So based on previous threads on here, there is some checkmark you have to uncheck when booking flights for others when you are not traveling with them. Seen posters state this even with corporate credit cards.
If you have enough evidence, file a claim with your credit card. Most likely you’re getting to win this. If they billed you money and you never received the goods, and delta do not cooperate, you can have a chargeback. With enough evidence you should win this.
The potential problem with doing this is that you risk being banned from using that card or even card holder with that company if you do this. You'll get the money back but it'll be the last time you'll be able to be a customer with them (unless you e our spouse's account going forward or something like that).
They may track your credit card. But if you book for someone else, it’s the card that’s going to be flagged. And if you’re truly a frequent traveler with them, you know how to do it right. I rather not spend any additional penny with a company that doesn’t want to make things right and steals from you. Because it’s exactly what this case is.
This is what I think is crazy about people saying "charge back!" All the time. Especially when we're talking about valuable accounts like airline loyalty accounts.
Though, I rather not be able to fly with them then. I don’t understand why they have the right to steal my money and then ban you for making it right. You’re not stealing them. If it’s the value of a company you want to spend your dollars….
Generally, there are customer service options. Generally if you're not yelling at the CSR, they can help. Charge backs are a nuclear option. They've always been designed as such, but people are starting to act like it's the second option instead of last.
I'm not super familiar with booking flights for others on Delta, but I feel like it's probably on there somewhere that you need to uncheck the box. So, in their eyes, they told you what's up, then you clawed the money back because you didn't read the instructions. In their eyes, you're a toxic customer, and they have every right to refuse service to customers they think are toxic, or will lose them money.
Is it fair? Probably not. But, it does make sense for their side.
Or data! My coworker just did a chargeback to Microsoft for a massive and obvious error that he gave them almost 90 days to fix. They retaliated by deleting all of his data and virtual servers.
I recently booked a flight over the phone too so now I'm scared this is gonna happen to me lol
I have a confirmation number and can see my flight in the delta app; is there anything else I need to check to make sure my ticket does actually exist?
I had a confirmation number that showed in my app as well as an email with the ticket information. so I was completely caught by surprise when I went to check in the day before and the ticket apparently did not exist.
Honestly there were zero indications anything was amiss before the flight. The issue ended up being the redemption of some e credits, so if that’s how you booked, maybe call to be sure your reservation is not suspended
I’ve booked through an agent for booking in mixed fares/cabins, using an ecredit thwt the website wouldn’t let me use for some reason, unaccompanied minors, and getting the cabin class I want when it shows unavailable online ;’(even though the seats are empty it doesn’t allow me to book that class as that option isn’t available in the partner airline.
I don’t do it often but it is sometimes necessary.
The only time I book by phone is if I've held a reservation for some reason and I have a credit or voucher. I found that once a flight is put on hold, the system sometimes won't let you use your credit to pay for it. In that case you have to call and have an agent manually enter your credit for you.
I’ve done it a lot to change flights because the website breaks and flashes an error saying the price changed while checking out even though it didn’t. Some glitch in their system.
Often when things get screwed up so you NEED help, the app can't do what you need. The last time I had a Delta flight canceled, I couldn't rebook via the app. It didn't even show that option like AA did for me in December. I called, waited on hold I think for three hours, and then was able to get a flight less than 30 minutes away. Simple. If I had just depended on the app, I don't think I could have ever been able to get home.
i had to cancel a flight and a delta rep waved the $199 cancelation fee for me and I got a full refund in e-credits
i was told to use these additional $199 in e-credits i need to book my new flight through an agent (actually i had to book through their chat which was surprisingly easy)
but yeah otherwise i would never even think about booking a flight on the phone/chat
I’ve had to do it when vouchers (during Covid) didn’t show up on my app. Only the agent on the phone could get the to apply, for some reason.
Sometimes same-day, even days in advance, changes give an error saying you have to call.
Had to book over the phone because their system kept charging partial amounts of the airfare as holds instead of the whole thing (typically 10%, which for a several thousand dollar trip adds up quickly over a few attempts), and that’s when I could actually get a payment attempt to go through and ultimately fail on the website or app. That was a very frustrating few days, watching to make sure the price didn’t shoot up while I waited for the weird 10% charges from the “failed” hold charges to drop off to be safe.
The only thing that saved my first impression using Delta for a massive trip purchase like this was how nice and helpful the phone CSRs were, because their system(s) obviously suck. If I hadn’t already purchased two large amount Delta gift cards the week before to have plenty of breathing room on my card, I absolutely would have given up and booked with United or American for the trip.
That’s not what happened to me, though. I received my flight confirmation and saw the flight in my app in the weeks leading up to the trip. I’d booked a seat and everything. There were zero indications that anything was amiss with my reservation until I tried to check in.
I booked myself and my husband and the same time (over the phone) using e credits. My ticket ended up suspended, he was able to check in. The delta agent said it was a fraud prevention thing, and that my ticket never existed because the e credits were improperly applied
Just an an FYI in case this happens to anyone else. This exact thing happened to me but it turned out I thought I was talking to an agent on the phone but actually talking to a scammer. I googled the ticket agent number and the #1 response and automated google response at the top of the search were both the same (fake) customer service number. Thankfully, my spidy senses were tingling talking to the “agent” and I immediately canceled my card after hanging up. I contacted the real ticket agent later and informed them what happened. They somehow fixed google within the week but if it happened once, it can happen again.
I've had plenty of flights where you try to do it online, only to have the final page say that something went wrong and that you can complete your booking (which is price reserved thankfully) by calling.
i've been buying tickets online since before the airlines had their own sites and never had an issue. same for buying tickets for family. i have them all in my united and delta profiles and just select who the ticket is for
I tried so many times to book through the website but it didn't work. I tried the app. Same thing as well.
That's when I tried a customer service agent and it worked.
For future reference, always have them read back the name on the ticket. This didn't happen to you this time, but I think three times Delta put the name from the credit card on both the credit card transaction and the ticket when I booked. The second time, that cost me about three times more for the ticket because between the morning when I paid for it and when I checked my email and noticed the wrong name, the price went up from around $500 to almost $1,500. Delta required me to pay the higher price even though I noticed it within 24 hours.
I booked a flight for my daughter’s fiancé. I called to find out what to do as he did not have the booking credit card and was coming from out of the country. I was told to visit the nearest airport and they checked the booking and added a special note to the flight. They needed to verify the credit card in person.
The airlines need to make it more clear that you can verify the CC at any airport and only need to do it once for the whole itinerary. Delta puts this on a pop-up message only AFTER selecting the flights, seats, and tyring to pay: "In order to proceed with your booking you need to present the following documents at the airport on or before the day of travel: --credit card used for the purchase -- Photo identification. Otherwise you will be DENIED TRAVEL."
No small print explaining anything beyond that. Such incredibly bad communication. Which ends up costing them money since I used up plenty of their reps' time in calling, chatting and posting [x.com](http://x.com) when a more thorough message would have saved them all of that!
Employee here, so this is a thing to prevent fraud. Sometimes it happens depending on the country you're flying out of or into as it may be a country known for more fraud. If their flight is tomorrow you as the credit card holder can go to your nearest airport and show the CC and the reservation and it'll fix the problem otherwise the card will have to match a passengers name. It sucks absolutely 100% but it is a fraud prevention they do randomly
Exactly, when I booked my flight to Nairobi, I was given several reminders and pop ups on the Delta site that told I had to show the cc when I checked in. They made it very clear. And yes, they asked.
I've never understood exactly how this prevents fraud. The vast majority of plane tickets are booked in advance, so if fraud occurred, then it occurred weeks or months ago, didn't it?
Not always possible. I needed to buy a ticket for my college-aged kid and she doesn't have a CC yet. I think this is a recent change and not common knowledge yet. So while she's applied for a CC, she hasn't received it yet and I needed to book her ticket now. Lots of reasons why someone may want to pay for another person's trip.
Companion passes starting this year will include some international travel. Although usually they’re used to fly someone with you (not fly other people without you).
Correct, but my statement stands based on the fact that it's from more fraudulent countries and it's literally only a miniscule amount of times this happens. Plus if it's an Amex especially a Delta branded one it's less likely to be flagged in the system. I'm just passing along why it's happening 🤷🏻
That’s interesting info. I have travel agents book on my behalf sometimes but I’m not usually in a situation of buying a ticket for someone who is not traveling with me.
