Passport Card
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 627
Passport card?
I've been throwing around the idea of getting a passport card (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Passport_card) for the purpose of showing to the TSO to get through the "security" checkpoint. I see disadvantages to the two existing government-issued photo ID cards I already have:
- My state driver's license has my home address on it. We all know about <TSOs'>' criminal tendencies, and I'd rather not receive a call from my burglar alarm monitoring agency while I'm on vacation.
- My US passport is currently empty as I have not gone abroad since getting it, but once it does get some stamps in it, I don't want a <TSO> scrutinizing my international travel history. I don't want the screener to see that I've been to XYZ country and either (1) grill me about why I was there, or (2) turn on the Super Silly Special Search because anyone who's ever been to XYZ country has several kilos of marijuana in their carry-on and/or is a Terrorist(TM).
Disadvantage? Being held up an hour or being denied access to airside because the <TSOs> don't think it's a TSA-accepted ID, even though it is.
Or am I being paranoid?
- My state driver's license has my home address on it. We all know about <TSOs'>' criminal tendencies, and I'd rather not receive a call from my burglar alarm monitoring agency while I'm on vacation.
- My US passport is currently empty as I have not gone abroad since getting it, but once it does get some stamps in it, I don't want a <TSO> scrutinizing my international travel history. I don't want the screener to see that I've been to XYZ country and either (1) grill me about why I was there, or (2) turn on the Super Silly Special Search because anyone who's ever been to XYZ country has several kilos of marijuana in their carry-on and/or is a Terrorist(TM).
Disadvantage? Being held up an hour or being denied access to airside because the <TSOs> don't think it's a TSA-accepted ID, even though it is.
Or am I being paranoid?
Last edited by TWA884; Feb 20, 2019 at 7:59 am Reason: Derisive terms
#2
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Under the Cone of Silence
Programs: UA Gold; AA Dirt; HH Diamond; National Emerald; CONTROL SecretAgent Platinum; KAOS EvilFlyer Gold
Posts: 1,498
I use my passport card all the time now at the ID check. Unlike some other folks, though, I have been fortunate enough to never have had a problem with it not being accepted automatically. And this is at LAX, LAS, SFO, ATL, RIC, MSY, ORF, and DAY.
My reasons for using it are pretty much the same as yours, particularly after one occasion when a screener (a BDO or BDO trainee, I think) at my home airport looked over my DL in detail, paying close attention to every item. Considering my address is a very easy-to-remember one, AND I WAS ASKED HOW LONG I WAS GOING TO BE AWAY, (amongst a lot of other questions), I was justifiably concerned about burglary possibilities under such circumstances (though not too worried in that particular instance because the house wasn't going to be empty during my trip).
Plus it's nice to have as a backup govt ID in general (I never keep it together with my DL)
My reasons for using it are pretty much the same as yours, particularly after one occasion when a screener (a BDO or BDO trainee, I think) at my home airport looked over my DL in detail, paying close attention to every item. Considering my address is a very easy-to-remember one, AND I WAS ASKED HOW LONG I WAS GOING TO BE AWAY, (amongst a lot of other questions), I was justifiably concerned about burglary possibilities under such circumstances (though not too worried in that particular instance because the house wasn't going to be empty during my trip).
Plus it's nice to have as a backup govt ID in general (I never keep it together with my DL)
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: DFW
Posts: 28,079
I've been throwing around the idea of getting a passport card (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Passport_card) for the purpose of showing to the TSO to get through the "security" checkpoint. I see disadvantages to the two existing government-issued photo ID cards I already have:
- My state driver's license has my home address on it. We all know about <TSOs'> criminal tendencies, and I'd rather not receive a call from my burglar alarm monitoring agency while I'm on vacation.
- My US passport is currently empty as I have not gone abroad since getting it, but once it does get some stamps in it, I don't want a <TSO> scrutinizing my international travel history. I don't want the screener to see that I've been to XYZ country and either (1) grill me about why I was there, or (2) turn on the Super Silly Special Search because anyone who's ever been to XYZ country has several kilos of marijuana in their carry-on and/or is a Terrorist(TM).
