Originally Posted by
WineCountryUA
If the question is, having a passport while traveling a useful backup idea, I doubt many would disagree.
[...]
However, carrying it just for diversions is perhaps a bit overkill.
We're literally talking about the difference between slipping one's passport into a carry-on or not doing so. I don't see how "overkill" could ever enter the discussion.
I doubt most road warriors on FT with many hundreds / even thousands of flights, even with a few diversions, has ever once needed a passport for such as reason. ...
We're talking about the very specific example of flying to a U.S. territory in the far east of the Caribbean. Obviously, this scenario doesn't apply to probably 98% of the average traveler's flights, just like flight cancellations don't apply to 98% of a traveler's flights. But as with flight cancellations, a very small amount of foresight can save a lot of time and hassle. If I unexpectedly found myself with 4 or 8 hours in Punta Cana or Puerto Plata, I'd rather go for a nice seaside lunch or dinner than sit at PUJ or POP.