ID questioned

Old Sep 8, 2010, 10:17 pm
  #1  
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ID questioned

Has anyone ever had their ID questioned? I was going through security and the initial TSA person who checked my ID was seriously scrutinizing my picture (and proceeded with further questioning.) What would I do if she said I don't match my picture well enough?
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Old Sep 8, 2010, 10:36 pm
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Originally Posted by pineappley
Has anyone ever had their ID questioned? I was going through security and the initial TSA person who checked my ID was seriously scrutinizing my picture (and proceeded with further questioning.) What would I do if she said I don't match my picture well enough?
Serious question for ya - just how different are you now from your DL pic? Some people change dramatically, for better or worse. However, even if the TSA person thinks the ID is not you, you would get through. First they would ask you questions, verify address, DOB, things like that. If worst really came to worst, they would get a LEO would would have to verify that is your DL, and then you would get through.
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Old Sep 8, 2010, 10:57 pm
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Originally Posted by pineappley
Has anyone ever had their ID questioned? I was going through security and the initial TSA person who checked my ID was seriously scrutinizing my picture (and proceeded with further questioning.) What would I do if she said I don't match my picture well enough?
Oh yes! Just after TSA took over the ID checking, the smart@.. in DFW checking the ID decided that my EU passport was not good enough for her. Never mind that CBP had looked at it over 30 times without a comment, but this gal decided that there was an "extra" shadow on the picture. So according to her excellently trained brain she decided it was invalid and gave me SSSS because I has "NO ID".
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Old Sep 9, 2010, 5:12 am
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Originally Posted by SATTSO
Serious question for ya - just how different are you now from your DL pic? Some people change dramatically, for better or worse. However, even if the TSA person thinks the ID is not you, you would get through. First they would ask you questions, verify address, DOB, things like that. If worst really came to worst, they would get a LEO would would have to verify that is your DL, and then you would get through.
How does doing these things you mentioned improve commercial aviation safety?
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Old Sep 9, 2010, 6:28 am
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Originally Posted by SATTSO
If worst really came to worst, they would get a LEO would would have to verify that is your DL, and then you would get through.
No ... I think the "worst case" would be that the TDC would treat the persona as someone without a [cough] "valid ID", and subject them to the "it's SSI but everybody else knows the details by now" procedure by which your identity is verified through asking for lots of detailed-yet-publicly-verifiable information.
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Old Sep 9, 2010, 8:58 am
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Originally Posted by Boggie Dog
How does doing these things you mentioned improve commercial aviation safety?
I'd be happy to list all of the reasons for you..

1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)

hmm, I can't think of anything..
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Old Sep 9, 2010, 9:40 am
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Originally Posted by Boggie Dog
How does doing these things you mentioned improve commercial aviation safety?

He won't be able to answer that one...

Originally Posted by pineappley
Has anyone ever had their ID questioned? I was going through security and the initial TSA person who checked my ID was seriously scrutinizing my picture (and proceeded with further questioning.) What would I do if she said I don't match my picture well enough?
Tell them to go strait to ,,,,

Last edited by Kiwi Flyer; Sep 9, 2010 at 1:37 pm Reason: merge consecutive posts
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Old Sep 9, 2010, 9:42 am
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Originally Posted by FriendlySkies
I'd be happy to list all of the reasons for you..

1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
I agree with all but number 4. I think " " really does nothing to enhance security.

As to the OP's question. I have had one occasion where my Passport Card was questioned in regards to whether or not it is valid ID to use to pass through the checkpoint. It was never in, question, however, whether or not it was my ID.

My guess, as SATTSO said, is that you would eventually be allowed to pass. It's my experience that TSA wants to verify ID, but being able to present valid ID is only one method they use to verify ID.
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Old Sep 9, 2010, 9:46 am
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Originally Posted by coachrowsey
He won't be able to answer that one...
Actually, I think I can - but why bother? On this site unless the critics agree with your answer then the claim is made you haven't answered at all. And we all know that very few here agree with why TSA does things - so explain to me why I should bother we I could safely bet all my money that my answer will not be liked, thus I will be told I haven't answered? If you can do that, I'll answer.

