Originally Posted by
flyflybaby
So yes it is neccessary for security to check a passport at the gate along with the boarding card.
No it is NOT. It is absolutely nothing to do with security. It may be important for the airline's revenue protection or for immigration reasons but neither of these is a security issue.
The fact that it is airline employees running these test just highlights that it is a revenue protection issue. Surely you can understand the difference can't you?