Can't do online check-in - must see agent
Sep 30, 2011, 9:58 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,849
Can't do online check-in - must see agent
Trying to check-in for a Canada-US flight. I enter my passport information and the system boots me out, telling me I need to see an AC agent to confirm my travel document. Passport is Canadian with several years of validity left. Any idea what's up?
Sep 30, 2011, 10:10 am
#4
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: YQR
Posts: 2,741
Yes, it might be SSSS, but it can also be a simple document check by AC. I've had this happen before. I think they do a random check sometimes. It is annoying if one has planned on doing no checked bags and a quick dash through security.
Sep 30, 2011, 11:43 am
#7
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 1999
Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Programs: OWEmerald; STARGold; BonvoyPlat; IHGPlat/Amb; HiltonGold; A|ClubPat; AirMilesPlat
Posts: 38,186
This has become a regular feature for US-bound flights on most airlines, no matter what your status is. I've had it on every such flight since August. They want to confirm passport even though this information should now be on file and one does fill out the preflight info form when doing OLCI. Just another hassle on the part of our friends below the border! Wish they'd integrate the NEXUS/GE/Trusted Traveler data bases so there'd be no need for such visual confirmation...though that may well be the reason. If we are registered for NEXUS/GE it means we'd never see anyone who'd check our passport photo against but then again, why is that necessary since our iris or fingerprints would have to be scanned. Dumb, dumb, dumb! Has nothing to do with SSSS.
Sep 30, 2011, 12:28 pm
#9
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: YYZ
Programs: AC*SE 2MM
Posts: 16,647
When will the system be able to cross-reference from your passport number to determine that you are a Nexus member?
Sep 30, 2011, 7:19 pm
#10
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: YUL
Programs: Aeroplan
Posts: 446
That would involve government databases being available to private companies (the airlines). Pretty sure a lot of people would have a problem with that, even if it meant a more seamless process for others.
Sep 30, 2011, 7:54 pm
#11
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Toronto, NYC, somewhere on planet Earth
Programs: UA 1K, AA ExPlat, Hyatt Diamond, SPG Plat, Marriott Gold
Posts: 8,289
I have had an ongoing issue with inability to check-in online. This was when I did not use my Aeroplan # with my account. As a result, my name (or something similar) was on a 'list' which required verification of identification by an agent. The agent would then call into AC security and they would consent to clearance.
From my understanding, the passport # cannot be used to bypass the security question unless there is physical verification by an agent.
This may not be your situation, but if you need more details to figure out if this is what is happening and possible contacts, please PM me.
From my understanding, the passport # cannot be used to bypass the security question unless there is physical verification by an agent.
This may not be your situation, but if you need more details to figure out if this is what is happening and possible contacts, please PM me.
Sep 30, 2011, 9:22 pm
#12
Suspended
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Calgary, Alberta
Programs: Hyatt Diamond, Fairmont Platinum, Aeroplan Diamond, HHonors Gold, SPG Gold
Posts: 18,686
I have had an ongoing issue with inability to check-in online. This was when I did not use my Aeroplan # with my account. As a result, my name (or something similar) was on a 'list' which required verification of identification by an agent. The agent would then call into AC security and they would consent to clearance.
From my understanding, the passport # cannot be used to bypass the security question unless there is physical verification by an agent.
This may not be your situation, but if you need more details to figure out if this is what is happening and possible contacts, please PM me.
From my understanding, the passport # cannot be used to bypass the security question unless there is physical verification by an agent.
This may not be your situation, but if you need more details to figure out if this is what is happening and possible contacts, please PM me.
Checking in OGG this year, I was typing all of my travel document info on my BB when the line at the airport stalled..
But leaving LAX, everything was programmed into the computer, and I easily OLCI at the hotel, before checking out.. All personal info was preprogrammed in and no hassle..
Oct 1, 2011, 8:20 am
#13
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: NB, Canada
Programs: Fairmont, Amex MR, Marriott
Posts: 2,531
This has become a regular feature for US-bound flights on most airlines, no matter what your status is. I've had it on every such flight since August. They want to confirm passport even though this information should now be on file and one does fill out the preflight info form when doing OLCI. Just another hassle on the part of our friends below the border! Wish they'd integrate the NEXUS/GE/Trusted Traveler data bases so there'd be no need for such visual confirmation...though that may well be the reason. If we are registered for NEXUS/GE it means we'd never see anyone who'd check our passport photo against but then again, why is that necessary since our iris or fingerprints would have to be scanned. Dumb, dumb, dumb! Has nothing to do with SSSS.
She can however do OLCI for inter US flights.
Last edited by drwilliams; Oct 1, 2011 at 8:21 am Reason: add data point