WHEN Flybe takes over Campbeltown to Glasgow flights next month for the first time ever passengers will have to produce photographic ID or they will be refused travel.
And if you do not have a passport or driver’s licence with a photograph, or any of a number of acceptable alternatives, it will cost you a fiver for the privilege of being able to prove that you are whom you say you are. Flybe has teamed up with Citizencard, a recognised form of ID to provide one of its cards at half price.
Loganair will still run the service but it has become a Flybe ‘franchise partner’ and will use the Flybe livery and brand name. It is a similar system to that which the firm had with British Airways and Loganair will remain in private ownership.
The big change, apart from a coat of paint for the aircraft and new uniforms for the crew and ground staff will be the insistence on photographic ID.
This does not have to be a passport; other forms of photographic ID can be used.
Alan Reid LibDem MP for Argyll and Bute already has received a number of complaints from constituents about the proposals, which do not begin until October 26.
Legal Requirement
He said: ‘It is utter nonsense for Flybe to insist on passengers carrying photographic identification. This is not a legal requirement. British Airways and some other airlines do not require passengers to carry photographic identification, so Flybe should not insist on it. Insisting on photo ID will cause inconvenience to many passengers for no good reason.’
The Flybe decision is in stark contrast to Highland Airways’ policy for the flights it now runs out of Oban Airport to Coll, Tiree and Colonsay.
Common Sense
Colin Munro, Highland Airway’s contracts manager said: ‘Highland Airways operates a good common sense ID policy.’
As well as a valid passport or driving licence, it accepts a valid credit or debit card in the name of the passenger travelling.
Highland does, however, ask for a birth certificate for infants (under 24 months).
Susan Blacklaw, sales and marketing manager for Loganair, said: ‘Loganair customers can take advantage of the great discounted deal that is now on offer with Citizencard.
‘From the end of October all Loganair passengers will need to show photographic ID before they board their flight and a Citizencard is the cheapest and easiest alternative for anyone who doesn’t currently own a passport or driving licence.’
Flybe advises passengers on its website that it accepts: armed forced ID cards, police warrant cards and badges, a valid airport employees’ security pass; an electoral identity card, NUS photographic card and likewise a university or college photographic ID card; a council-issued bus pass for senior citizens.
Passengers under the age of 16 travelling do not require separate ID on domestic routes; an accompanying adult with acceptable ID will be able to vouch for them. From the age of 12 if travelling alone then photographic ID will be needed.
❒ Following last week’s story about the new passport office for Campbeltown, the Identify and Passport Service has now confirmed that this will be in the Burnet Building, St John Street.