Originally Posted by jkhuggins
No ... I think the "worst case" would be that the TDC would treat the persona as someone without a [cough] "valid ID", and subject them to the "it's SSI but everybody else knows the details by now" procedure by which your identity is verified through asking for lots of detailed-yet-publicly-verifiable information.
I guess it all depends on what is important to you.. I was thinking time-wise, but everyone is entitled to their opinions.

Last edited by Kiwi Flyer; Sep 9, 2010 at 1:37 pm Reason: merge consecutive posts
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Old Sep 9, 2010, 9:51 am
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Originally Posted by SATTSO
Actually, I think I can - but why bother? On this site unless the critics agree with your answer then the claim is made you haven't answered at all. And we all know that very few here agree with why TSA does things - so explain to me why I should bother we I could safely bet all my money that my answer will not be liked, thus I will be told I haven't answered? If you can do that, I'll answer.
I want you to answer......I don't care if Bin-Laden is on the plane, if you all do your job he is no threat.
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Old Sep 9, 2010, 9:59 am
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Originally Posted by SATTSO
Serious question for ya - just how different are you now from your DL pic? Some people change dramatically, for better or worse. However, even if the TSA person thinks the ID is not you, you would get through. First they would ask you questions, verify address, DOB, things like that. If worst really came to worst, they would get a LEO would would have to verify that is your DL, and then you would get through.
Originally Posted by jkhuggins
No ... I think the "worst case" would be that the TDC would treat the persona as someone without a [cough] "valid ID", and subject them to the "it's SSI but everybody else knows the details by now" procedure by which your identity is verified through asking for lots of detailed-yet-publicly-verifiable information.
Originally Posted by SATTSO
I guess it all depends on what is important to you.. I was thinking time-wise, but everyone is entitled to their opinions.
That doesn't make sense to me. Granted, I've never experienced either, but ... wouldn't having to go through the identity verification procedure take significantly longer than calling a LEO over?
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Old Sep 9, 2010, 10:17 am
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Originally Posted by jkhuggins
That doesn't make sense to me. Granted, I've never experienced either, but ... wouldn't having to go through the identity verification procedure take significantly longer than calling a LEO over?
Not from what I have seen. I have seen it stop someone from flying, in one instance. The questions would be quicker, I believe.

Originally Posted by SATTSO
Not from what I have seen. I have seen it stop someone from flying, in one instance. The questions would be quicker, I believe.
Dunno why but I still can't edit from my phone, so I'll have to add here...


Another reason why it will take longer is when our SOP allows us to contact a LEO. We have to go through all the steps before we get to them. So it's a longer process by default.

Last edited by Kiwi Flyer; Sep 9, 2010 at 1:38 pm Reason: merge consecutive posts
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Old Sep 9, 2010, 10:50 am
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Originally Posted by SATTSO
Actually, I think I can - but why bother? On this site unless the critics agree with your answer then the claim is made you haven't answered at all. And we all know that very few here agree with why TSA does things - so explain to me why I should bother we I could safely bet all my money that my answer will not be liked, thus I will be told I haven't answered? If you can do that, I'll answer.
I think an argument can be made that name checking against watch list when a person buys a ticket may have some value. However, I personally believe that no one should ever be placed on any such list without a court order and with due process being followed giving the person the ability to challenge that decision.

As far as TDC inspecting ID they have no references immediately available to know if a given name is on any list so the act of comparing the name on an ID to a Boarding Pass has little or nothing to do with aviation safety. Other law enforcement activities may be going on but I don't think those activities are part of TSA's charter.
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Old Sep 9, 2010, 10:51 am
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I have been hassled for looking "too different" from my DL. My picture is at least 10 years old, and I have long hair and am wearing contacts. I'm now obviously 10 years older, have short hair, and wear glasses when I fly due to the dry air. I had one ID checker tell me that if I'm going to make such "radical" changes, I should get a new ID. Needless to say, I haven't taken his advice, but I do get scrutinized by some ID checkers who think they've got the next big bust on their hands.
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Old Sep 9, 2010, 11:30 am
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Originally Posted by L-1011
Oh yes! Just after TSA took over the ID checking, the smart@.. in DFW checking the ID decided that my EU passport was not good enough for her. Never mind that CBP had looked at it over 30 times without a comment, but this gal decided that there was an "extra" shadow on the picture. So according to her excellently trained brain she decided it was invalid and gave me SSSS because I has "NO ID".
did you complain/protest? what was the outcome?
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