Passports are now not valid for TSA security for domestic flights?
Feb 19, 2012, 5:04 am
#46
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Nashville, TN
Programs: WN Nothing and spending the half million points from too many flights, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 8,043
IMHO, the Passport Card is the way to go. It looks official, says "United States of America" in big letters, and I've never had it rejected (knock on wood). In fact, in recent years I haven't even gotten the surprised reaction "oh, cool, I've never seen one of these!" The Passport Card has exactly the same information as the Passport Book, making it less risky to show a TSA employee than a driver license that contains your home address.
I have a NEXUS card as well, but I have never tried it at TSA checkpoints given the frequent reports here that TSOs reject it simply because they are not familiar with it.
IME, the TSOs who ask to see your driver license typically are located at smaller airports that do not have a lot of nonstop international flights, if any. Many Midwestern airports would qualify. The TSOs at these locations probably see 80% driver licenses, maybe less than 20% passports and other IDs. When you show them something they are not accustomed to seeing, they are more likely to question it than if you show them what they are expecting to see.
On the other hand, I would be very, very surprised if a TSO at MIA/JFK/ORD/DFW/LAX reacted the way he did to the OP. TSOs at these stations see tons of different kinds of IDs every hour, including DLs, US passports, Canadian passports, LPR cards, foreign passports, etc.
I have a NEXUS card as well, but I have never tried it at TSA checkpoints given the frequent reports here that TSOs reject it simply because they are not familiar with it.
IME, the TSOs who ask to see your driver license typically are located at smaller airports that do not have a lot of nonstop international flights, if any. Many Midwestern airports would qualify. The TSOs at these locations probably see 80% driver licenses, maybe less than 20% passports and other IDs. When you show them something they are not accustomed to seeing, they are more likely to question it than if you show them what they are expecting to see.
On the other hand, I would be very, very surprised if a TSO at MIA/JFK/ORD/DFW/LAX reacted the way he did to the OP. TSOs at these stations see tons of different kinds of IDs every hour, including DLs, US passports, Canadian passports, LPR cards, foreign passports, etc.
Last edited by InkUnderNails; Feb 19, 2012 at 4:12 pm Reason: Clarification
Feb 19, 2012, 1:55 pm
#47
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: PHL
Posts: 63
IMHO, the Passport Card is the way to go. It looks official, says "United States of America" in big letters, and I've never had it rejected (knock on wood)...
I have a NEXUS card as well, but I have never tried it at TSA checkpoints given the frequent reports here that TSOs reject it simply because they are not familiar with it.
IME, the TSOs who ask to see your driver license typically are located at smaller airports that do not have a lot of nonstop international flights, if any. Many Midwestern airports would qualify. The TSOs at these locations probably see 80% driver licenses, maybe less than 20% passports and other IDs. When you show them something they are not accustomed to seeing, they are more likely to question it than if you show them what they are expecting to see.
On the other hand, I would be very, very surprised if a TSO at MIA/JFK/ORD/DFW/LAX reacted the way he did to the OP. TSOs at these stations see tons of different kinds of IDs every hour, including DLs, US passports, Canadian passports, LPR cards, foreign passports, etc.
I have a NEXUS card as well, but I have never tried it at TSA checkpoints given the frequent reports here that TSOs reject it simply because they are not familiar with it.
IME, the TSOs who ask to see your driver license typically are located at smaller airports that do not have a lot of nonstop international flights, if any. Many Midwestern airports would qualify. The TSOs at these locations probably see 80% driver licenses, maybe less than 20% passports and other IDs. When you show them something they are not accustomed to seeing, they are more likely to question it than if you show them what they are expecting to see.
On the other hand, I would be very, very surprised if a TSO at MIA/JFK/ORD/DFW/LAX reacted the way he did to the OP. TSOs at these stations see tons of different kinds of IDs every hour, including DLs, US passports, Canadian passports, LPR cards, foreign passports, etc.
TDCs should be routinely tested by 'secret shoppers'. If they can't recognize IDs like passport, NEXUS, SENTRI and don't have the sense to learn how to do so, they should be suspended for a day without pay each time a pax has to escalate.
That might motivate some of them to learn to recognize the IDs posted on their website. There aren't that many of them.
That might motivate some of them to learn to recognize the IDs posted on their website. There aren't that many of them.
