Checkpoints and Borders Policy Debate - How does the TSA know if you're under 18?

Passengers under 18 are not required to show ID, but how do they know you're under 18? Many people are in their mid or even late 20s and look young for their age. If someone claims to be 17, does the TSA have any way of verifying that with the boarding pass?

Passengers under 18 are not required to show ID, but how do they know you're under 18? Many people are in their mid or even late 20s and look young for their age. If someone claims to be 17, does the TSA have any way of verifying that with the boarding pass?

Because they're specially trained to identify underage flyers via micro-expressions. How else do you think they'll know who to send for the "special grope" if they can't ID the unaccompanied minors?

Technically, no one's required to show ID. It's called voluntary SSSS--Super Secret Secret Screening--and anyone can get through security without showing ID so long as they agree to be more or less probed from behind and provide "identifying information".

Secure Flight data I'd assume. If they have doubt, they ask the airline...

Secure Flight data I'd assume. If they have doubt, they ask the airline...

So they know because of an unverified date someone entered into a web form?

"Persons under 18 who are exempt from showing ID MUST prove their age by showing the TSO an approved Real ID showing their age. No exceptions " :rolleyes:

It's the Government, after all.

"Persons under 18 who are exempt from showing ID MUST prove their age by showing the TSO an approved Real ID showing their age. No exceptions " :rolleyes:

It's the Government, after all.

So those wo are under 18 and exempt from showing ID MUST show ID?? Awesome.

So those wo are under 18 and exempt from showing ID MUST show ID?? Awesome.

Flaflyer is being ironic.

As with all things TSA, there are inherent contradictions. You shouldn't have to prove your age if you're under 18 ... but if the TDC believes that you are over 18, you're in a catch-22.

Of course, you can fly at any age without ID, as long as you subject yourself to a lengthy identity verification process, relying on public records. But then again, if you're under 18, the number of public records you've generated is likely to be fairly limited, making that process problematic at best.

Mostly, TSA is relying on the "papers, please" mentality that most of us (myself included) tend to fall into. Or, as TSOs here have often reported ... many young people are often proud of their newly-obtained driver's licenses and are happy to show them off to whomever asks, even if it's not required.

What "public records" do they use?

What "public records" do they use?

Passengers have reported that the authentication interview seems to use the same information that credit bureaus have on you, which are (of course) derived from a variety of sources. So, you might be asked about past addresses, past employers, particular financial transactions, and so on --- under the theory that you'll probably remember where you lived 20 years ago, but a stranger attempting to impersonate you would not.

Because they're specially trained to identify underage flyers via micro-expressions. How else do you think they'll know who to send for the "special grope" if they can't ID the unaccompanied minors?TSO: How old are you?
Pax: 16
TSO: You don't look 16
Pax: Whatever
TSO: Proceed

Passengers have reported that the authentication interview seems to use the same information that credit bureaus have on you, which are (of course) derived from a variety of sources. So, you might be asked about past addresses, past employers, particular financial transactions, and so on --- under the theory that you'll probably remember where you lived 20 years ago, but a stranger attempting to impersonate you would not.

Clearly not a process aimed at military brats and military spouses. I've had 15+ addresses in the 30 years I've been alive. Was almost denied a car loan last time because I didn't remember I lived in a hotel for 2 months one year.

Or, as TSOs here have often reported ... many young people are often proud of their newly-obtained driver's licenses and are happy to show them off to whomever asks, even if it's not required.
Is it just me who refuses to show a DL unless the person asking (most likely LE) is asking for it in order to prove I can, in fact, drive legally? It's a drivers license, not an ID, and I refuse to use it as such.

Is it just me who refuses to show a DL unless the person asking (most likely LE) is asking for it in order to prove I can, in fact, drive legally? It's a drivers license, not an ID, and I refuse to use it as such.

The same principal with a SS#, your SS card clearly says "not to be used for identification". But try to get a credit card or loan without your SS#!! Won't happen!!