That's not always possible. My credit card company has different limitations on names and characters than [aa.com](http://aa.com) or their iOS app have so my tickets never match my credit card name. I assume Delta does too. My credit card also doesn't match my passport name. There's tons of different conventions in just the US for names, much less the world, so you're being very provincial and closed-minded.
I'm sorry you took my comment negatively, it was only telling another option. Nothing to do with being closed-minded it's just an example of something else that can be done. Again as I stated before it happens very rarely and is mostly for fraudulent countries. It's not new and has been around for years and is to prevent credit card theft. Also as I stated prior to the trip all that's required is going to your nearest airport showing the card and ID and it erases the flag. If you don't agree with this I would suggest filling out a complaint form on Delta.com.
If you read some other replies, this applies to travel to or from certain countries only, and African countries were mentioned a few times. The OP said parents and grandchild were traveling from LOS. So this situation may not apply to you
Mine is a crap airport just 20 min away, makes me also want to go to the airport and buy the ticket in cash. Mass has a law that points of sale are required to accept cash payment (bc cashless buyer discrimination). I doubt they actually could handle it at my local airport...
That's why when you go to Cashless facilities like six flags or sporting events they have a free machine to allow you to put money on a gift card to use at the facility. They will also have to refund the remainder.
What? I've paid cash hundreds of times for flights. I usually get that stupid SSSS and harassed and have to deal with the racist TSA, but do they not commonly accept cash now? I haven't paid cash in a few years.
I could just see an airline like Spirit adding a surcharge for cash. My favorite pizza place already charges a 50% to pay with cash then all of their employees sing happy birthday to you after you pay. It's so annoying. WTF are you supposed to do when they're singing to you, especially when it isn't even your birthday?
Except you don't have three hours since the plane is about to board. These fanbois get so emotional and irrational when trying to defend their fanboism.
Since you're an employee, can you run it up the flagpole that Delta needs to have clearer explanations on their website? I was booking my daughter's flight to Zanzibar yesterday (she's a college student studying abroad) and got this message: ""In order to proceed with your booking you need to present the following documents at the airport on or before the day of travel: --credit card used for the purchase -- Photo identification. Otherwise you will be DENIED TRAVEL."
It's not at all clear that this only needs to be done once and can be done from any airport with a Delta counter. I interpreted it to mean that she could be denied travel when trying to leave at the end of her term, to return home! It took several calls, chats and my posting on [x.com](http://x.com) to get to the explanation that I only have to do this once. Please, have this explained more fully on your site! Thank you.
Gotcha I do agree our wording on the website is shit sometimes. I can put in a word but I also recommend posting exactly what you said to me here on Delta's comment/complaint form on Delta.com at the bottom of the page. That 100% does get looked at. I'll put in a form on my end as well.
But it seems like you cancel the entire flight. Seems like there could be an alert along with the online check in email. “FYI you’ve been chosen for a random check….”
I just booked a flight for my mother and contacted support to ask if this would be a problem, they told me the ticket does not indicate it would be an issue. I have avoided booking directly for 5 years because it almost happened to my father. By luck I was the one to check him in. But there was a ticket that was priced only on Delta's website and I had no choice. I did ask the support person, is it not protocol to at least make that request ahead so we aren't blind sided. Her response was its totally random. My question for you is, at one point do they flag that check-in? In other words, support assured me my ticket is good, but can that change the day of check-in or even tomorrow for all that matter.
Employee here as well, isn’t it funny how it’s usually Jamaica, Nigeria, Ghana, Johannesburg, etc…those are the places that usually get flagged for confirmation on my end. Funnier thing is they never have the physical card in hand to show proof 🤷🏾♀️. Take this (how may I help you) card and call reservation…
Ticketing Support Here...Delta has whats called High Risk Stations and if you are flying from/to from US they will have you present your card anytime before flight at nearest airport or at time of check in
Benin - COO
Burkina Faso -OUA
Cameroon - DLA
Ivory Coast - ABJ
Democratic Republic of Congo - FIH
Gabon - LBV
Ghana - ACC
Guinea - CKY
Liberia - ROB
Mali - BKO
Niger - NIM
Nigeria - LOS
Togo - LFW
Vietnam - SGN/HAN
All high risk countries..now if you booked with agent he should have relayed that information to you as he was making payment because the system prompts them to make the customer aware
Was this for an international trip? I fly internationally a lot, and I've had to do this when I fly to certain countries. However, in the process of purchasing tickets, Delta always lets you know that you have to provide the credit card you purchased the tickets with at check-in. So, if you follow those guidelines posted in the process of buying tickets, you'll have your credit card with you, and there will be no problem.
> I've had to do this when I fly to certain countries.
OP said in another reply the itinerary was LOS-ATL, and for those that don't want to google LOS, its Lagos, Nigeria.
Yeah, unfortunately Lagos has these requirements. Happened with my mom once. Luckily they were able to change the flight for the same price at the airport.
That sucks as I book flights for my parents and sister/her family to come see us all the time. Those family members are also saved passengers in my app profile, so maybe that helps?
Wonder why it’s a requirement to have the same credit card. Seriously, you booked and sadly you lost it ! Really ? A credit card is not a passport. In flying United, and never I had them asking for my credit card at any time. This is stupid rule that want me to stay away from delta.
It’s specific to certain countries. One of those countries (which was where the OPs relatives were traveling from) has been known to have a proliferation of very wealthy princes who would really like your help in transferring that wealth in return for beaucoup bling.
And people change credit cards too. I changed for a $500 bonus and a higher credit limit then got screwed on a refund from a different airline because they claimed they couldn't do the refund without the card.
Yeah. This is also another issue. Some stores require to swipe the original credit card to process a refund. If they want they can credit other cards too. I can see an issue here when refunded on original method of payment.
Why?
I've mostly seen airlines in the developing world state this policy but I have never actually seen in enforced in the wild.
If they don't let you board, as a part of fraud protection, then they should automatically give you the money back, because then what's the point?. If they aren't immediately reimbursing the card for failing to pass fraud protection, money needs to be returned, otherwise it is just creating needless bureaucracy to deny service.
I hear what you’re saying. But someone was saying there are checkboxes, especially if a company pays with company card or if you gift someone.
In this case, how is this fraud protection works?
Someone who wants to fraud will know exactly how to do it.
Also, unless it’s purchased in a last minute, you see the transaction and you can dispute right away. People not enabling notifications for charges on their credit card, well, not sure what to call them.
Anyway, not sure it’s stopping someone from fraudulently using a credit card. Therefore, no value in this hassle.
I don't fault them for doing it. I fault them for not explaining more thoroughly on their website the reasons why and also how to verify. Their message, after going through ALL THE WORK of booking a very complicated flight (Portland to Zanzibar) makes it seem that the person whose CC is used needs to be at the airport on both sides of the trip, coming and going. It turns out if you purchase for someone else, you can get your card verified for the trip at any point at the Delta airport and it's good for round trip.
Unfortunately this is a thing for a lot of international point-of-sale trips from what Delta regards as high fraud countries, of which LOS/Nigeria counts. Usually if the card is not present, the passenger can use a card on them for the same amount, though that can be a very unpleasant surprise.
There are usually warnings about needing to present the card. Card fraud detection has advanced considerably since this policy was implemented, and I'm surprised that Delta has not gone to more identity verification methods like 3D Secure and risk scoring to retire this specific policy.
Former Delta customer service agent at the airport. Sometimes, the system will flag reservations that is booked with a credit card of a person not traveling in the same reservation. There is no way to get around this. The best way to avoid this is to call Delta at time of booking and explaining to them the situation so they can manually clear you (ahead of time)!! It's to avoid fraudulent transactions!
As I understand it, only if the agent has a previous agreement with Delta and they notify Delta when they make the reservation. We still get asked for the corporate credit card sometimes when checking in. The last time, the gate agent didn't know how to react to my comment that I didn't even know the person that booked my flight. Uhh. Not everyone in every company nows each other.
Please have Delta update their website with this info. It's not at all clear that you can get it verified at any Delta airport and that doing so will verify for the whole round trip. It makes it seem that passenger would be denied travel when returning (in my case, my college-aged daughter returning from Zanzibar)!
