I never said it made sense, it's just why they do it. They are trying to make sure that the person using the ticket is who they say they are. For example, if I have a non-refundable ticket and for some reason can't use it, the airline doesn't want me to give it to somebody else to use. Same thing if I buy that ticket for someone else and they can't use it. The airline doesn't want them giving it to someone else. It's also the same reason that your ID is checked before you get to security. The airline and the rent-a-cop are checking ID's to make sure that the airline's revenue is protected. Only TSA does the "safety" security. (I'm using quotes because whether or not the TSA provides safety is debated ad nauseum).