FOID Meaning on Airline Tickets

Key Takeaways:

FOID means “Form of Identification,” crucial in confirming passenger identity and ensuring travel security during the ticketing process.
FOID aids identity verification, regulatory compliance, and simplifies check-in by linking valid identification to the electronic ticket.
Common FOID types include passports, driver’s licenses, national ID cards, frequent flyer numbers, and credit cards.

What Does FOID Mean on an Airline Ticket?

When travelers book airline tickets, they often encounter the term FOID. But what exactly does FOID signify, and why is it so essential in the ticketing process?

What is FOID?

FOID stands for “Form of Identification.” It is a special service request (SSR) code utilized in airline reservations to confirm that passenger identification details have been collected and verified. FOID plays a critical role in electronic ticketing, ensuring that the ticket is issued to the correct individual and enhancing travel security.

Why is FOID Important?

Identity Verification
FOID serves to confirm the passenger’s identity, helping to prevent fraud by ensuring the ticket is used by the rightful person.
Regulatory Compliance
Many airlines and regulatory bodies mandate a valid form of identification be linked to an electronic ticket. This adherence to security protocols helps enhance passenger safety.
Seamless Check-In
Having a FOID linked to the ticket simplifies the check-in process at the airport, allowing for quick verification of the passenger’s identity against the provided identification.

What Are Common Forms of Identification Used for FOID?

The FOID can be one of several types of identification documents. Below are the most common forms:
– Passport (PP)
Usually required for international travel.
– Driver’s License (DL)
Often used for domestic flights within a country.
– National Identity Card (NI)
Utilized in countries where national ID cards are the norm.
– Frequent Flyer Number (FF)
Applicable to passengers who are members of an airline’s frequent flyer program.
– Credit Card (CC)
Occasionally used when the ticket was purchased using a credit card.

In addition to these, the TSA and airlines also accept other forms of identification for travel purposes:
– DHS Trusted Traveler Cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
– U.S. Military ID
– Permanent Resident Card
– Border Crossing Card
– Federally Recognized Tribal-Issued Photo ID
– HSPD-12 PIV Card
– Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
– U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
– U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential
– Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)

How Is FOID Used in Ticketing?

When booking a flight, whether through a travel agent or an online system, the passenger is prompted to enter a form of identification. This information is then stored in the Passenger Name Record (PNR) and linked to the electronic ticket. For instance, if a passport is used, the entry might look something like this:

SRFOIDYY-PP123456789

In this context:
– SR stands for the transaction code.
– FOID indicates the form of identification.
– YY is the airline code.
– PP is the code for a passport.
– 123456789 is the passport number.

What Are the Mandatory FOID Requirements?

Some airlines have mandatory FOID requirements, meaning that a valid FOID entry is essential for ticket issuance. If the FOID is missing, the system generates an error message, and ticketing is blocked until the required information is provided. This keeps security regulations intact and helps prevent identity-related issues.

What Should Passengers Know About FOID?

Passengers must ensure they provide accurate and up-to-date identification information when booking their flights. Any discrepancy between the FOID and the actual identification document presented at the airport can result in delays or even denial of boarding.

How Does FOID Impact Travel for Infants and Children?

For domestic flights within the United States, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) does not require identification for children under 18. However, airlines may still demand a FOID SSR for children, which could be a passport number, birth certificate number, or the parent/guardian’s identification details. For international travel, all passengers, including infants, generally need a passport.

What Is the Relationship Between FOID and the Secure Flight Program?

FOID relates to the U.S. Secure Flight program, which requires airlines to collect passenger identification details and send them to the TSA for watchlist matching before departure. The identification information in the FOID field is used as part of this vetting process.

Example: FOID in Airline Reservations

An example of a FOID entry in airline reservations can look something like this:

SRFOIDAA-PPUS1234567890

In this example:
– SR indicates a special service request.
– FOID is for Form of Identification.
– AA is the airline code, in this case, American Airlines.
– PP means passport.
– US represents the country issuing the passport, here the United States.
– 1234567890 is the passport number.

If the FOID applies to all airlines on an itinerary, the airline code “YY” can be used.

What About Future Changes in Identification Requirements?

It’s essential for travelers to stay updated on changing identification requirements. Starting May 7, 2025, for instance, travelers in the United States will need a REAL ID-compliant form of identification for domestic air travel. This includes REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses, marked with a star on the top of the card.

Where Can You Find Authoritative Information on Travel Identification?

For the most current and authoritative information on travel identification requirements, travelers should consult official government sources. One such source is the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) website, which provides comprehensive details on acceptable forms of identification, new regulations like REAL ID, and other relevant travel security information.

Conclusion

FOID is an integral part of the airline ticketing process, ensuring that a valid form of identification is linked to the electronic ticket. This fundamental step enhances passenger security, simplifies check-ins, and ensures regulatory compliance. As detailed by VisaVerge.com, travelers should always double-check their identification information to ensure a smooth travel experience. Whether for domestic or international travel, understanding and adhering to FOID requirements is critical for a hassle-free journey.

Learn Today:

Immigration Glossary

FOID (Form of Identification): A special service request code used in airline reservations to confirm and verify the identity of passengers, ensuring the correct issuance of electronic tickets and enhancing travel security.
Passenger Name Record (PNR): A record in the database of an airline or travel agency that contains the itinerary for a passenger or a group of passengers traveling together, linked to their identification details.
Secure Flight Program: A U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) initiative that requires airlines to collect and submit passenger identification details for watchlist matching to enhance aviation security.
Electronic Ticket (E-ticket): A digital version of a paper ticket, which is stored in an airline’s database and linked to the passenger’s identification, used for booking and boarding flights.
REAL ID: A U.S. federal requirement for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards to meet certain security standards to be accepted for domestic air travel and accessing certain federal facilities starting May 7, 2025.

This Article In A Nutshell:

FOID on an airline ticket stands for “Form of Identification.” It verifies the passenger’s ID, ensuring the ticket is used by the rightful person. Common FOIDs include passports, driver’s licenses, and national ID cards, enhancing travel security and streamlining the check-in process. Always double-check your ID information.
— By VisaVerge.com

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