It is common at some airports due to fraud or human trafficking. One reason to be careful if you use ApplePay, which generates a different number each time you use it
I've experienced at some airports in Asia and one time in Europe. I have heard, some countries in Africa this happens
This happened to me flying to Ghana. However when I bought the ticket a small pop appeared that said bring the credit card to check in. Obviously I forgot the day of bc I bought the ticket 6 months earlier. Regardless delta honored the original flight price and I just put the charge on a new card at the check in counter.
> some countries in Africa this happens
Even going to there. I traveled to Africa, Nairobi to be specific, with a couple of family members in December and we had to show the credit card at check in at ATL, and in this case the cardholder was one of the travelers. When I booked it for us, there was a warning clear as day on Delta.com that said you will need to show the card used for purchase at check in.
Yes, but that warning does NOT say that you can verify it once and it's good for the whole trip. For me, I was booking a flight for my college-aged daughter to go to Tanzania and I won't be flying with her, nor at the airport on her return flight. Delta needs to make that more clear on their warning.
Apple Pay doesn’t use a different number each time. Same number each time (diff number if it’s on a diff device, I believe) - just different than the number on card - go into your wallet or settings and you’ll see the Apple Pay card number.
You could be right, but I do want to point out [the following from Apple](https://learn.applepay.apple/security-us).
"Your physical card details are your business. And Apple Pay keeps those card details — card number, expiration date, and CVV number — hidden. Making a purchase shouldn’t expose your sensitive card details"
"Apple Pay uses device-specific numbers and unique transaction codes to help keep your purchases secure."
From what understand, the system was designed with enough uniqueness to reduce a compromise by skimming attacks from a compromised tap to pay reader and tracking by a retailer.
The key reason why some retailers, like Wal-Mart, don't take Apple Pay is because they cannot track an individual's purchases. They asked Apple to provide the master account number associated with the anonymized transaction data and Apple declined.
So caveat emptor
Walmart doesn’t take Apple Pay because they want people using their own digital payment system that gives them a cut. It’s not about tracking purchases so much as being pissed they aren’t getting a payout.
And make sure you have a card you can do an imprint of. To save money asshole banks like Bank of America cheapout on their credit cards and don't emboss them. That means like for your hotel for incidentals, airline, or any other use, they can't get an imprint. Apple cards have the same horrific problem.
Our corporate card for a while didn't have embossed numbers so we had to pay $500 cash out of pocket for incidentals on hotel check ins to the chain we contracted with. Then checkouts were such a pain because you had to wait until they had someone free to verify how much of the $500 they should return.
As far as airlines, I haven't had a US airline do this in a while, but I have had airlines make an imprint of the card when they couldn't call it in. I got stuck with two coworkers in Dniper, Ukraine, and fortunately I had a card with real embossed numbers so I could buy a ticket to get the hell out of there. The funny thing was we had already offered the agent my brand new MacBook, but he wouldn't take it. The tickets ended up being I think less than $100. He made a mistake. I did something right by making sure I had a real credit card.
Every major issuer has moved toward non-embossed cards, not just BoA and Apple.
If I were you, I’d be much more concerned about a hotel (or airline) keeping physical copies of card info instead of storing it in a safe, encrypted electronic database that can’t be arbitrarily perused by an unscrupulous employee.
This happens to me occasionally. They will ask for the card that paid for the ticket, I asked why and was told they require it “at the agents discretion and on routes that have a higher incidence of fraud”
The same question remains where in the flow would they even ask for your card? If you have checked bags you can pay with a credit card at the kiosk or curbside check in. There is no place they would validate the card
Also on the app, you can explicitly say “I’m not flying” amd buy a ticket for someone else.
>The same question remains where in the flow would they even ask for your card?
It's the card that was used to pay for the ticket.
Maybe OP didn't check the "I'm not flying" box? I didn't even notice it exists honestly.
The I'm not flying box is just a workflow box in the checkout on the app or the website to remove you from the list of passengers and remove the autocomplete data from your profile as passenger one on the booking It has nothing to do with this question.
That still doesn’t answer the question.
You check in online or at the kiosk - if you don’t have checked luggage, no need for a credit card.
If you do have checked luggage and use a different card, they aren’t going to flag anything
You go through security with your physical boarding pass or it’s on your phone, they aren’t going to ask for your credit card.
You get to the gate and they scan your boarding pass. They won’t ask there either.
Where do they get to ask you for your credit card?
Dawg, on international flights you often have to go to the check in desk and show your passport regardless of if you check-in online. You're confused because you don't know what the fuck is going on. Sit back and read a bit instead of hammering away at stupid ass questions. Fuck.
Yes because he was really specific about the scenario and we were suppose to pull that information out of which orifice?
And why are you talking like a four year old with Tourette’s?
It’s at check-in. Not all international flights let you check in on your phone.
If it was domestic, they could have just used the digital boarding passes and been fine.
This is an international problem not a domestic problem. So where in the flow is at the point the passports are checked during check-in. This is not a ticket that you can get a boarding pass issued on the app. At least not until these checks have been finished and the boarding pass is released to the app by the check-in employee who could equally just print you a paper boarding pass.
Count yourself as lucky. I can't check in using the app when I buy an International ticket for personal travel or if it's purchased with a corporate card for work.
You see that with certain markets and then just certain orders get flagged. I kind of wish they would flag the order for fraud right away and you'd know there's an issue with using a different credit card or something.
This. I totally get fraud prevention, but waiting until check-in is wrong. It's probably fine 99% of the time, but there are plenty of reasonable cases like OP's where this policy harms the traveler and it might've been easy for OP to solve if they'd known right away.
That is an anti fraud thing. Especially when you purchase the ticket last minute and the name on the ticket vs the fliers don’t match.
Not delta nor their agent’s fault. It’s done to protect you.
How does this work for those booked with virtual cards, PayPal or downgraded/upgraded cards well in advance? Do you hold onto proof that you ever held the card?
You have to pay again for the flight at most likely a much more expensive price. You lose out on everything you've already paid.
I had this happen after paying for a flight with a Visa gift card I got from a class action lawsuit. Months later when at the airport, I didn't have the empty and expired (it was past the six month expiration date on the card) card with me. My $90 Delta flight(yes, this was a few years ago) turned into a $400 ticket plus I had no way of getting the $90 back. Thanks Delta.
Ah, I'd feared as much. Sorry to hear that happened to you. I have a number of upcoming flights that were booked last year on a card that is no longer active. I'll try to be prepared just in case.
Oh wow. I haven't seen that in like...twenty years.
That used to be a huge thing. Our firm was always booking with a corporate card and then people were getting denied at check in because the card was in a partner's name.
I can’t believe Delta is doing this. Turkish Airlines does this. When I buy a ticket for someone Turkish Airlines go to my local airport Turkish Airlines desk show credit card sign that I used it for the ticket. I bought my friend otherwise I him not being able to check in when the day of flight comes.
Same. I've never once had this happen be it in Asia where I used to live, the US, or anywhere in the Middle East or Europe.
I've purchased my father a ticket to visit at the holidays several times. No issues on any airline.
Wow, you're lucky. It really sucks when you try to check in through the app and can't because of this. I fly out of Seattle so that means I probably need to get to the airport an hour earlier since Delta's lines are sometimes very long. It especially really sucks since the flight I usually take for work is a perfect 50 minutes after the first bus of the morning to the airport, which is the one I take, so it's super convenient. When I can't check in with the app, I have to usually spend $70 on an Uber to get to the airport early enough or take the last bus of the day and sleep in the airport. It really, really sucks.
Hmm. I paid for a flight to Asia for my daughter, and they had no problem checking her in without my card. No problem charging it for bags or in-flight Wi-Fi either, LOL!
I recently flew from the US to a country in sub-Sahara Africa. When I got to the airport to check in I was asked to produce my credit card before I could check-in. Luckily I had my card, but I've been flying back and forth to Africa for almost 10 years and I've never been asked this. I thought it was odd.
I have actually responded with policy to this before, here is round 2. When booking, there is a chance that either Delta or the bank/credit card company will see it as potential fraud.
When this happens, the reservation gets flagged, and you will be required to show the credit card used as payment at the airport.
When this happens, you show the card and are good to go. What happens if you can't show the card? You can get the original purchase refunded and purchase a new ticket at the original booking cost.
Unfortunately, the airport agents are under trained and get this wrong from time to time. If this happens, either have them call their ticketing support desk, or ask for a red coat to honor the original price.
Last option if you don't have the time is to purchase at the current cost and call reservations to get it corrected after you fly.
