PSA: Fly without ID

jeckll · Jul 3, 2007

There have been several court cases recently challenging various (Delta, et al) Airlines' authority to demand that you show identification before boarding a plane. Contrary to what the gate agent may tell you, and what most people think, you do NOT need government-issued identification, or any identification at all for that matter, to fly on a plane. There is NO federal or state law, or even a private regulation by ANY airline, requiring you to show identification before boarding a plane.

In fact, the FAA has a procedure by which you submit to an inspection of your bags or what is called "baggage match," where they will hold your bags at the gate until you board, if you cannot (or choose not to) provide identification upon checking in.

I have personally flown this way many times, and while often you get a good bit of flack from the gate agent, just as often they are very helpful and even surprised to learn that what they considered to be a fact of life isn't so immutable. Just reference "security direective 96-05" and you will stop any "BUT ITS THE LAW" arguments in their tracks.

It may seem like an exercise in futility to some, but the right to travel without providing "your papers" is one that we would be wise to exercise from time to time. :thumbsup:

fhmesq44 · Jul 3, 2007

Just wondering, why would you want to go through the hassle of not providing your ID? I know you can fly without it, but as far as I know, they will search your bags at both the security checkpoint and the gate. Obviously if it is expired or you forgot it, that is one thing, but I don't see why someone would choose to have their bags searched.

buddyboy · Jul 3, 2007

The government doesn't require the airlines, but the airlines can go above and beyond the government (FAA) requirements.

just like a radio or TV station can go above and beyond FCC requirements for decency.

FLY Jihad Airlines
No Id checks EVER!*

*baggage and person subject to search

jeckll · Jul 3, 2007

buddyboy said:
The government doesn't require the airlines, but the airlines can go above and beyond the government (FAA) requirements.

Yes, but they don't.

RobFunk · Jul 3, 2007

Interesting. Very. I never knew that.

I thought about the fact you can take a bus without ID, so why not a plane?!

Whoson1st · Jul 3, 2007

What type of id do the airlines ask for? Is a driver's lisc. ok?
I can't understand the big deal if that is all they want from an adult. I want to fly this fall--so hope to get the info.
Suppose one didn't have a driver's lisc. (fairly rare) but what then?

I hate flying anyway--but don't want to drive 2800 plus miles!

RobFunk · Jul 3, 2007

Whoson1st said:
What type of id do the airlines ask for? Is a driver's lisc. ok?
I can't understand the big deal if that is all they want from an adult. I want to fly this fall--so hope to get the info.
Suppose one didn't have a driver's lisc. (fairly rare) but what then?

I hate flying anyway--but don't want to drive 2800 plus miles!

Drivers license, state ID or passport.

Ive been told a passport is the ultimate form of travel ID.

Actually I just bought a passport and it hasnt arrived yet. Thats what I'm going to use in Sept.

WVU · Jul 3, 2007

that is asking for trouble for sure.

RobFunk · Jul 3, 2007

WVU said:
that is asking for trouble for sure.

Thats my deal. Drawing attention to yourself.

It's not like they take any info, she just takes a quick look at it to see if its you.

RobFunk · Jul 3, 2007

I always fly fairly drunk too. At least a good buzz. Eliminate the anxiety.

juice · Jul 3, 2007

I thought you could avoid showing your ID by consenting to the extra security checks (pat downs and stuff).

Or you can look like a terrorist like me and my family and show your license AND go through the extra security checks.

RobFunk · Jul 3, 2007

juice said:
Or you can look like a terrorist like me and my family and show your license AND go through the extra security checks.

I remember when you guys first talked about that. Man, that is total BS.

You have to be some of the nicest guys I have met.

Presto · Jul 3, 2007

Like Rob said, very interesting. I thought not taking my shoes off was rebellious. BTW, you are not required to take your shoes off, but you will be tossed into the extra screening line for such contempt.

jeckll · Jul 3, 2007

WVU said:
that is asking for trouble for sure.

But that's just it; why should this be asking for trouble? Why are we required to "show papers" a la some fascist crap out of the 1930's to travel within our own country, on a privately owned airline? As another poster mentioned, why can you get on a bus or train, or take a taxi, or drive over state lines without showing ID, but you are hassled for ID at the airport? It's no different.

And don't give me the terrorism spiel, because airlines instituted this policy of making travelers think showing ID was mandatory when people started transferring tickets and selling frequent flyer tickets to other people. It's not a security issue; it's the airlines' attempt at stifling a secondary market for their product.

juice · Jul 3, 2007

RobFunk said:
I remember when you guys first talked about that. Man, that is total BS.

You have to be some of the nicest guys I have met.

The best was when the three of us were flying back from Chicago and we all got thrown in the extra check line along with my girlfriend, who's white as can be. She should have broken up with me on the spot.

The chance of her being in that security line if she was traveling with anyone else is all of 100%.

buddyboy · Jul 3, 2007

almost forgot... about 1/2 the time I fly I am traveling with several firearms... no freaking way I can do that without ID, you wanna be treated like a terrorist you oughta try flying in and out of the USA with guns.

lol

maxdemo · Jul 3, 2007

WVU said:
that is asking for trouble for sure.

Yeah...I agree since I ride dirty all the time. :thumbsup:

BlackBart · Jul 7, 2007

Airlines started the "show the ID" bit long before 9/11 as a way of preventing people from reselling low fare non-refundable tickets.

The entire TSA process is complete BS. I used to fly 2-3 days a week, but I changed jobs just because of the whole airport security process. The people that administer it are a step above fast food workers--they have no common sense. The rules are inconsistent from security line to security line (never mind airport to airport)....shoes on, shoes off, show ID once, show it twice. Please. These new "311" regulations are even more insane. I got pinched the other day for having contact lens solution that is in a 4 ounce container instead of 3.5 ounces. Please.

My biggest issue was with a TSA employee wearing a turban in Reagan National airport. I made a big deal about me--a decorated war veteran--having to be subjected to a bag search by a man wearing a turban. Needless to say, I wasn't treated very well.

On the exact same day--as I was struggling with that BS--I watched Hillary Clinton and her security detail be escorted around security (in through the out door). If politicians were subjected to the same rules and regulations that we are, I bet a lot of laws would be changed.

FatTony · Jul 7, 2007

fhmesq44 said:
Just wondering, why would you want to go through the hassle of not providing your ID? I know you can fly without it, but as far as I know, they will search your bags at both the security checkpoint and the gate. Obviously if it is expired or you forgot it, that is one thing, but I don't see why someone would choose to have their bags searched.

Because if you don't do this, you'll be living in a country George Orwell could only imagine. This should be priority one on everyone's list right now.

Right CK?

aceduecetrey · Jul 7, 2007

juice said:
The best was when the three of us were flying back from Chicago and we all got thrown in the extra check line along with my girlfriend, who's white as can be. She should have broken up with me on the spot.

The chance of her being in that security line if she was traveling with anyone else is all of 100%.

White girl must have been hot! The only ones I ever see getting the extra checks are either brown people or hot chicks.