Traveling Fun – No ID

March 20, 2008 by George Van Antwerp 1 Comment

Of course, when I show up at the Boston airport yesterday for a quick day trip down south, I can’t find my license. I hate the fact that you have to take it out of your wallet at security and sometimes at the car rental place. It just increases the probability of losing it.

And, I couldn’t lose it when I had just one flight. I had to fly down south, then fly back to Boston, and then fly to St. Louis. Three “extra” security checks, and no ability to rent a car.

Fortunately, after two of the security checks, Avis called to say they found my license. (Now, I just have to get a plane to show up in Cincinnati to catch my connection.)

But, I did learn several things in the process.

  1. You could actually use a lack of ID to cut through security lines as discussed at the Four Hour Workweek Blog. It would definitely work if they check ID at the beginning of a long security line.
  2. You can fly with some alternative forms of ID (other than driver’s license and passport). They told me that if I had a photo ID (e.g., Sam’s card) with a voter registration card or some other government issued ID then I could get through without the added security.

Without ID, you get fully padded down and wanded. Then everything you have with you is tested for bomb materials and searched.

General Thoughts

One Response to “Traveling Fun – No ID”

  1. Unknown's avatar
    Jack Harraghy Reply March 23, 2008 at 8:29 am

    As a frequent traveler, I have encountered the panic reaction when I have misplaced my driver’s license. Counter measures that I have enacted include;

    1-Keep the “temporary license” issued by some states by mail prior to license renewal in a safe place in your carry on bag. This (as the blogger states) constitutes a “government issued picture ID”, and will be accepted by TSA and airlines. I observed a flight attendant denied boarding becuse she could not produce her airline ID…and the gate attendant verified my above remark.

    2-Carry the license (along with a crdit card and a small amount of cash) secured by a money clip in your pants pocket. The frequent need to produce the license make this a better alternative to taking it in and out of your wallet. It’s also reassuring to feel the clip in your pocket, knowing that you have all your ID and petty cash needs right there.

    3-For real klutzes, wear a “around the neck” event ID plastic sleeve with your license or Gov’t issued picture ID.

Leave a comment