I regularly but tickets on American and Southwest for my son and his girlfriend using my CC. They have never been asked for my CC. Why would Delta be any different?
We had this happen to us in 2022 - but, we knew they wanted a card at check-in (from previous experience) so we asked what we should do. They told my Wife to present the card at a Delta counter with the ticket info and they'd confirm it then. She flew out of country a month ahead of me, so when I checked in, it was fine as they had already verified it (her card).
Hope this helps someone out there!
This happened to me when I used my work credit card to purchase a ticket for one of my team. They denied him a boarding pass at 4am saying he needed to present the card. They called me from the desk and I verified its use and then they issued him a boarding pass.
This is weird.
It always amazes me when a company makes the simplest thing that can be corrected with a few keystrokes incredibly difficult for a customer.
Apparently you can just go to any airport before they fly with your CC and your ID and a gate agent can verify your info and that will take care of this. Delta does NOT make that at all clear up front and yesterday, when booking a ticket for my adult daughter for int'l travel, it wouldn't allow me to book it without agreeing to show my CC at the aiport. They don't make it clear that you just have to do it once and that you can do it at any airport (so if you're buying a ticket for your parents to come visit you and they live elsewhere, you can still get it verified at your local airport. )
I was very concerned that my daughter would get stranded in Zanzibar, where she's going for the summer. It took several calls, chats and tweeting this before I got the extra info. Spread the word!
As others have mentioned, it is standard practice for those traveling to/from destinations that have heightened fraudulent activity. Many countries in Africa are on this list.
It occurred once to me as well. I was reissued the original flight as a credit and had to pay for a new flight with the credit card I had on me that day.
VERY inconvenient, and several people in my party were VERY mad, but I understand the reasoning at least.
It is a credit card fraud prevention issue. Certain destinations have higher incidences of credit card fraud. Mostly south African countries, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and Haiti to name a few. It gives you a not always noticable notifcation that the card musty be presented at check-in. Correct procedure should have been refund the original ticket to the credit card that it was purchased with, honor the same fare and use a new credit card. Call Delta for a refund and/or credit for the price difference.
Happened to us in Turks and Caicos when checking in the catch a flight to grand Turk from Caicos. My CC produces a virtual number when I make purchases online, so my cc numbers didn’t match and the gate agent gave us a hard time about it. But funny thing , the other couple with us never were asked to produce their cc.
I flew Korean air pre Covid, IAD to BKK, changing planes in ICN. Booked on a company card through delta.com. When I checked in the Korean Air agent gave me a choice: transfer to my own card (against company policy) or have someone from my work bring the card to the airport. She gave me a pass through security and a co worker brought the card to DCA delta counter, and that worked.
I've got a very complex upcoming international trip where my son and his girlfriend are flying there with me, but flying home separately, and my son purchased the tickets with my credit card. Any advice on what to do to make sure this doesn't happen to them on their way home is appreciated. I CAN go to the airport with them, but would rather not. (One flight is on Delta, another flight on Turkish air...)
Anyone know whether, if we can get the boarding pass and check in, are we safe? Or can they demand it later, e.g. when they check passports at the airport?
I remember I had this issue for a flight to Ecuador but I had lost my wallet since I had booked the flight and, of course, cancelled the card. They just rebooked me with another card. They were annoyed I hadn't told them in advance, but I had no idea it was a requirement.
Not just Delta... many if not all do this. Some airlines, Air India for example, clearly state that a self-attested copy of the CC by the CC holder (front and back) may need to be presented at the time of check-in. I have provided this to whoever I purchase a ticket for IF I am not traveling with them. But this has never happened to me or someone who I have purchased a ticket for on any airline. That said, it does happen and while I do understand the reasoning behind it, I do not necessarily like it. Follow the rules and don't get dinged for not.
This happened to my sister on AA. Her partner bought the ticket. they are in a long distance relationship and were meeting up on vacation together. She couldn’t get the card validated as her partner was already in the air.
AA wouldn’t let her pay for the ticket with her own CC, so ahead of had to make another reservation costing ~$400 more as it was last minute.
They need to make it very clear when they are doing this, sending emails and automated calls so that passengers have time to correct it before arriving at the airport which is typically too late.
This happened to us at the Bahamas airport. We didn’t have the original credit card with us. They refund me the money to the original credit card and made me buy the new tickets for the same price on a different card. It was very stressful. Give yourself enough time at the airport to do this. You will need to call Delta and do everything over the phone.
I’ve had to do this. Repurchase a $2k ticket even though I bought it on my delta card, ticket and card both in my name. I had lost my credit card the day before. Kinda sucked.
sorry this happened to you… just FYI…. you can go to your local airport next time ave show them your face and you’re credit card used… and they should make a notation on the reservation. i’d even try to ask for a photo or confirmation # if possible.
lastly, we did the above - and whomever in my parent’s city didn’t do their due diligence, so when it was time for me to leave.. they have the guy discretion on whether or not he believed i was a fraudulent flyer. meanwhile, i had my dad on the phone with his photo ID and about a million of his cc!! 🤷🏽♀️🤣 it worked out!! 😆
I have never in my life been asked to present a credit card at checkin, on any airline, even when I was younger and my parents were still buying my tickets. Totally confused. It's not illegal to buy something for someone else. It's called a gift. Tf?
This has been true for every international flight I’ve taken for a decade. When I book online I have to verify that the person flying will have the card. When I book with an agent they always ask and have me verify.
This happens when credit card fraud is suspected. If they don’t have the card on them, and you can’t get to an airport to verify it, the only option is for them to purchase a new ticket.
My family member bought me a round trip Delta ticket a few years back with her points or sky pesos. I had no problem checking in. It was so uneventful that I barely remember the check in process.
So based on previous threads on here, there is some checkmark you have to uncheck when booking flights for others when you are not traveling with them. Seen posters state this even with corporate credit cards.
It was a Delta customer service agent that booked the flight for me.
This exact thing happened to me. I had to pay $800.
It's so stupid.
Yup. An agent booked the ticket over the phone for me, and then surprise! The day before my flight I went to check in and the ticket did not exist.
If you have enough evidence, file a claim with your credit card. Most likely you’re getting to win this. If they billed you money and you never received the goods, and delta do not cooperate, you can have a chargeback. With enough evidence you should win this.
Oh, I did that! I also wrote a long complaint to delta and got some sky pesos and a voucher.
That’s not appropriate compensation at all. You should get a refund of your money Delta took and then didn’t meet contractual obligations.
He got his money back, skymiles, and a voucher? What else is there to get???
Lifetime Porsche transfers personally driven by Ed And banana exit privileges in the skyclub.
I don’t see where OP said he got his money back
The potential problem with doing this is that you risk being banned from using that card or even card holder with that company if you do this. You'll get the money back but it'll be the last time you'll be able to be a customer with them (unless you e our spouse's account going forward or something like that).
They may track your credit card. But if you book for someone else, it’s the card that’s going to be flagged. And if you’re truly a frequent traveler with them, you know how to do it right. I rather not spend any additional penny with a company that doesn’t want to make things right and steals from you. Because it’s exactly what this case is.
This is what I think is crazy about people saying "charge back!" All the time. Especially when we're talking about valuable accounts like airline loyalty accounts.
Though, I rather not be able to fly with them then. I don’t understand why they have the right to steal my money and then ban you for making it right. You’re not stealing them. If it’s the value of a company you want to spend your dollars….
Generally, there are customer service options. Generally if you're not yelling at the CSR, they can help. Charge backs are a nuclear option. They've always been designed as such, but people are starting to act like it's the second option instead of last. I'm not super familiar with booking flights for others on Delta, but I feel like it's probably on there somewhere that you need to uncheck the box. So, in their eyes, they told you what's up, then you clawed the money back because you didn't read the instructions. In their eyes, you're a toxic customer, and they have every right to refuse service to customers they think are toxic, or will lose them money. Is it fair? Probably not. But, it does make sense for their side.
Or data! My coworker just did a chargeback to Microsoft for a massive and obvious error that he gave them almost 90 days to fix. They retaliated by deleting all of his data and virtual servers.
Do keep in mind, Delta will very likely either add the cost to your next flight, or just ban your card (and possibly you) for life.
I recently booked a flight over the phone too so now I'm scared this is gonna happen to me lol I have a confirmation number and can see my flight in the delta app; is there anything else I need to check to make sure my ticket does actually exist?