You are mostly correct. I always use my NEXUS for various reasons. The smaller, less metropolitan airports are less likely to give me a hassle over the NEXUS than the larger airports. They may say they have not seen one, but they will not reject it out of hand. They will check the list of necessary characteristics or the book, maybe ask an associate, and then approve it quickly. It is at the big airports that I get "I have not seen one of these. Can you show me a driver's license?" and then dig in their heels for a fight. I readily oblige. FWIW, LAX is one of the worst.
It's up to the TSOs to stay current on the documents and be experienced with all the IDs there are because even the required training won't do enough justice, IMO.
Last edited by scott523; Feb 19, 2012 at 2:28 pm
Feb 19, 2012, 5:03 pm
#48
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: YUL
Posts: 2,115
I have been told more than once that they have the right to request a second piece of ID in any event. Is this the case? Or is the passenger entitled to show only one single piece of ID from the approved list and then to be let pass?
Feb 19, 2012, 5:46 pm
#49
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: halfway between JFK and LGA
Posts: 976
same here. i have ONLY used my passport on all flights domestic and international for the last five years. no TDC ever questioned it (although i had one get confused over the newly formatted delta boarding passes recently).
Feb 19, 2012, 6:01 pm
#50
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Nashville, TN
Programs: WN Nothing and spending the half million points from too many flights, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 8,043
From their own web site (as if that matters):
Adult passengers (18 and over) are required to show a U.S. federal or state-issued photo ID in order to be allowed to go through the checkpoint and onto their flight.
We understand passengers occasionally arrive at the airport without an ID, due to lost items or inadvertently leaving them at home. Not having an ID, does not necessarily mean a passenger won’t be allowed to fly. If passengers are willing to provide additional information, we have other means of substantiating someone’s identity, like using publicly available databases.
Passengers who are cleared through this process may be subject to additional screening. Passengers whose identity cannot be verified by TSA may not be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint or onto an airplane.
Acceptable IDs include:
U.S. passport
U.S. passport card
DHS "Trusted Traveler" cards (NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
U.S. Military ID (active duty or retired military and their dependents, and DOD civilians)
Permanent Resident Card
Border Crossing Card
DHS-designated enhanced driver's license
Drivers Licenses or other state photo identity cards issued by Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent)
A Native American Tribal Photo ID
An airline or airport-issued ID (if issued under a TSA-approved security plan)
A foreign government-issued passport
Canadian provincial driver's license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) card
Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
Non-US/Canadian citizens are not required to carry their passports if they have documents issued by the U.S. government such as Permanent Resident Cards. Those who do not should be carrying their passports while visiting the U.S.
This standardization of the list of accepted documents better aligns TSA with other DHS components, including Customs and Border Protection, and REAL ID benchmarks.
We understand passengers occasionally arrive at the airport without an ID, due to lost items or inadvertently leaving them at home. Not having an ID, does not necessarily mean a passenger won’t be allowed to fly. If passengers are willing to provide additional information, we have other means of substantiating someone’s identity, like using publicly available databases.
Passengers who are cleared through this process may be subject to additional screening. Passengers whose identity cannot be verified by TSA may not be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint or onto an airplane.
Acceptable IDs include:
U.S. passport
U.S. passport card
DHS "Trusted Traveler" cards (NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
U.S. Military ID (active duty or retired military and their dependents, and DOD civilians)
Permanent Resident Card
Border Crossing Card
DHS-designated enhanced driver's license
Drivers Licenses or other state photo identity cards issued by Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent)
A Native American Tribal Photo ID
An airline or airport-issued ID (if issued under a TSA-approved security plan)
A foreign government-issued passport
Canadian provincial driver's license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) card
Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
Non-US/Canadian citizens are not required to carry their passports if they have documents issued by the U.S. government such as Permanent Resident Cards. Those who do not should be carrying their passports while visiting the U.S.
This standardization of the list of accepted documents better aligns TSA with other DHS components, including Customs and Border Protection, and REAL ID benchmarks.
Q. Can I fly without ID?
A. Adult passengers, 18 and over, are required to show a valid U.S. Federal or State-issued photo ID that contains a name, date of birth, gender, expiration date and a tamper-resistant feature. A passenger that refuses to provide any ID and will not cooperate in the identity verification process will not be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint. If you lose your primary ID or it has expired, TSA may accept other forms of ID to help verify your identity.
