Flying without an ID?

[Seasider]

I agree - overnight the passport with delivery confirmation. (you want to be sure he actually gets it.)

an expired passport still has value. I just had this conversation with 1ds as his is also expired. it's still considered valid for passport renewal (dh has used an expired one to get a new one), the airport may still accept it because it is federal issued ID - with a picture.

 

eta: - just saw your update. do you have a certified birth certificate? does he have a credit card in his name? if you can combine those with his college issued ID, it could help.

about nine years ago, 2dd was part of a group from her college who flew to another city for a presentation. one prof came along. . . . not sure how it happened - but he was allowed on the plane without his driver's license. (he had her name on the van rental because they wouldn't rent it to him.). not sure how he got on the plane to go back to school. he did have school issued ID for the conference.

He probably got by because that was pre-9/11.

 

OP if the airline verifies his ID for the outbound flight, perhaps they will have a record of it and the college ID will suffice.

[Joules]

Do you know how easy it is to get a replacement state issued ID in your state?  In my state you have to have certain code numbers off of your original ID to get a new one issued without you going in in person.  This number was in addition to your driver's license number (like a security code on your credit card).  So, unless you had a copy of the previous ID it was almost impossible to get this done.

 

I take photographs of everyone's ID when new ones come, so that I always have the information on my phone (though password protect it.)  Sometimes I needed dh's DL number for some form and got tired of calling him. I used the photo to add him to rental car agreements when I did the pickup also.  My dad often forgot his wallet (or lost it), but needed ID and insurance for appointments.  I never had a problem using the picture.  TSA would be different, but in the future it might tip the scales toward proving identity.

[Tanaqui]

This happens to people all the time. He should bring whatever identification he has - school ID, mail in his name, whatever - and prepare to be patted down.

[lauraw4321]

Flying within the country? Not impossible. DH did it just a few weeks ago. Had a ton of extra security done, but was able to fly.

[sassenach]

Have you called the airline yet? This seems like an obvious first step.

[ChocolateReignRemix]

Have you called the airline yet? This seems like an obvious first step.

 

The airline will direct them to TSA.

[sassenach]

The airline will direct them to TSA.

OK, so have you (OP) called TSA yet?

[rebbyribs]

I did this about 9 years ago, when I had my wallet stolen in the middle of a trip.  I was travelling with my now-husband and 1-yo daughter.  I got the pat-down and was then escorted to an interview area.  The interview was basically identity verification - the same sorts of questions about previous addresses that you get when running a credit check on yourself.  My companion was asked some questions as well. I had no problems with the interview and was allowed to pass through security and board the plane.  On the other hand, I am white and female, I have a reasonably good memory, and I was travelling with someone who did have proper ID.  It might be harder for someone who does not fit these descriptions.

[Lanny]

Not having an ID is a bad thing, even if one is not wanting to board a Civil Turbojet aircraft.  If the police in the USA stop someone, who did not have ID, I think and hope they would find that suspicious.  Here in Colombia, as in most of the world, we are required to carry a "Cedula" (National Identity card) at all times.  If the police here find someone without that, they will hopefully be very suspicious.   

 

If the DS of the OP has done this 2 or 3 times in recent months, this is not a good thing for him to be doing and could really cause a very bad experience for him.

[zoobie]

Not having an ID is a bad thing, even if one is not wanting to board a Civil Turbojet aircraft. If the police in the USA stop someone, who did not have ID, I think and hope they would find that suspicious. Here in Colombia, as in most of the world, we are required to carry a "Cedula" (National Identity card) at all times. If the police here find someone without that, they will hopefully be very suspicious.

 

If the DS of the OP has done this 2 or 3 times in recent months, this is not a good thing for him to be doing and could really cause a very bad experience for him.

We don't have national identity requirements here. Yet.

Edited August 2, 2017 by zoobie

[Tanaqui]

Lanny, there have been Supreme Court cases on this subject. It is unconstitutional to require people to carry ID in their daily lives - good thing, too, because 10% of adult American citizens do not have an ID and would have extreme trouble trying to get one. It is not "suspicious" to not carry an ID, and I'm a little weirded out that you "hope" it would be considered suspicious!

 

There are some activities that do require an ID on hand - driving a car, purchasing certain substances, entering certain buildings, exiting the country, and, yes, flying. However, in some of those cases there are legal ways around it (you can always have a friend purchase your booze and controlled medicines, for example) and in others... well, they're not crucially necessary to do anyway.

Edited August 2, 2017 by Tanaqui

[Daria]

I did this about 9 years ago, when I had my wallet stolen in the middle of a trip.  I was travelling with my now-husband and 1-yo daughter.  I got the pat-down and was then escorted to an interview area.  The interview was basically identity verification - the same sorts of questions about previous addresses that you get when running a credit check on yourself.  My companion was asked some questions as well. I had no problems with the interview and was allowed to pass through security and board the plane.  On the other hand, I am white and female, I have a reasonably good memory, and I was travelling with someone who did have proper ID.  It might be harder for someone who does not fit these descriptions.