I had a confirmation number that showed in my app as well as an email with the ticket information. so I was completely caught by surprise when I went to check in the day before and the ticket apparently did not exist. Honestly there were zero indications anything was amiss before the flight. The issue ended up being the redemption of some e credits, so if that’s how you booked, maybe call to be sure your reservation is not suspended
I actually did book by using e-credits, will definitely call them just to make sure everything is alright. Thanks for the heads up!
You’re welcome! Best of luck.
Just in case the worst happens: Did you get help and were able to take your initial flight?
why is booking over the phone still a thing? just curious. it takes 10X less time to book in the app
I’ve booked through an agent for booking in mixed fares/cabins, using an ecredit thwt the website wouldn’t let me use for some reason, unaccompanied minors, and getting the cabin class I want when it shows unavailable online ;’(even though the seats are empty it doesn’t allow me to book that class as that option isn’t available in the partner airline. I don’t do it often but it is sometimes necessary.
Because you can't book every type of flight on the app.
The only time I book by phone is if I've held a reservation for some reason and I have a credit or voucher. I found that once a flight is put on hold, the system sometimes won't let you use your credit to pay for it. In that case you have to call and have an agent manually enter your credit for you.
I’ve done it a lot to change flights because the website breaks and flashes an error saying the price changed while checking out even though it didn’t. Some glitch in their system.
Often when things get screwed up so you NEED help, the app can't do what you need. The last time I had a Delta flight canceled, I couldn't rebook via the app. It didn't even show that option like AA did for me in December. I called, waited on hold I think for three hours, and then was able to get a flight less than 30 minutes away. Simple. If I had just depended on the app, I don't think I could have ever been able to get home.
i had to cancel a flight and a delta rep waved the $199 cancelation fee for me and I got a full refund in e-credits i was told to use these additional $199 in e-credits i need to book my new flight through an agent (actually i had to book through their chat which was surprisingly easy) but yeah otherwise i would never even think about booking a flight on the phone/chat
I’ve had to do it when vouchers (during Covid) didn’t show up on my app. Only the agent on the phone could get the to apply, for some reason. Sometimes same-day, even days in advance, changes give an error saying you have to call.
Had to book over the phone because their system kept charging partial amounts of the airfare as holds instead of the whole thing (typically 10%, which for a several thousand dollar trip adds up quickly over a few attempts), and that’s when I could actually get a payment attempt to go through and ultimately fail on the website or app. That was a very frustrating few days, watching to make sure the price didn’t shoot up while I waited for the weird 10% charges from the “failed” hold charges to drop off to be safe. The only thing that saved my first impression using Delta for a massive trip purchase like this was how nice and helpful the phone CSRs were, because their system(s) obviously suck. If I hadn’t already purchased two large amount Delta gift cards the week before to have plenty of breathing room on my card, I absolutely would have given up and booked with United or American for the trip.
[удалено]
That’s not what happened to me, though. I received my flight confirmation and saw the flight in my app in the weeks leading up to the trip. I’d booked a seat and everything. There were zero indications that anything was amiss with my reservation until I tried to check in. I booked myself and my husband and the same time (over the phone) using e credits. My ticket ended up suspended, he was able to check in. The delta agent said it was a fraud prevention thing, and that my ticket never existed because the e credits were improperly applied
Just an an FYI in case this happens to anyone else. This exact thing happened to me but it turned out I thought I was talking to an agent on the phone but actually talking to a scammer. I googled the ticket agent number and the #1 response and automated google response at the top of the search were both the same (fake) customer service number. Thankfully, my spidy senses were tingling talking to the “agent” and I immediately canceled my card after hanging up. I contacted the real ticket agent later and informed them what happened. They somehow fixed google within the week but if it happened once, it can happen again.
Lol, how dare you say this. Downvoted!
this is why the internet exists, so you can do stuff yourself and get it right the first time most of the time
I've had plenty of flights where you try to do it online, only to have the final page say that something went wrong and that you can complete your booking (which is price reserved thankfully) by calling.
i've been buying tickets online since before the airlines had their own sites and never had an issue. same for buying tickets for family. i have them all in my united and delta profiles and just select who the ticket is for
I tried so many times to book through the website but it didn't work. I tried the app. Same thing as well. That's when I tried a customer service agent and it worked.
They messed up then. Sounds like you are SOL.
I had this same issue today!
For future reference, always have them read back the name on the ticket. This didn't happen to you this time, but I think three times Delta put the name from the credit card on both the credit card transaction and the ticket when I booked. The second time, that cost me about three times more for the ticket because between the morning when I paid for it and when I checked my email and noticed the wrong name, the price went up from around $500 to almost $1,500. Delta required me to pay the higher price even though I noticed it within 24 hours.
wow this is good to know. i book flights for my mom all the time and i had no idea.
I booked a flight for my daughter’s fiancé. I called to find out what to do as he did not have the booking credit card and was coming from out of the country. I was told to visit the nearest airport and they checked the booking and added a special note to the flight. They needed to verify the credit card in person.
Super helpful - I'm in a similar situation.
The airlines need to make it more clear that you can verify the CC at any airport and only need to do it once for the whole itinerary. Delta puts this on a pop-up message only AFTER selecting the flights, seats, and tyring to pay: "In order to proceed with your booking you need to present the following documents at the airport on or before the day of travel: --credit card used for the purchase -- Photo identification. Otherwise you will be DENIED TRAVEL." No small print explaining anything beyond that. Such incredibly bad communication. Which ends up costing them money since I used up plenty of their reps' time in calling, chatting and posting [x.com](http://x.com) when a more thorough message would have saved them all of that!
Employee here, so this is a thing to prevent fraud. Sometimes it happens depending on the country you're flying out of or into as it may be a country known for more fraud. If their flight is tomorrow you as the credit card holder can go to your nearest airport and show the CC and the reservation and it'll fix the problem otherwise the card will have to match a passengers name. It sucks absolutely 100% but it is a fraud prevention they do randomly
Exactly, when I booked my flight to Nairobi, I was given several reminders and pop ups on the Delta site that told I had to show the cc when I checked in. They made it very clear. And yes, they asked.
Don't recall that being the case for me. But luckily enough I was there in person checking in my father.
I've never understood exactly how this prevents fraud. The vast majority of plane tickets are booked in advance, so if fraud occurred, then it occurred weeks or months ago, didn't it?
Would that fix the international round trip or just outbound flight?
Roundtrip
That’s insane. I live 1.5 hours from my nearest airport so I’d have to drive 3 hours just to show a credit card?!
Or use a credit card with said passengers name.
Not always possible. I needed to buy a ticket for my college-aged kid and she doesn't have a CC yet. I think this is a recent change and not common knowledge yet. So while she's applied for a CC, she hasn't received it yet and I needed to book her ticket now. Lots of reasons why someone may want to pay for another person's trip.
Oh most definitely, this was just an example of something else that can be done not a final solution
Hard to do if it’s a companion pass and have to use the card
Companion passes don't leave the country. This is for more fraudulent countries 99% of the time.
Companion passes starting this year will include some international travel. Although usually they’re used to fly someone with you (not fly other people without you).
Correct, but my statement stands based on the fact that it's from more fraudulent countries and it's literally only a miniscule amount of times this happens. Plus if it's an Amex especially a Delta branded one it's less likely to be flagged in the system. I'm just passing along why it's happening 🤷🏻
That’s interesting info. I have travel agents book on my behalf sometimes but I’m not usually in a situation of buying a ticket for someone who is not traveling with me.
Or corporate. More than once with Delta, I've been refused after booking my flight through Concur. They're just plane(sic) crooked.
You have to be with the person traveling on the companion pass so this isn’t the same issue as OP’s
No you don’t. It’s transferable.
That's not always possible. My credit card company has different limitations on names and characters than [aa.com](http://aa.com) or their iOS app have so my tickets never match my credit card name. I assume Delta does too. My credit card also doesn't match my passport name. There's tons of different conventions in just the US for names, much less the world, so you're being very provincial and closed-minded.
I'm sorry you took my comment negatively, it was only telling another option. Nothing to do with being closed-minded it's just an example of something else that can be done. Again as I stated before it happens very rarely and is mostly for fraudulent countries. It's not new and has been around for years and is to prevent credit card theft. Also as I stated prior to the trip all that's required is going to your nearest airport showing the card and ID and it erases the flag. If you don't agree with this I would suggest filling out a complaint form on Delta.com.
