Lufthansa is replacing booking codes and ticket numbers on boarding passes with a single digital order ID, consolidating all travel data into one identifier as part of a technology partnership with Amadeus.
The airline says the change will simplify bookings, seat reservations, baggage purchases and upgrades, while giving passengers clearer oversight of what services are included in their ticket. The order ID will be rolled out gradually across Lufthansa’s airline brands, with no confirmed timeline for full implementation.
The new identifier applies across the Lufthansa Group and reflects a wider push toward digital transformation in airline systems. Passengers will continue to use their existing travel ID, which remains linked to personal customer profiles, while the order ID becomes the primary reference for managing individual journeys. The move follows similar digital changes in the industry, including Ryanair’s recent decision to phase out paper boarding passes.
What the new order ID means for travellers
Under the updated system, passengers will no longer see traditional booking codes or ticket numbers printed on boarding passes or tickets. Instead, a single order ID will store and link all relevant information for a journey, including seat assignments, checked baggage, upgrades and service entitlements. The airline says this removes the need for customers to juggle multiple reference numbers across separate booking platforms.
For travellers, the practical impact is expected to be most visible when making changes or responding to flight disruptions. A unified identifier allows customers to manage adjustments more quickly, whether that involves switching seats, adding luggage, confirming meals or reviewing what has already been purchased. Lufthansa says this also improves clarity during irregular operations, when rebooking and communication can become fragmented.
The airline is introducing the order ID gradually across its individual brands rather than through a single system-wide launch. This phased rollout allows technical integration with different reservation platforms and gives staff time to adapt operational processes. Passengers may therefore encounter both systems during the transition period, depending on the airline brand and route they are flying.
The existing travel ID will remain in use alongside the new identifier. Lufthansa says the travel ID continues to store customer profiles, preferences and frequent flyer data, while the order ID focuses on managing a specific trip. The dual system aims to preserve continuity for loyal customers while modernising how bookings are handled behind the scenes.
Why airlines are accelerating digital changes
The introduction of the order ID reflects a broader shift in aviation toward fully digital customer journeys. Airlines increasingly rely on integrated technology platforms to streamline operations, reduce manual processes and improve data accuracy. Lufthansa’s partnership with Amadeus aligns with similar initiatives across the industry, as carriers modernise legacy reservation systems that were originally designed decades ago.
According to aviation trade publication Aerointernational, the change is expected to make service processes more consistent and simplify customer support during operational disruptions. Consolidating data into a single reference can reduce errors, shorten response times and improve coordination between ground staff, call centres and digital self-service tools.
Amadeus, one of the world’s largest travel technology providers, already works with major airline groups and hotel chains, including Air France-KLM and the InterContinental Hotels Group. Its systems underpin reservation management, ticketing and operational analytics across global networks. For Lufthansa, the partnership supports ambitions to position itself as a digitally advanced carrier capable of scaling new services efficiently.
However, digital-only changes in aviation continue to generate debate about accessibility and inclusion. Ryanair’s recent decision to abolish paper boarding passes and move fully to digital formats has drawn criticism from consumer advocates, who warn that passengers without smartphones or strong digital skills may face disadvantages. Critics argue that rapid digitalisation risks excluding older travellers and those without reliable access to mobile technology.
Lufthansa has not indicated whether printed boarding passes will eventually disappear under the new order ID system, but the shift signals a continuing move toward mobile-first travel management. As airlines automate more stages of the journey, passengers are increasingly expected to interact with apps, digital wallets and online customer portals rather than paper documents or airport counters.
For now, travellers flying with Lufthansa should expect to see the new order ID appear gradually on tickets and digital boarding passes as systems are updated. Customers are advised to familiarise themselves with the identifier and keep it accessible when managing bookings or contacting customer service. The airline says further details on timing and implementation will be communicated as the rollout progresses across its brands.
