rankourabu

I really find the gate checking of passports a pointless exercise.

You really dont think that if someone really wanted to, they couldnt sneak a fake passport by the GA? Its not like they have the equipment, or the training to detect fake passports.

CALMSP

The gate agents are not looking for false documents, but ensuring that every passenger boarding the plane has the documents upon landing. This can help alleviate any potential fines that come back to UA if a customer lands without documents.

WineCountryUA

so a problem individual would not not been successful.
TSA is only USA.


Seems you want to report this even while most don't see a major issue, what are you looking from this group?

kettle1

What country?

Baze

OP, is there some reason you don't want to tell us where this happened?

InterFlyer

Grand Cayman

Interesting to know that boarding an international flight without showing anybody a single piece of ID is not a security problem.

mgcsinc

Can you explain why it's a real issue? And why it's specifically an issue with respect to international flights? Other than that the powers that control the security theatrics added it to the experience you usually have, so it must be good for security?

jbsay

Note that in the US, TSA will usually let you fly without ID on domestic flights, although you will generally be subject to some additional screening. See http://bucks.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/...ype=blogs&_r=0

The no-fly list really isn't a crucial component of aviation security, domestically or internationally. Bad people on the no-fly list can find other individuals with a clean record to do bad things; what matters most security-wise is ensuring nobody boards a plane with something that could seriously harm the aircraft or the passengers. The only reliable way to do that is to effectively screen pax and their baggage - whether they're on some list or not.

As far as entering a port of the US is concerned, ICE/CBP will not let anyone enter who cannot substantiate their identity with sufficient documentation (generally a passport).

joshwex90

I'm thinking about when my passport is generally checked, and I've found that it's always checked at check-in, but not for security. They're ensuring that I have the right to enter the country I'm traveling to (based on my passport, visa waiver, or visa). Security checking it - depends on the country.

og

ID is a WOFTAM. It is not a criteria for domestic Australian flights. At least 2 people from MH370 were on false IDs and subsequently (AFAIU) not linked with the disappearance of the aircraft. IDs are easy to manufacture or purchase and serve no real purpose in aviation security. It is just an employment generator and a cause of delay for passengers.

mduell

+1

+2

Yes. Don't confuse security with theater. The biggest problem with your scenario is for UA's revenue; they'll probably end up transporting you or the villain for free.

FlyinHawaiian

Moving this to Travel Safety/Security > Checkpoints and Borders Policy Debate with an enhanced thread title to clarify the topic.

FlyinHawaiian, Co-Moderator
United MileagePlus Forum

Spiff

The no-fly list has nothing to do with security and should be abolished.

As others have told you, this was not a security issue of any kind. Your identity has nothing to do with security, despite claims by some no-talent ___clowns in the US government to the contrary.

joshwex90

delete

joshwex90

Why should the no-fly list be abolished? Not to say that it's perfect, but in essence, it's no different than any other venue who bans certain people because they represent a threat (whether security, safety, consistent rules violation, etc.).