If you read some other replies, this applies to travel to or from certain countries only, and African countries were mentioned a few times. The OP said parents and grandchild were traveling from LOS. So this situation may not apply to you
Mine is a crap airport just 20 min away, makes me also want to go to the airport and buy the ticket in cash. Mass has a law that points of sale are required to accept cash payment (bc cashless buyer discrimination). I doubt they actually could handle it at my local airport...
That's why when you go to Cashless facilities like six flags or sporting events they have a free machine to allow you to put money on a gift card to use at the facility. They will also have to refund the remainder.
What? I've paid cash hundreds of times for flights. I usually get that stupid SSSS and harassed and have to deal with the racist TSA, but do they not commonly accept cash now? I haven't paid cash in a few years. I could just see an airline like Spirit adding a surcharge for cash. My favorite pizza place already charges a 50% to pay with cash then all of their employees sing happy birthday to you after you pay. It's so annoying. WTF are you supposed to do when they're singing to you, especially when it isn't even your birthday?
Pay 4000 or lose 3hrs. Seems easy to me.
Except you don't have three hours since the plane is about to board. These fanbois get so emotional and irrational when trying to defend their fanboism.
Except they were trying to board
Yeah the only time this has happened to me was flying to Tanzania
Yep, that just happened to me for Tanzania too!!
Since you're an employee, can you run it up the flagpole that Delta needs to have clearer explanations on their website? I was booking my daughter's flight to Zanzibar yesterday (she's a college student studying abroad) and got this message: ""In order to proceed with your booking you need to present the following documents at the airport on or before the day of travel: --credit card used for the purchase -- Photo identification. Otherwise you will be DENIED TRAVEL." It's not at all clear that this only needs to be done once and can be done from any airport with a Delta counter. I interpreted it to mean that she could be denied travel when trying to leave at the end of her term, to return home! It took several calls, chats and my posting on [x.com](http://x.com) to get to the explanation that I only have to do this once. Please, have this explained more fully on your site! Thank you.
Gotcha I do agree our wording on the website is shit sometimes. I can put in a word but I also recommend posting exactly what you said to me here on Delta's comment/complaint form on Delta.com at the bottom of the page. That 100% does get looked at. I'll put in a form on my end as well.
But it seems like you cancel the entire flight. Seems like there could be an alert along with the online check in email. “FYI you’ve been chosen for a random check….”
I just booked a flight for my mother and contacted support to ask if this would be a problem, they told me the ticket does not indicate it would be an issue. I have avoided booking directly for 5 years because it almost happened to my father. By luck I was the one to check him in. But there was a ticket that was priced only on Delta's website and I had no choice. I did ask the support person, is it not protocol to at least make that request ahead so we aren't blind sided. Her response was its totally random. My question for you is, at one point do they flag that check-in? In other words, support assured me my ticket is good, but can that change the day of check-in or even tomorrow for all that matter.
That’s not true. Delta had refused check when the passenger’s name matches the card used but the card wasn’t present.
This is a dumb way to handle a legitimate problem.
Employee here as well, isn’t it funny how it’s usually Jamaica, Nigeria, Ghana, Johannesburg, etc…those are the places that usually get flagged for confirmation on my end. Funnier thing is they never have the physical card in hand to show proof 🤷🏾♀️. Take this (how may I help you) card and call reservation…
Ticketing Support Here...Delta has whats called High Risk Stations and if you are flying from/to from US they will have you present your card anytime before flight at nearest airport or at time of check in Benin - COO Burkina Faso -OUA Cameroon - DLA Ivory Coast - ABJ Democratic Republic of Congo - FIH Gabon - LBV Ghana - ACC Guinea - CKY Liberia - ROB Mali - BKO Niger - NIM Nigeria - LOS Togo - LFW Vietnam - SGN/HAN All high risk countries..now if you booked with agent he should have relayed that information to you as he was making payment because the system prompts them to make the customer aware
Was this for an international trip? I fly internationally a lot, and I've had to do this when I fly to certain countries. However, in the process of purchasing tickets, Delta always lets you know that you have to provide the credit card you purchased the tickets with at check-in. So, if you follow those guidelines posted in the process of buying tickets, you'll have your credit card with you, and there will be no problem.
> I've had to do this when I fly to certain countries. OP said in another reply the itinerary was LOS-ATL, and for those that don't want to google LOS, its Lagos, Nigeria.
Yeah, unfortunately Lagos has these requirements. Happened with my mom once. Luckily they were able to change the flight for the same price at the airport.
Yeah, it was an international flight. A Delta customer service agent purchased the ticket for me so I was not aware of any of this.
FWIW I've had this happen on a domestic trip when I booked emergency travel for my SIL and niece.
That sucks as I book flights for my parents and sister/her family to come see us all the time. Those family members are also saved passengers in my app profile, so maybe that helps?
Wonder why it’s a requirement to have the same credit card. Seriously, you booked and sadly you lost it ! Really ? A credit card is not a passport. In flying United, and never I had them asking for my credit card at any time. This is stupid rule that want me to stay away from delta.
It’s specific to certain countries. One of those countries (which was where the OPs relatives were traveling from) has been known to have a proliferation of very wealthy princes who would really like your help in transferring that wealth in return for beaucoup bling.
And people change credit cards too. I changed for a $500 bonus and a higher credit limit then got screwed on a refund from a different airline because they claimed they couldn't do the refund without the card.
Yeah. This is also another issue. Some stores require to swipe the original credit card to process a refund. If they want they can credit other cards too. I can see an issue here when refunded on original method of payment.
Because of credit card fraud. I applaud Delta for doing this.
Why? I've mostly seen airlines in the developing world state this policy but I have never actually seen in enforced in the wild. If they don't let you board, as a part of fraud protection, then they should automatically give you the money back, because then what's the point?. If they aren't immediately reimbursing the card for failing to pass fraud protection, money needs to be returned, otherwise it is just creating needless bureaucracy to deny service.
I hear what you’re saying. But someone was saying there are checkboxes, especially if a company pays with company card or if you gift someone. In this case, how is this fraud protection works? Someone who wants to fraud will know exactly how to do it. Also, unless it’s purchased in a last minute, you see the transaction and you can dispute right away. People not enabling notifications for charges on their credit card, well, not sure what to call them. Anyway, not sure it’s stopping someone from fraudulently using a credit card. Therefore, no value in this hassle.
I don't fault them for doing it. I fault them for not explaining more thoroughly on their website the reasons why and also how to verify. Their message, after going through ALL THE WORK of booking a very complicated flight (Portland to Zanzibar) makes it seem that the person whose CC is used needs to be at the airport on both sides of the trip, coming and going. It turns out if you purchase for someone else, you can get your card verified for the trip at any point at the Delta airport and it's good for round trip.
Unfortunately this is a thing for a lot of international point-of-sale trips from what Delta regards as high fraud countries, of which LOS/Nigeria counts. Usually if the card is not present, the passenger can use a card on them for the same amount, though that can be a very unpleasant surprise. There are usually warnings about needing to present the card. Card fraud detection has advanced considerably since this policy was implemented, and I'm surprised that Delta has not gone to more identity verification methods like 3D Secure and risk scoring to retire this specific policy.
Former Delta customer service agent at the airport. Sometimes, the system will flag reservations that is booked with a credit card of a person not traveling in the same reservation. There is no way to get around this. The best way to avoid this is to call Delta at time of booking and explaining to them the situation so they can manually clear you (ahead of time)!! It's to avoid fraudulent transactions!
What if it’s corporate travel booked via a corporate card the traveler never sees?
Corporate travel is exempt of that .... Companies booking travel are often managed by an agency or they have a booking system (internal GDS)
As I understand it, only if the agent has a previous agreement with Delta and they notify Delta when they make the reservation. We still get asked for the corporate credit card sometimes when checking in. The last time, the gate agent didn't know how to react to my comment that I didn't even know the person that booked my flight. Uhh. Not everyone in every company nows each other.
What if you check in online before you go to the airport? Does it ask for the credit card number online or tell you that you can't do online check in?
It will say that an agent will need to check you in !
Please have Delta update their website with this info. It's not at all clear that you can get it verified at any Delta airport and that doing so will verify for the whole round trip. It makes it seem that passenger would be denied travel when returning (in my case, my college-aged daughter returning from Zanzibar)!
