Aer Lingus won't allow you to check in with an Irish Passport Card

I fly weekly to the UK using preloaded passport card data in the AL app, and check in every time on the app, and have never had an issue. The passport number is the passport card number.
 
Seaniemed said:
I fly weekly to the UK using preloaded passport card data in the AL app, and check in every time on the app, and have never had an issue. The passport number is the passport card number.
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That's encouraging.

Do you know whether, having checked in on the app, you can then use the Express Bag Drop kiosk for your hold baggage?
 
I have just tried checking in on the app with my preloaded passport card number (begins with C).

My check in attempt was rejected: Passport number may only contain letters and numbers. For example P123456 or PB1234567.

My destination is in Spain.
 
That just shows how indifferent management are to customers. They're aware of this for months and did nothing to fix it. They're happy to inconvenience customers and make them collect the boarding pass at checkin.
 
All they have to do is to add a note.

"You may use a passport card as a travel document on EU flights, however for online check-in your passport book number is required"
 
What I don't understand is why Passport cards are only valid for 5 years. Has it ever been published what percentage of passport holders opt to get the card as well ?
 
I'm confused - it might be that in my scenario I can use the passport card for preloaded check in on the app because my flights are to the UK. I use my passport book for EU flights.
 
MrEarl said:
Having read this thread, I'm already regretting getting my passport card, and I've only had it a few months....
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Why? I've had one for about 9 years now and I'm very happy with it.

It costs €25-€35 and is valid for 5 years, so it's a tiny cost.

It weighs a few grams and fits in your wallet/purse, so it's much easier to carry and keep safe.

You can use it as a passport in dozens of countries in Europe and I have used it as ID in bars, clubs, etc. in USA, Canada, Japan.

The only issue is that you cannot use it to check in online with Aer Lingus, but you can still use it to check in at the airport with Aer Lingus. This isn't even a flaw of the card, it's a problem with Aer Lingus systems. And you can use it fine with Ryanair, BA, etc.
 
I always felt it had the potential for an issue if I check in with my passport but present the card with a different number (especially if I don’t carry the passport book).

I have also heard mentions of egates in certain places not accepting them. Or staff not knowing what they are.

They offer a minor convenience but if there is any issue or a need to also carry a passport it’s outweighed imo.

I got it on the assumption the only restriction would be limited to Europe which was fair enough.

I have always used my driving licence for bars etc.
 
The passport card does not work when you are checking in with Aer Lingus.
The passport card does not work when you use egates.

But it works brilliantly everywhere else.
And it's a great security to have. Keep your book separate from your card. If one goes missing, you have the other.

The only way you might be caught out is the following:
1) You don't bring your passport book with you on an overseas trip and you don't know your passport number
2) You are flying back with Aer Lingus and try to check in while abroad.

So the simple solution is to bring both with you but leave your passport book in your bag and keep your passport card in your wallet.
 
Perhaps a more simple solution is not to fly AL, then ?

I honestly see a need to carry both as defeating the purpose. I saw the card as being a more convenient option than a passport, that I paid a premium to have (remember, it's an optional extra, at €25 for 5 yrs)
 
Brendan Burgess said:
The only way you might be caught out is the following:
1) You don't bring your passport book with you on an overseas trip and you don't know your passport number
2) You are flying back with Aer Lingus and try to check in while abroad.
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Take a photo of your passport book and card and keep them on your phone just in case?
 
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