 

None of these things apply to my son.  

 

I wonder if they'll take into account his age.  I mean, I might have trouble listing all my addresses going back 10 years, but 10 years ago he was 8.  I'm not sure he knew that address when we lived there.  

[zejh]

None of these things apply to my son.  

 

I wonder if they'll take into account his age.  I mean, I might have trouble listing all my addresses going back 10 years, but 10 years ago he was 8.  I'm not sure he knew that address when we lived there.  

 

I don't remember having to answer questions about where I lived, just had to get extra pat-downs and close inspection of carry-on, I think.  I was not particularly young (I graduated college before 9/11, and some of the mindless things I did back then were pretty epic...) but in my experience, they're nice enough if you just go along with everything they ask. (And the pat-downs I got were in no way excessive. Maybe I just got lucky.)  I have found TSA helpfulness and friendliness varies considerably by airport.  On the whole, the times I've forgotten my ID were less traumatic than the time I had a $10 jar of artisanal jam in my carry-on...  

[displace]

OP - I assume you're looking into a way to help him not lose his ID again? There must be a wallet that prevents removal, or something? This sounds like an executive function problem that needs a fail proof solution.

[Tanaqui]

None of these things apply to my son.  

 

I wonder if they'll take into account his age.  I mean, I might have trouble listing all my addresses going back 10 years, but 10 years ago he was 8.  I'm not sure he knew that address when we lived there.  

 

Then he should definitely also add an extra 90 - 120 minutes to his travel time.

[ChocolateReignRemix]

None of these things apply to my son.  

 

I wonder if they'll take into account his age.  I mean, I might have trouble listing all my addresses going back 10 years, but 10 years ago he was 8.  I'm not sure he knew that address when we lived there.  

 

They didn't ask anything like that when DH lost is.  Just basic current information.  They are not running a background check.

 

Really, this happens a lot and it won't be a big deal.

[Daria]

OP - I assume you're looking into a way to help him not lose his ID again? There must be a wallet that prevents removal, or something? This sounds like an executive function problem that needs a fail proof solution.

 

Are you imagining a wallet that prevents removal from the person (zip ties maybe?) or a wallet that doesn't allow the ID to be removed?  

 

It's a minor miracle that the ID wasn't in his wallet when he was lost, because he easily could have lost all his ID's and his bank card at once.  

 

I agree that a fail proof solution would be fantastic!  However, I'm not sure such a product exists.  

[Sk8ermaiden]

I've read a bunch of responses, but I lost my ID on the way to the airport in Ft Lauderdale two years ago. They wanted as much ID as possible, but all I had was a credit card and my insurance card! They went through my carryon and did the pat down, but they let me on the flight. 

Edited August 3, 2017 by Sk8ermaiden

[Arcadia]

I agree that a fail proof solution would be fantastic! However, I'm not sure such a product exists.

A former colleague use the neck stash anti-theft hidden wallet at work and when traveling (domestic and international). He can just show ID at places which need photo ID or when paying by credit card without removing the drivers license from his wallet. He has his employee ID on a lanyard though.

 

It was something like this one in grey https://www.amazon.com/Lewis-N-Clark-RFID-Blocking-Anti-Theft/dp/B0082C62BO/

Edited August 3, 2017 by Arcadia

[StephanieZ]

IME, it is possible that SW will let your kid on the plane, but they will NOT let him check luggage w/o ID. 

 

If you can FedEx him an ID, I'd do it. If not, there's very little chance he'll be able to check a bag. And w/o you there to vouch for his identity, it's also dicey as to whether they'd let him board at all. 

[Daria]

IME, it is possible that SW will let your kid on the plane, but they will NOT let him check luggage w/o ID. 

 

If you can FedEx him an ID, I'd do it. If not, there's very little chance he'll be able to check a bag. And w/o you there to vouch for his identity, it's also dicey as to whether they'd let him board at all. 

 

I spoke to TSA and they said this happens every day and he should try and have 2 forms of ID each with at least one thing specific: such as birthdate, photo etc . . . He'll have social card, birth certificate, 2 college ID's, insurance card on his phone and a check card.  They couldn't promise but made it sound like it pretty much always goes OK.

 

I spoke to SW and they said that checking isn't a problem, but they can't guarantee TSA.

 

Are your experiences different?

[gardenmom5]

It is my understanding that airlines are not allowed to send your luggage without you. 

 

they're not supposed - but it happens.

my mom got "rescheduled" by the airline to a later flight...her luggage never came down, so we went through many hoops trying to find it.

 

it made the flight she was SUPPOSED to be originally.  they one that supposedly had mechanical/something?delays?.   so, it had been sitting there, before she ever got off her flight.

it hadn't occurred to us it was sitting in their "lost" baggage pile because it wasn't collected after the flight it was on.

