I've passed through security without valid ID once or twice, and it amounted to the same level of checking that you get when your bag gets pulled out of the x-ray for something that looks off. Full pat-down, explosive-residue swab, and they took a look at the contents of my wallet (assorted credit, library cards and corporate ID). It wasn't a serious delay.
Your milage may vary though, if things are already busy then you might be left waiting for a while. Best to err on the side of earlier.
I wouldn't recommend it at all to people who are regularly profiled and hassled by TSA even with ID, of course...
You don't have to show ID to get past security at the airport. Lose your wallet on vacation and you can still fly home. Tell them you don't have ID and you'll get a special security check. How that will work in practice at different airports and for different people with different TSA agents is hard to say. Could be a answering a few questions, a pat down, and a quick chemical test or something else much more involved.
I traveled domestically without I.D. just two weeks ago. They asked me to show anything I had with my name on it, such as credit cards, mail, etc. and put me through the more rigorous security check. It wasn't bad at all.
Presenting at the checkpoint with no ID is absolutely possible although I’m sure it depends on one’s ability to comply. When I have tried this, I was told to wait a moment for a supervisor, who asked me a few basic questions (name, ssn, address), disappeared into a room for a moment, and re-emerged with a bunch more very detailed questions (who was in your business meeting today and what was the address, who was your last employer, what’s the last home address you filed taxes from before your current one).
I estimate the process added ten minutes to my journey. In fact it happened so quickly that I was left with the impression that this is a high-frequency event at any major US airport.
Wow that was interesting, thanks for sharing! The question I was asking regarding how long it takes etc. was for the airport -- I thought they verify your ID otherwise somehow? By asking you questions or something? Do they really merely pat you down and look at your luggage without verifying who you are?
I've flown a few times since 9/11 without ID. In the smaller airport the TSA seem to not really care, basically asked me "really? no id? ok." The other times a credit card was good enough for them.
Hmm. The article is not coming up for me at the moment. But that won't stop me from commenting!
I accidentally traveled without ID last year. My drivers license is the only picture ID I carry. I'd given it over to test drive a baby seat at a store, and forgot to get it back. Left for vacation the next day.
My stops were Portland, San Jose, and Austin. At all three airports I explained my situation, showed them my YMCA card (or library or credit card or something) and they marked my boarding pass for special security. The processes were not draconian, just a pat down, and actually faster than the regular security line. I skipped the line and went to some designated place on the side, zipped through the pat down, and then had to wait for my properly ID'd wife every time.
YMMV, but based on my experience, I highly recommend traveling without an ID!
Speaking of highly recommending traveling without an ID, on my way back from school last year, I got really stoned in my friend's car on the way to the airport. Me being stoned, I left my wallet in the car, and ended up at the airport with no ID.
I also got to go through the much-faster special screening, but I had to step into a chamber where they puffed you with air. Not for weed scent, for bombs, though I was mildly concerned at the time.
All in all a fun experience. Next time there's a big line at security, I'm going to tell them that I forgot my id. w00t
The intent here is if you lost your ID, but I guess if you're willing to have additional screening and waste your time, go for it. It's also a risk that they can't confirm your identity.
"If we can confirm your identity, you’ll be cleared to go through security, and you may or may not have to go through some additional screening."
That's also just the TSA. You'll still have to convince the carrier to let you board without an ID.
Edit: Your link is 5 years old, and I don't think is up to date. Here's the current policy:
"Adult passengers 18 and over must show valid identification at the airport checkpoint in order to travel." They do so you "may" be able to travel if you forgot your ID.
Here is an anecdote for you. I was once held up at gunpoint on a business trip and my wallet was taken (gotta love Orlando, FL).
I went to the airport 3 hours early with no identification and told them the situation. They still printed my boarding pass and put SSSS on it. I went to the huge long line and I went around it entirely and went into the secondary screening room. They did a full patdown and entirely emptied my carry-on. It was no big deal and was done in 20 minutes, less time than I'd have stood in line. After that I boarded the plane and went home.
I've sometimes contemplated putting SSSS on my boarding pass with a red sharpie when there is a very long line just to get around it entirely.
This isn't speeding up an existing process, it's adding a new one. My understanding is that you still need a TSA person to look at your ID when you go through security
I fly around europe on almost a weekly basis to and from a wide variety of airports. My ID has never been checked before security.
I think maybe you’re confusing the checkin where you might show your passport with an ID check? You can completely bypass this by checking in online, and the airline doesn’t actually inspect your ID anyway.
I did something similar recently on a 5 city trip from SFO and I would not recommend it. Depending on the airport you could be in for some MAJOR hassle. I had an expired ID and I brought in mail from my current address along with credit cards.
A couple of the airports it took a 15min longer than the regular line (they call over supervisor now), and a few of the airports DHS called up to 5 friends with a long list of questions to verify who I was. Who wants DHS calling their friends and associates, I sure don't.
I flew with 0 ID a couple years ago and it was like having a zip pass to get through the line. Times have changed.
I've used my school ID to board planes on multiple occasions. It's easier than pulling out a passport, and no one seems to really care. Actually, the only time I even need to show ID at all is at the last step where I board the plane... you can pick up a boarding pass by just answering some questions... and in my experience, the TSA only really looks at your boarding pass.
I've also found that their security systems have problems with edge-detection. I inadvertently brought a razor-sharp piece of metal in my carry-on with me from Canada to the US once, and only realized it when I was unpacking. The article is correct: mistakes happen all the time, but it's not a security concern I'd worry about.
I'd more complain about the multiple times I get stopped by customs. US Customs held me at DC for 3 hours because I had too many types of US stamps on my passport. After waiting 3 hours and saying "I was a student", they let me go.
Your milage may vary though, if things are already busy then you might be left waiting for a while. Best to err on the side of earlier.
I wouldn't recommend it at all to people who are regularly profiled and hassled by TSA even with ID, of course...
reply