Disadvantage? Being held up an hour or being denied access to airside because the <TSOs> don't think it's a TSA-accepted ID, even though it is.
Or am I being paranoid?
- My state driver's license has my home address on it. We all know about <TSOs'> criminal tendencies, and I'd rather not receive a call from my burglar alarm monitoring agency while I'm on vacation.
- My US passport is currently empty as I have not gone abroad since getting it, but once it does get some stamps in it, I don't want a <TSO> scrutinizing my international travel history. I don't want the screener to see that I've been to XYZ country and either (1) grill me about why I was there, or (2) turn on the Super Silly Special Search because anyone who's ever been to XYZ country has several kilos of marijuana in their carry-on and/or is a Terrorist(TM).
Disadvantage? Being held up an hour or being denied access to airside because the <TSOs> don't think it's a TSA-accepted ID, even though it is.
Or am I being paranoid?
At PBI the TDC using a pen to follow the lines went through my name and address on my DL. I felt very uncomfortable not knowing this persons intent.
Don't give them any more info that you have to and if they refuse the card call for the FSD.
Last edited by TWA884; Feb 20, 2019 at 7:54 am Reason: Conform to moderator's edit of quoted post
#6
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#8
Join Date: May 2009
Location: ATL
Posts: 516
Since losing a green card does not mean I cannot return home (can enter the US under the visa waiver program), nor to my home country I value my passport more than my green card. Not to mention that the only places I can apply for a new passport are in person at my country's embassies makes it a bit more difficult to replace.
#10
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2006
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Posts: 12,509
As others have mentioned, the TDCers seem to be on the ball about passport cards these days being acceptable. In fact, I even use it now when I get carded for alcohol.
#12
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Northeast Kansas | Colorado Native
Programs: Amex Gold/Plat, UA *G, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott LT Gold, NEXUS, TSA Disparager Unobtanium
Posts: 21,594
I have not used my DL for almost a year. If I don't have much time, I'll use the PP card. If I have plenty of time, then I use NEXUS... Always fun to see the clerks eyes when I refuse to show my DL, as they have never seen NEXUS
Last edited by TWA884; Feb 20, 2019 at 7:57 am Reason: Conform to moderator's edit of quoted post
#13
Formerly known as billinaz
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Goodyear,AZ for now then FL Spacecoast
Programs: US Airways Dividend Miles, American AAdvantage, Avis Preferred, Budget Rapid Rez, Hilton Honors
Posts: 1,145
Even though a Passport Card wouldn't have my address on it, a resourceful screener could, theoretically, look me up on the county property appraiser's website. Of course, it would be a pretty long bet to assume that a screener knows that's even possible. And not knowing the address, the screener doesn't know if I'm leaving home or coming home...
No matter what ID I show, perhaps I should memorize the screener's name. If I have a burglary while I'm gone, I know where to start...
If I were not a US citizen, I would use my driver's license. I'd be extremely hesitant to use my foreign passport, green card, or any other evidence that I'm not a US citizen, lest I encounter a screener who assumes that all fur'ners are terr'ists.
No matter what ID I show, perhaps I should memorize the screener's name. If I have a burglary while I'm gone, I know where to start...
If I were not a US citizen, I would use my driver's license. I'd be extremely hesitant to use my foreign passport, green card, or any other evidence that I'm not a US citizen, lest I encounter a screener who assumes that all fur'ners are terr'ists.
Good luck trying to look me up on the assessor website, its been redacted!
Last edited by essxjay; Apr 18, 2011 at 1:12 pm Reason: derogatory references
#15
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: TX
Programs: UA 1K, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold
Posts: 102
Since I received my PP card about 6 months ago, it's all I've been using at the CP. Only once on the very first use, was I ever questioned about it. I carry documentation from the TSA to show the TDC what their employer deems acceptable ID.