Originally Posted by
Often1
1. No. OP's friend is due nothing.
2. TSA checks passports for ID purposes only.
3. Carriers do check passports (and other docs) because they are liable to a significant fine and all of the costs associated with repatriating the pax if he is denied entry based on insufficient docs.
4. IDB applies to oversold situations only. Urban myth to use it for other stuff.
All it takes is for one pax on that carrier to have been denied entry somewhere in the EU based upon a torn or otherwise loused up passport and it's easier to offload the pax than to run the risk.
1. Perhaps the OP's acquaintance is due something from KLM even if in your desires you don't/do wish him to be.
2. TSA checks passports for ID and other purposes sometimes. They sometimes even ETD swab them or their holders still.
3. Significant fines for denied admission don't lawfully apply in situations like that of the OP's acquaintance when he is a recognized admissible citizen of the country/area to which he is headed.
4. IDB applies for more than just oversold situations. Note that US rules are not the only ones applicable.