Why would Delta require a card to check them in? Where are they even being asked for a card?
It is common at some airports due to fraud or human trafficking. One reason to be careful if you use ApplePay, which generates a different number each time you use it I've experienced at some airports in Asia and one time in Europe. I have heard, some countries in Africa this happens
This happened to me flying to Ghana. However when I bought the ticket a small pop appeared that said bring the credit card to check in. Obviously I forgot the day of bc I bought the ticket 6 months earlier. Regardless delta honored the original flight price and I just put the charge on a new card at the check in counter.
> some countries in Africa this happens Even going to there. I traveled to Africa, Nairobi to be specific, with a couple of family members in December and we had to show the credit card at check in at ATL, and in this case the cardholder was one of the travelers. When I booked it for us, there was a warning clear as day on Delta.com that said you will need to show the card used for purchase at check in.
Yes, but that warning does NOT say that you can verify it once and it's good for the whole trip. For me, I was booking a flight for my college-aged daughter to go to Tanzania and I won't be flying with her, nor at the airport on her return flight. Delta needs to make that more clear on their warning.
I bet that is what triggered the check. Adult travelling with a young child that isn't theirs.
Apple Pay doesn’t use a different number each time. Same number each time (diff number if it’s on a diff device, I believe) - just different than the number on card - go into your wallet or settings and you’ll see the Apple Pay card number.
You could be right, but I do want to point out [the following from Apple](https://learn.applepay.apple/security-us). "Your physical card details are your business. And Apple Pay keeps those card details — card number, expiration date, and CVV number — hidden. Making a purchase shouldn’t expose your sensitive card details" "Apple Pay uses device-specific numbers and unique transaction codes to help keep your purchases secure." From what understand, the system was designed with enough uniqueness to reduce a compromise by skimming attacks from a compromised tap to pay reader and tracking by a retailer. The key reason why some retailers, like Wal-Mart, don't take Apple Pay is because they cannot track an individual's purchases. They asked Apple to provide the master account number associated with the anonymized transaction data and Apple declined. So caveat emptor
Walmart doesn’t take Apple Pay because they want people using their own digital payment system that gives them a cut. It’s not about tracking purchases so much as being pissed they aren’t getting a payout.
And make sure you have a card you can do an imprint of. To save money asshole banks like Bank of America cheapout on their credit cards and don't emboss them. That means like for your hotel for incidentals, airline, or any other use, they can't get an imprint. Apple cards have the same horrific problem. Our corporate card for a while didn't have embossed numbers so we had to pay $500 cash out of pocket for incidentals on hotel check ins to the chain we contracted with. Then checkouts were such a pain because you had to wait until they had someone free to verify how much of the $500 they should return. As far as airlines, I haven't had a US airline do this in a while, but I have had airlines make an imprint of the card when they couldn't call it in. I got stuck with two coworkers in Dniper, Ukraine, and fortunately I had a card with real embossed numbers so I could buy a ticket to get the hell out of there. The funny thing was we had already offered the agent my brand new MacBook, but he wouldn't take it. The tickets ended up being I think less than $100. He made a mistake. I did something right by making sure I had a real credit card.
Every major issuer has moved toward non-embossed cards, not just BoA and Apple. If I were you, I’d be much more concerned about a hotel (or airline) keeping physical copies of card info instead of storing it in a safe, encrypted electronic database that can’t be arbitrarily perused by an unscrupulous employee.
No top end credit card company embossed cards anymore. If you still have one that is, I would question the security of that card.
This happens to me occasionally. They will ask for the card that paid for the ticket, I asked why and was told they require it “at the agents discretion and on routes that have a higher incidence of fraud”
Where? At the gate?
It’s only ever happened at the check in desk for international itineraries.
I think all airlines have this in T&C but is not often enforced. It seems it's happening more often this year based on Reddit posts.
The same question remains where in the flow would they even ask for your card? If you have checked bags you can pay with a credit card at the kiosk or curbside check in. There is no place they would validate the card Also on the app, you can explicitly say “I’m not flying” amd buy a ticket for someone else.
>The same question remains where in the flow would they even ask for your card? It's the card that was used to pay for the ticket. Maybe OP didn't check the "I'm not flying" box? I didn't even notice it exists honestly.
The I'm not flying box is just a workflow box in the checkout on the app or the website to remove you from the list of passengers and remove the autocomplete data from your profile as passenger one on the booking It has nothing to do with this question.
That still doesn’t answer the question. You check in online or at the kiosk - if you don’t have checked luggage, no need for a credit card. If you do have checked luggage and use a different card, they aren’t going to flag anything You go through security with your physical boarding pass or it’s on your phone, they aren’t going to ask for your credit card. You get to the gate and they scan your boarding pass. They won’t ask there either. Where do they get to ask you for your credit card?
International flight? Docs need to be checked by check-in agents.
They'd be prevented from checking in online or at a kiosk and would be directed to approach the counter.
I would assume that they are blocked from checking in online or at the kiosk.
If you are flagged and you go to the gate, you won't be boarded until the document check is done. There's no way around this.
Dawg, on international flights you often have to go to the check in desk and show your passport regardless of if you check-in online. You're confused because you don't know what the fuck is going on. Sit back and read a bit instead of hammering away at stupid ass questions. Fuck.
Yes because he was really specific about the scenario and we were suppose to pull that information out of which orifice? And why are you talking like a four year old with Tourette’s?
It’s at check-in. Not all international flights let you check in on your phone. If it was domestic, they could have just used the digital boarding passes and been fine.
This is an international problem not a domestic problem. So where in the flow is at the point the passports are checked during check-in. This is not a ticket that you can get a boarding pass issued on the app. At least not until these checks have been finished and the boarding pass is released to the app by the check-in employee who could equally just print you a paper boarding pass.
Can they not check in using the App? Why see an agent?
You cannot always check in using the app if you're flying internationally. This isn't limited to Delta either.
Has never been a problem for me 🤷🏻♂️
Count yourself as lucky. I can't check in using the app when I buy an International ticket for personal travel or if it's purchased with a corporate card for work.
Where was the flight to and from?
LOS to ATL.
You see that with certain markets and then just certain orders get flagged. I kind of wish they would flag the order for fraud right away and you'd know there's an issue with using a different credit card or something.
This. I totally get fraud prevention, but waiting until check-in is wrong. It's probably fine 99% of the time, but there are plenty of reasonable cases like OP's where this policy harms the traveler and it might've been easy for OP to solve if they'd known right away.
That is an anti fraud thing. Especially when you purchase the ticket last minute and the name on the ticket vs the fliers don’t match. Not delta nor their agent’s fault. It’s done to protect you.
I’ve never been asked for a credit card during check-in.
As mentioned a lot throughout this thread and others this is very common for flights to/from Africa due to a higher volume of fraud.
Might depend on when the ticket was purchased. Last minute I totally get it.
How does this work for those booked with virtual cards, PayPal or downgraded/upgraded cards well in advance? Do you hold onto proof that you ever held the card?
You have to pay again for the flight at most likely a much more expensive price. You lose out on everything you've already paid. I had this happen after paying for a flight with a Visa gift card I got from a class action lawsuit. Months later when at the airport, I didn't have the empty and expired (it was past the six month expiration date on the card) card with me. My $90 Delta flight(yes, this was a few years ago) turned into a $400 ticket plus I had no way of getting the $90 back. Thanks Delta.
Ah, I'd feared as much. Sorry to hear that happened to you. I have a number of upcoming flights that were booked last year on a card that is no longer active. I'll try to be prepared just in case.
Oh wow. I haven't seen that in like...twenty years. That used to be a huge thing. Our firm was always booking with a corporate card and then people were getting denied at check in because the card was in a partner's name.
I can’t believe Delta is doing this. Turkish Airlines does this. When I buy a ticket for someone Turkish Airlines go to my local airport Turkish Airlines desk show credit card sign that I used it for the ticket. I bought my friend otherwise I him not being able to check in when the day of flight comes.
I’ve never been asked for a credit card upon check in and I fly all the time. Wtf
Same. I've never once had this happen be it in Asia where I used to live, the US, or anywhere in the Middle East or Europe. I've purchased my father a ticket to visit at the holidays several times. No issues on any airline.
It’s to do with [this](https://www.reddit.com/r/delta/s/7Q72eaasW8), and OP said relatives were flying from Nigeria
That makes sense, haven’t flown to Nigeria before.
