Originally Posted by
MADPhil
One thing to think about with using the passport card for Canada/Mexico/cruises is that if something goes wrong and you suddenly have to fly home without a passport then it may be a bit more complicated. It does make a good alternative ID for other purposes and saves wear and tear on the passport.
Yeah, if you're going internationally I would take the passport book (maybe with the card as a secondary) regardless, so if something goes wrong, or you just want to change plans you have the flexibility to do so.
Originally Posted by
seawolf
GE/NEXUS card more functional then passport card.
Yeah, but I'm talking about something that applies to the majority of americans who travel. < 1% of americans are enrolled into trusted traveler programs, whereas pretty much everyone who travels a fair amount will have a passport, and a card comes w/ the passport with no additional effort and an insignificant ($3 / year) fee.