Q. If I lose my ID during travel, what secondary forms of ID will be accepted?
A. Passengers who do not have a valid photo ID, such as State-issued driver’s license, should bring any ID or documents they have available to assist in verification of identity. Passengers need at least two alternate forms of identification, such as a social security card, birth certificate, marriage license, or credit card. The documents must bear the name of the passenger. Also, one of these documents must bear identification information containing one of the following: date of birth, gender, address, or photo. If TSA can confirm the passenger’s identity, they may enter the secured area, but they could be subject to additional screening. For more information, please review the ID Requirements for Airport Checkpoints.
Q. What ID is needed for minors traveling domestically?
A. Minor children (younger than 18) are not required to provide an ID at the airport security checkpoint. They will just need their boarding pass.
Q. What ID is needed for minors traveling internationally?
A. All passengers, including children, on international flights are required to have a passport in their possession. Passengers traveling domestically (within the United States) who are younger than 18 are not required to have an ID.
Q. Do I need authorization to travel with another child besides my own, domestically or internationally?
A. There is no involvement by TSA in determining custody authorization of adults traveling with children. However, airlines have specific requirements for minors flying unescorted. For more information, we suggest contacting your airline.
Q. Can I use my birth certificate and social security card to fly, if necessary?
A. Adult passengers are required to show a valid U.S. Federal or State-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license. Review the ID Requirements for Airport Checkpoints for a list of acceptable IDs. If you do not have this type of ID, TSA can accept other forms of ID to help verify your identity, including your birth certificate and social security card.
Q. Do I need to carry any documentation for traveling with a pet?
A. No special documentation is required for traveling with a pet.
Q. Can I use an ID that has a hole punched in it?
A. IDs with a hole punched through the expiration date are considered expired. Adult passengers are required to show a valid U.S. Federal or State-issued photo ID. If you do not have this type of ID, TSA can accept other forms of ID to help verify your identity. See question #2 above.
A. Adult passengers, 18 and over, are required to show a valid U.S. Federal or State-issued photo ID that contains a name, date of birth, gender, expiration date and a tamper-resistant feature. A passenger that refuses to provide any ID and will not cooperate in the identity verification process will not be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint. If you lose your primary ID or it has expired, TSA may accept other forms of ID to help verify your identity.
Q. If I lose my ID during travel, what secondary forms of ID will be accepted?
A. Passengers who do not have a valid photo ID, such as State-issued driver’s license, should bring any ID or documents they have available to assist in verification of identity. Passengers need at least two alternate forms of identification, such as a social security card, birth certificate, marriage license, or credit card. The documents must bear the name of the passenger. Also, one of these documents must bear identification information containing one of the following: date of birth, gender, address, or photo. If TSA can confirm the passenger’s identity, they may enter the secured area, but they could be subject to additional screening. For more information, please review the ID Requirements for Airport Checkpoints.
Q. What ID is needed for minors traveling domestically?
A. Minor children (younger than 18) are not required to provide an ID at the airport security checkpoint. They will just need their boarding pass.
Q. What ID is needed for minors traveling internationally?
A. All passengers, including children, on international flights are required to have a passport in their possession. Passengers traveling domestically (within the United States) who are younger than 18 are not required to have an ID.
Q. Do I need authorization to travel with another child besides my own, domestically or internationally?
A. There is no involvement by TSA in determining custody authorization of adults traveling with children. However, airlines have specific requirements for minors flying unescorted. For more information, we suggest contacting your airline.
Q. Can I use my birth certificate and social security card to fly, if necessary?
A. Adult passengers are required to show a valid U.S. Federal or State-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license. Review the ID Requirements for Airport Checkpoints for a list of acceptable IDs. If you do not have this type of ID, TSA can accept other forms of ID to help verify your identity, including your birth certificate and social security card.
Q. Do I need to carry any documentation for traveling with a pet?
A. No special documentation is required for traveling with a pet.
Q. Can I use an ID that has a hole punched in it?
A. IDs with a hole punched through the expiration date are considered expired. Adult passengers are required to show a valid U.S. Federal or State-issued photo ID. If you do not have this type of ID, TSA can accept other forms of ID to help verify your identity. See question #2 above.
