Since the airlines started doing the ID checks prior to entering the screening area I've started checking the ID checkers. I'm starting to keep track of how many times they actually look up at me to see if my mug shot on my driver's license or passport matches me...so far this week 6 out of 8 times, including tonight at IAD, the individual only looked at the BP and driver's license, and never looked up at me to see if the face and pic matched.

So, next time you're going through, just hand them the BP and ID and keep eye contact. See if they really look at you to see if the ID matches your face. I think you'll be surprised.

I was surprised, but of course, shouldn't have been.

I've experienced some that get so busy that they don't even look at the ID, they just hold it and tell you to go on.

"thank you, mister atta..."

--PP

what you described is what i would always tell my staff to do at the bank when verifying i/d. look at the i/d, look at the name, look up at the face, then say "thank you <name>" when about to hand the i/d back. it's a simple way to determine if the person is in fact the person named on the i/d as if there is something phunky, a) the person will not make eye contact with you and b) they won't acknowledge the name on the i/d when you thank them.

now, what you have described has happened to me at sfo, iad and bos and i don't pull any punches as when it does happen, i go thru the line and ask for a supervisor after i'm screened. i'd do it sooner but i don't want to hold up the line and i'll say this-sfo & bos were none too happy but iad couldn't give a rat's a$$.........

the TSA checks IDs at SBN (or at least did on my most recent visit there). The TSO practically memorized my ID and then commented on how long my license is valid. Apparently it seems to be "forever" to some people...

Since ID checking is for revenue protection, I just care that the person can verify that both my license and BP have the same name printed on them.

It's terrible that one should have to show ID just to get to a darn gate.

Actually the behavior you describe is, in my experience, what you see in a LOT of airport lines all over the world.

Recently in NZ I accidentally handed my son's passport to customs twice and they did not notice. He was asking me why he had two NZ stamps and I had none.....

My favorite are the double ID checks. Last time I saw this I was flying out of DAY. You walk up to the start of the line and show your ID and boarding pass. Then you walk about 15 feet only to show your ID and boarding pass again.

Of course, they're not really looking at your ID and boarding pass...........

I used to pass through Swiss immigration by merely showing the US Emblem on the outside of my passport.... rarely was I asked to open it.

Happened a lot in France before they started with the yellow landing cards.

They spent forever the other day at BOS looking for my license's expiration date. Considering it was a Massachusetts license...

Mike

For a bank teller I probably would, but for "security" staff I never do a) or b). Guess I'm phunky then; whatever that is.