you use your credit/debit card on our website.
For your other questions, unless you were watching the other EY pax check in, how did you know you were the only one asked. Possible - sure. Likely, probably not. As mentioned, booking through a travel agency will ensure you never need to show the card, as the TA is responsible for ensuring the carrier gets paid. If you couldn't get the card, yes, they would have likely not allowed you to travel, or could have forced you to buy a walk-up ticket.
In the US, carriers here tend not to verify anymore - I haven't seen this in years. Though several years ago, probably 10+, United did sometimes require this, and included a message in red on the e-ticket that noted you had to either show the card used for purchase at check-in, or present it at a ticket office prior to travel.
Apr 27, 2016, 10:15 pm
#49
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 9,307
I agree, and I've fallen foul of this myself with EK. However, the issue was addressed and rectified long before I got to the airport and was potentially denied boarding.
Apr 27, 2016, 10:31 pm
#50
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Abu Dhabi
Programs: EY Platinum
Posts: 1,609
This happened to me with a credit card that I'd lost in between booking the tickets and flying. In the end I had to buy last minute, full fare tickets as they simply wouldn't budge. And this was in Abu Dhabi.
May 1, 2016, 9:09 am
#51
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: san francisco
Programs: No airline status whatsoever, Chase URs, HHonors Diamond, IHG Platinum
Posts: 567
This is one of the oddest "rules" ever, I think. I'm sure it's something to do with fraud, but it's just counter-intuitive. If the card you booked with expires before your flight and you don't want to renew it, what's the result then? Bring the expired card with you? It makes no sense to me.
May 30, 2016, 10:59 pm
#52
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Kobe, Japan
Programs: Bonvoy Platinum, IHG Diamond, Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 1,532
No CC in Japan
Had my wallet stolen along with the cc I used to book an ANA flight.
However the replacement card, plus my Japanese driver's license, was enough to get the OK. Took about 3 minutes to get things cleared up.
As long is the ticket is in the name of the same same as the card, and there is a matching passport, I don't see how fraud is all that likely.
However the replacement card, plus my Japanese driver's license, was enough to get the OK. Took about 3 minutes to get things cleared up.
As long is the ticket is in the name of the same same as the card, and there is a matching passport, I don't see how fraud is all that likely.