[ChocolateReignRemix]

I spoke to TSA and they said this happens every day and he should try and have 2 forms of ID each with at least one thing specific: such as birthdate, photo etc . . . He'll have social card, birth certificate, 2 college ID's, insurance card on his phone and a check card.  They couldn't promise but made it sound like it pretty much always goes OK.

 

I spoke to SW and they said that checking isn't a problem, but they can't guarantee TSA.

 

Are your experiences different?

 

DH was flying SW when his happened.  They checked his bag when he gave the flight information and showed something with his name on it.  They would remove the bags if the TSA check did not allow him through security was his understanding.

 

Seriously, this happens all the time.  It will be stressful due to the unknown, but your ds will be fine.

 

[StephanieZ]

I spoke to TSA and they said this happens every day and he should try and have 2 forms of ID each with at least one thing specific: such as birthdate, photo etc . . . He'll have social card, birth certificate, 2 college ID's, insurance card on his phone and a check card.  They couldn't promise but made it sound like it pretty much always goes OK.

 

I spoke to SW and they said that checking isn't a problem, but they can't guarantee TSA.

 

Are your experiences different?

 

Well, 18 months ago . . . I took dd to the airport to check in for a flight back to school on SW. She forgot her phone and ID at our house (90 min away). The counter agents were very nice (as always, IME, for SW), and indicated that they could check *her* in to the flight, but no-way-no-how could they check her bag (which she definitely needed) w/o her ID. I don't know for sure if she had any alternate ID on her person at that time, but probably not, as she'd left her entire wallet at home.

 

I'm not certain that they were willing to check her in w/ zero ID or if it was somehow contingent on me being there (with plenty of ID, of course, lol). We had to rebook on another flight the next day . . . UGH. Now I make her SHOW me her ID before getting in the car, lol. (I had verbally asked her . . . and she'd confirmed . . . because she *thought* it was in her purse . . . This is my brilliant 20 year old . . . who still needs a bit of help adult-ing, lol)

 

So, anyway, I am sure the folks you spoke to are much more knowledgeable than I am. I just had that one experience. 

Edited August 3, 2017 by StephanieZ

[StephanieZ]

dp 

 

Edited August 3, 2017 by StephanieZ

[displace]

Are you imagining a wallet that prevents removal from the person (zip ties maybe?) or a wallet that doesn't allow the ID to be removed?

 

It's a minor miracle that the ID wasn't in his wallet when he was lost, because he easily could have lost all his ID's and his bank card at once.

 

I agree that a fail proof solution would be fantastic! However, I'm not sure such a product exists.

Depends on what happened (for each ID losing situation). Does he remove his ID? Why? does he leave a wallet at home and just take an ID?

 

Wallets with clear windows prevent a need to remove an ID (or remove and replace immediately). Some tie or chain to his clothes would prevent leaving a wallet around by itself absentmindedly. If he only wants to carry the ID with money (going to clubs/etc), he needs probably a secondary club wallet because an ID in a pocket is a recipe for losing. Or he can use a body ID holder.

 

Idk, but solving the original problem of why his ID keeps getting lost may help prevent further problems.

 

And, since there are known (?) executive function challenges, this is a great exercise to help him mentally walk through to problem solve for his personal challenges. He may not want his mom buying him some super special wallet. But if you walk through the thought process with him to help him find his own solution, it may help him in the future plan for changes when he's struggling.

 

Idk, I'm really just confusing myself at this point so I hope it made a little sense 🙃

Edited August 3, 2017 by displace

[Rebel]

My purse got stolen on a trip about 4 years ago. I was flying out of a small airport in Traverse City, MI back to Texas. I called and was told to show up an hour early. They patted me down, tested me for explosive residue, and asked me several identity type questions while they were looking at some kind of data base. The only thing I had with my name on it was some prescription medication. They asked me for an email address which was funny as I had about five different ones and had to keep giving them until I hit the correct one. They asked where I graduated from college, where I went to high school, what my next door neighbor's names were (that one was hard as I only knew first names), and probably some other stuff that I have forgotten by now. I think my attitude helped the situation. I was friendly, explained about the stolen purse, and joked that I was willing to strip naked if it would get me on the plane.

[gardenmom5]

He probably got by because that was pre-9/11.

 

OP if the airline verifies his ID for the outbound flight, perhaps they will have a record of it and the college ID will suffice.

 

:confused:   where did you get the idea it was pre 9/11? hardly.   it was in 2008?  2009?

 

and if you're referring to old passport for renewal - that was also post 9/11

Edited August 3, 2017 by gardenmom5

[Daria]

I thought I'd come back and tell you that DS made it through checking his luggage and TSA without incident with a college ID and a photo of his Social Security Card..  He got patted down pretty thoroughly, and they spent longer than average looking at his computer, although given what's going on in NK and Charlottesville some of the expanded security might have happened anyway.