Feb 20, 2012, 1:30 am
#51
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,919
As a visitor to the USA I always have to travel on my red EU passport. well a few years ago in Houtson I ran in one of those TAS check pointers who insisted on an alternative form of ID. I had some time on my hands and was willing to let this person try.....
I hand her my passport and my boarding pass for my international departure as requested. She flips two pages and asks for my DL. I politly answer with a "I beg your pardon but why would you want to see my DL?" Her answer was I need additional ID. I then quote the State Dept website where it say the ONLY form of ID accepted in the US from a foreigner is a PASSPORT!!! period and to take it up with her boss. This she promptly did. Her Boss comes along and asks me why I am not co operating. Well I tell him because the US State Dept informs guest that the only form of ID considered legal was a passport therefore I was being fully co operative. He walks away and returns a few moments later telling me I could go.
I hand her my passport and my boarding pass for my international departure as requested. She flips two pages and asks for my DL. I politly answer with a "I beg your pardon but why would you want to see my DL?" Her answer was I need additional ID. I then quote the State Dept website where it say the ONLY form of ID accepted in the US from a foreigner is a PASSPORT!!! period and to take it up with her boss. This she promptly did. Her Boss comes along and asks me why I am not co operating. Well I tell him because the US State Dept informs guest that the only form of ID considered legal was a passport therefore I was being fully co operative. He walks away and returns a few moments later telling me I could go.
Feb 20, 2012, 8:01 am
#52
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Feb 20, 2012, 8:03 am
#53
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Feb 20, 2012, 8:30 am
#54
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Again what do you expect from rejects recruited from pizza boxes.
Again your average TSA employee couldn't tell a fake from a legit ID, and has been proven ad neasuem.
Heck im still given grief over a government ID that has background and security checks more stringent then the FSD even had to get there job. After a few death stares they get the point if not I get to make the point well known to everyone in earshot there incompetent and need to be fired. I refuse to show a ID that has my address or DOB on it for government actors as they cant be trusted.
Again your average TSA employee couldn't tell a fake from a legit ID, and has been proven ad neasuem.
Heck im still given grief over a government ID that has background and security checks more stringent then the FSD even had to get there job. After a few death stares they get the point if not I get to make the point well known to everyone in earshot there incompetent and need to be fired. I refuse to show a ID that has my address or DOB on it for government actors as they cant be trusted.
Of course, that is just my standards for rejects recruited "from" pizza boxes. For those who can not read pizza boxes, I expect less.
Feb 20, 2012, 10:31 am
#55
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As a visitor to the USA I always have to travel on my red EU passport. well a few years ago in Houtson I ran in one of those TAS check pointers who insisted on an alternative form of ID. I had some time on my hands and was willing to let this person try.....
I hand her my passport and my boarding pass for my international departure as requested. She flips two pages and asks for my DL. I politly answer with a "I beg your pardon but why would you want to see my DL?" Her answer was I need additional ID. I then quote the State Dept website where it say the ONLY form of ID accepted in the US from a foreigner is a PASSPORT!!! period and to take it up with her boss. This she promptly did. Her Boss comes along and asks me why I am not co operating. Well I tell him because the US State Dept informs guest that the only form of ID considered legal was a passport therefore I was being fully co operative. He walks away and returns a few moments later telling me I could go.
I hand her my passport and my boarding pass for my international departure as requested. She flips two pages and asks for my DL. I politly answer with a "I beg your pardon but why would you want to see my DL?" Her answer was I need additional ID. I then quote the State Dept website where it say the ONLY form of ID accepted in the US from a foreigner is a PASSPORT!!! period and to take it up with her boss. This she promptly did. Her Boss comes along and asks me why I am not co operating. Well I tell him because the US State Dept informs guest that the only form of ID considered legal was a passport therefore I was being fully co operative. He walks away and returns a few moments later telling me I could go.
Just gotta love it when TSO's make up the rulez
Feb 20, 2012, 2:18 pm
#56
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I've flown on many international commercial passenger flights in recent years where no photo ID of mine was checked at airports during my trip -- in my case, these no-ID check international flights have been primarily intra-Scandinavia routes.
Feb 20, 2012, 2:21 pm
#57
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Feb 22, 2012, 11:36 am
#59
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Generalize, much? There are plenty of smaller airports on the oh-so-sophisticated east and west coasts that do not have any international flights.
Feb 22, 2012, 11:42 am
#60
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