Wow, you're lucky. It really sucks when you try to check in through the app and can't because of this. I fly out of Seattle so that means I probably need to get to the airport an hour earlier since Delta's lines are sometimes very long. It especially really sucks since the flight I usually take for work is a perfect 50 minutes after the first bus of the morning to the airport, which is the one I take, so it's super convenient. When I can't check in with the app, I have to usually spend $70 on an Uber to get to the airport early enough or take the last bus of the day and sleep in the airport. It really, really sucks.
Hmm. I paid for a flight to Asia for my daughter, and they had no problem checking her in without my card. No problem charging it for bags or in-flight Wi-Fi either, LOL!
I recently flew from the US to a country in sub-Sahara Africa. When I got to the airport to check in I was asked to produce my credit card before I could check-in. Luckily I had my card, but I've been flying back and forth to Africa for almost 10 years and I've never been asked this. I thought it was odd.
I have actually responded with policy to this before, here is round 2. When booking, there is a chance that either Delta or the bank/credit card company will see it as potential fraud. When this happens, the reservation gets flagged, and you will be required to show the credit card used as payment at the airport. When this happens, you show the card and are good to go. What happens if you can't show the card? You can get the original purchase refunded and purchase a new ticket at the original booking cost. Unfortunately, the airport agents are under trained and get this wrong from time to time. If this happens, either have them call their ticketing support desk, or ask for a red coat to honor the original price. Last option if you don't have the time is to purchase at the current cost and call reservations to get it corrected after you fly.
I regularly but tickets on American and Southwest for my son and his girlfriend using my CC. They have never been asked for my CC. Why would Delta be any different?
We had this happen to us in 2022 - but, we knew they wanted a card at check-in (from previous experience) so we asked what we should do. They told my Wife to present the card at a Delta counter with the ticket info and they'd confirm it then. She flew out of country a month ahead of me, so when I checked in, it was fine as they had already verified it (her card). Hope this helps someone out there!
This happened to me when I used my work credit card to purchase a ticket for one of my team. They denied him a boarding pass at 4am saying he needed to present the card. They called me from the desk and I verified its use and then they issued him a boarding pass.
This is a thing for as long as I can remember.
This is weird. It always amazes me when a company makes the simplest thing that can be corrected with a few keystrokes incredibly difficult for a customer.
Apparently you can just go to any airport before they fly with your CC and your ID and a gate agent can verify your info and that will take care of this. Delta does NOT make that at all clear up front and yesterday, when booking a ticket for my adult daughter for int'l travel, it wouldn't allow me to book it without agreeing to show my CC at the aiport. They don't make it clear that you just have to do it once and that you can do it at any airport (so if you're buying a ticket for your parents to come visit you and they live elsewhere, you can still get it verified at your local airport. ) I was very concerned that my daughter would get stranded in Zanzibar, where she's going for the summer. It took several calls, chats and tweeting this before I got the extra info. Spread the word!
As others have mentioned, it is standard practice for those traveling to/from destinations that have heightened fraudulent activity. Many countries in Africa are on this list. It occurred once to me as well. I was reissued the original flight as a credit and had to pay for a new flight with the credit card I had on me that day. VERY inconvenient, and several people in my party were VERY mad, but I understand the reasoning at least.
It's very infuriating. How can something so critical be left until an hour before the flight. Unreal.
Did your family arrive at the airport an hour before takeoff?
No, they arrived three hours before takeoff.
That's a strange one... I buy tickets for my family all the time ... Hope this does not stick
It is a credit card fraud prevention issue. Certain destinations have higher incidences of credit card fraud. Mostly south African countries, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and Haiti to name a few. It gives you a not always noticable notifcation that the card musty be presented at check-in. Correct procedure should have been refund the original ticket to the credit card that it was purchased with, honor the same fare and use a new credit card. Call Delta for a refund and/or credit for the price difference.
Happened to us in Turks and Caicos when checking in the catch a flight to grand Turk from Caicos. My CC produces a virtual number when I make purchases online, so my cc numbers didn’t match and the gate agent gave us a hard time about it. But funny thing , the other couple with us never were asked to produce their cc.
this is a new thing. similar situation when i booked my parents a flight
I flew Korean air pre Covid, IAD to BKK, changing planes in ICN. Booked on a company card through delta.com. When I checked in the Korean Air agent gave me a choice: transfer to my own card (against company policy) or have someone from my work bring the card to the airport. She gave me a pass through security and a co worker brought the card to DCA delta counter, and that worked.
Funny, because they never ask me for that and I’ve done flights for someone else.
I've got a very complex upcoming international trip where my son and his girlfriend are flying there with me, but flying home separately, and my son purchased the tickets with my credit card. Any advice on what to do to make sure this doesn't happen to them on their way home is appreciated. I CAN go to the airport with them, but would rather not. (One flight is on Delta, another flight on Turkish air...) Anyone know whether, if we can get the boarding pass and check in, are we safe? Or can they demand it later, e.g. when they check passports at the airport?
Read [this](https://www.reddit.com/r/delta/s/7Q72eaasW8), and see if it applies to your itinerary
I remember I had this issue for a flight to Ecuador but I had lost my wallet since I had booked the flight and, of course, cancelled the card. They just rebooked me with another card. They were annoyed I hadn't told them in advance, but I had no idea it was a requirement.
Not just Delta... many if not all do this. Some airlines, Air India for example, clearly state that a self-attested copy of the CC by the CC holder (front and back) may need to be presented at the time of check-in. I have provided this to whoever I purchase a ticket for IF I am not traveling with them. But this has never happened to me or someone who I have purchased a ticket for on any airline. That said, it does happen and while I do understand the reasoning behind it, I do not necessarily like it. Follow the rules and don't get dinged for not.
This happened to my sister on AA. Her partner bought the ticket. they are in a long distance relationship and were meeting up on vacation together. She couldn’t get the card validated as her partner was already in the air. AA wouldn’t let her pay for the ticket with her own CC, so ahead of had to make another reservation costing ~$400 more as it was last minute. They need to make it very clear when they are doing this, sending emails and automated calls so that passengers have time to correct it before arriving at the airport which is typically too late.
This happened to us at the Bahamas airport. We didn’t have the original credit card with us. They refund me the money to the original credit card and made me buy the new tickets for the same price on a different card. It was very stressful. Give yourself enough time at the airport to do this. You will need to call Delta and do everything over the phone.
I’ve had to do this. Repurchase a $2k ticket even though I bought it on my delta card, ticket and card both in my name. I had lost my credit card the day before. Kinda sucked.
Happens on domestic flights in India booked online using US or other non-indian credit cards. To be fair, they repeat this requirement at every step.
Wow never happened to me. I’ll be more careful though when booking someone else.
Why not use the app
The card needs to be verified in some markets due to fraud. It should have been able to be resolved by you calling in sorry this happened to you
sorry this happened to you… just FYI…. you can go to your local airport next time ave show them your face and you’re credit card used… and they should make a notation on the reservation. i’d even try to ask for a photo or confirmation # if possible. lastly, we did the above - and whomever in my parent’s city didn’t do their due diligence, so when it was time for me to leave.. they have the guy discretion on whether or not he believed i was a fraudulent flyer. meanwhile, i had my dad on the phone with his photo ID and about a million of his cc!! 🤷🏽♀️🤣 it worked out!! 😆
I have never in my life been asked to present a credit card at checkin, on any airline, even when I was younger and my parents were still buying my tickets. Totally confused. It's not illegal to buy something for someone else. It's called a gift. Tf?
Wow this is crazy. We book tickets all the time for our family through my husband’s account because he gets 15% off award travel. Now I’m worried!
Read [this](https://www.reddit.com/r/delta/s/7Q72eaasW8), and see if applies to you
Thank you,we are just flying to Europe so should be all set hopefully.
This has been true for every international flight I’ve taken for a decade. When I book online I have to verify that the person flying will have the card. When I book with an agent they always ask and have me verify.
Fuc*ing BS. I’m sorry!
This happens when credit card fraud is suspected. If they don’t have the card on them, and you can’t get to an airport to verify it, the only option is for them to purchase a new ticket.
I’d be pissed. This is why I take Amtrak if I have time.
My family member bought me a round trip Delta ticket a few years back with her points or sky pesos. I had no problem checking in. It was so uneventful that I barely remember the check in process.