There is a lot of good information that, at one time or another, I have provided in the sidebars. It is archived here (and regularly updated). Last updated Jan 17, 2008.
Other FAQs
Q. Can TSA look through my wallet to see if I have ID?
A. They probably shouldn't do this, but it has happened several times. They have also been known to photocopy personal papers (although the TSA has denied this).
Q. Can I refuse to be subjected to a search once I have entered the security area?
A. No. You consent to a search by entering the security area.
Q. Why doesn't the airline check my ID before I board the airplane? Wouldn't that make things more secure?
A. Money.
Q. Who are the ticket checkers?
A. In most airports, the ticket checker used to report to the airlines. (Source) Recently, these ticket checkers were replaced by TSA agents (see this post).
A. They probably shouldn't do this, but it has happened several times. They have also been known to photocopy personal papers (although the TSA has denied this).
Q. Can I refuse to be subjected to a search once I have entered the security area?
A. No. You consent to a search by entering the security area.
Q. Why doesn't the airline check my ID before I board the airplane? Wouldn't that make things more secure?
A. Money.
Q. Who are the ticket checkers?
A. In most airports, the ticket checker used to report to the airlines. (Source) Recently, these ticket checkers were replaced by TSA agents (see this post).
Why this Blog Exists
You have the right, according to TSA (see this letter), to fly without ID, if you are willing to subject yourself to extra screening.
You can proceed with your boarding pass directly to the security line. Tell the agent who checks credentials that you are choosing to fly as a selectee. They will usually mumble something like "you forgot your ID?". You can just repeat that you are choosing to fly as a selectee. The TSA agent will mark "SSSS" on your boarding pass and will usually send you to a special line for additional inspection.
This inspection includes a hand check of your bag, swabs for explosives, and a puff test of your person in a big puff machine. You may refuse the puff test, and will get a manual pat-down instead.
Choosing not to show your ID to the TSA does not usually take much longer than going through the normal procedure, and in some cases may even be faster.
Previously, you needed to go to your airline's check in counter and ask to fly as a selectee so they can mark "SSSS" on your boarding pass before you go to the security line. This no longer seems to be necessary. If you need to check bags, or need to check in at the counter itself, some airlines may require ID for revenue protection. Please check the links above for information about individual airlines--most will accept alternative ID, such as a credit or library card.
In one case, the TSA recorded information from a boarding pass.
If you have successfully flown without ID or with non-governmental ID and would allow me to post your experience here, please email me the details at todaysprayer@gmail.com.
You may lose the right to travel on airplanes without prior permission from the government. Additional information and instructions on how to comment on "Secure Flight".
Important Links
Edward Hasbrouck's blog
Electronic Frontier Foundation
Unsecure Flight
Papers please
Your right to fly without ID (proof at last)
View posts where...
Passenger was... Successful / Unsuccessful in flying without presenting ID to the government.
You have the right, according to TSA (see this letter), to fly without ID, if you are willing to subject yourself to extra screening.
You can proceed with your boarding pass directly to the security line. Tell the agent who checks credentials that you are choosing to fly as a selectee. They will usually mumble something like "you forgot your ID?". You can just repeat that you are choosing to fly as a selectee. The TSA agent will mark "SSSS" on your boarding pass and will usually send you to a special line for additional inspection.
This inspection includes a hand check of your bag, swabs for explosives, and a puff test of your person in a big puff machine. You may refuse the puff test, and will get a manual pat-down instead.
Choosing not to show your ID to the TSA does not usually take much longer than going through the normal procedure, and in some cases may even be faster.
Previously, you needed to go to your airline's check in counter and ask to fly as a selectee so they can mark "SSSS" on your boarding pass before you go to the security line. This no longer seems to be necessary. If you need to check bags, or need to check in at the counter itself, some airlines may require ID for revenue protection. Please check the links above for information about individual airlines--most will accept alternative ID, such as a credit or library card.
In one case, the TSA recorded information from a boarding pass.
If you have successfully flown without ID or with non-governmental ID and would allow me to post your experience here, please email me the details at todaysprayer@gmail.com.
You may lose the right to travel on airplanes without prior permission from the government. Additional information and instructions on how to comment on "Secure Flight".
Important Links
Edward Hasbrouck's blog
Electronic Frontier Foundation
Unsecure Flight
Papers please
Your right to fly without ID (proof at last)
View posts where...
Passenger was... Successful / Unsuccessful in flying without presenting ID to the government.
Passenger reported to authorities that they chose to not show ID or, alternatively, Lost ID.
Passenger was able to fly completely ID free, or showed alternative ID, or where the ID had expired.
Passenger departed from AUS / BOS / BUR / BWI / DCA /DFW / EWR /GPT / JFK / LAX / MDW / PDX /PHL /SFO /Virgin Islands Interesting experiences or news about TSA and id checkers.
Information concerning your privacy, TSA keeping a record of travelers and tsa enforcing corporate policy.
Passenger travelled on Southwest / Continental / Delta / American / United / Airtran (Note: If you have a pre-printed boarding pass, you no longer need to interact with the airline to fly without ID).
You may lose the right to travel on airplanes without prior permission from the government and invasive government databases. News on the frightening secure flight and realID programs.
The Mystery of "SSSS".
NOTE: As of 12/2008, the answers to these questions no longer appear to be relevant. Since the TSA is now performing ID checks, there is apparently no requirement for the airline to mark "SSSS" on your boarding pass. This information is provided for historical purposes.
(source: Chris Soghoian and others)
Q: If I don't have SSSS on my boarding pass, can I go through security without any ID?
A: No.
Q: Will TSA write SSSS on my boarding pass if I don't have any ID?
A: No. You must get it done by the airline. We will send you back to the airline.
Q: How do you know if I didn't just write the letters "SSSS" on the boarding pass myself
A: TSA: "We know. There are secret things that the airline staff will write that you won't recognize." Writing "SSSS" on the boarding pass yourself is probably illegal. Since all the laws are secret, we can't really know. According to Chris Soghoian, "as things currently stand, unless I've missed something, it seems that the only thing stopping you from flying without any ID on continental airlines, is a sharpie pen, and a willingness to break a couple rules."
NOTE: As of 12/2008, the willingness of individual airlines to let you fly without ID may no longer be relevant. Since the TSA is now performing ID checks, there is apparently no requirement for the airline to mark "SSSS" on your boarding pass. This information is provided for historical purposes.
Southwest - will quickly and efficiently (no questions asked) print you out a new boarding pass with "SSSS" or mark "No ID" with a stamp and some numbers on your boarding pass if you tell them you want to fly without ID as a selectee.
Continental - absolutely requires some form of ID (library cards, student ids or credit cards may work). Present this at the check in counter.Northwest - will quite happily give you a special, machine-printed SSSS pass if you tell them you have forgotten ID. Source 1
Suggestion: It may be easiest to print your boarding pass and bring it with you before you go up to the check in counter. You can use your confirmation number to print your boarding pass.
Suggestion: It may be easiest to print your boarding pass and bring it with you before you go up to the check in counter. You can use your confirmation number to print your boarding pass.
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