Passport

[ainitatyb]

Who has the legal right at an airport to demand to see your passport? In pre 9-11 days I can remember (in good humour) we used to refuse to show passports to departure gate personel on the grounds that the wording in the front of the passport included the words 'allow the bearer to pass freely without let or hindrance'. But these days I feel like I am being asked by every 'Tom, Dick or Harry' to show my passport and I am not sure I agree that is 'right and proper' or even legal. Who are the people with the legal right?

[JudgeJ]

You have no right of access to restricted areas of an airport. In fact, you have no right of access at all. You are allowed to enter the premises in connection with airport business but may be asked to leave if it is considered you have no legitimate reason to be there. Accordingly, the airport authorities may ask to see any documents they choose before allowing you access to particular areas. You have the right to refuse to show them. If you do, you will simply be denied access and will probably be escorted off the airport.

It is a process undertaken by mutual consent and is rather like submitting to a search as you enter airside. The authorities have no right to search you and you can refuse to allow them to do so. If you do, they will simply deny you access.

If you miss your flight as a result you would be very unlikely to succeed in any civil action as the airlines� conditions of carriage almost certainly include a clause which requires you to comply with the airport authorities� processes.

[spudqueen]

If you have nothing to hide (except perhaps a bad passport photo) what's the problem?

[Whickerman]

You should stand your ground and refuse to hand it over.

Good luck with getting on a flight though.