Comments on: Ask Cranky: What to Do When Your Photo ID is Lost

By: Harry Jones

Harry Jones — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 10:13:23 +0000

Great post. YOu make it seem so easy to share your experiences. I wish I could do as well in sharing on my blog. I just got it started and sometimes feel stuck on what to share or if it is the right thing to share. what to do?

By: R Dunleavy

R Dunleavy — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 14:40:08 +0000

As a Newbie, I am always searching online for articles that can help me. Thank you

By: David

David — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 02:49:53 +0000

If your ID is stolen or lost, you should file a police report so that you have legal proof. After getting the police report, contact the airline you have your reservation with (if you are on vacation or business)and ask them to document in your flight record that your ID was lost or stolen and show them the police report. Unfortunately, when you go to check in, they will make you a selectee (a little extra screening), unless you happened to get a new ID.
Airlines do ask for ID at the ticket counter and the kiosks to verify that you are who you say you are. TSA asks for ID to compare against your boarding cards to make sure someone doesn’t have incorrect boarding cards.

By: SHAWN

SHAWN — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 01:10:34 +0000

aloha!

By: Katherine

Katherine — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 21:31:32 +0000

I am glad to read some of this info… I had my license confiscated…All I have is a university ID with my name and my photo on it… I am going to get a state issued ID tomorrow, but it is likely that I wont recieve it before my flight date. I am going for a medical procedure out of state and have already bought my tickets as well as paid for half lf my procedure. I have been a nervous wreck that they arent going to allow me to fly. I have a certified copy of my birth certificate, and my voter rigistration card, I also have my operative orders with me proving where I am going packed with my student ID. I called TSA, and said that they would have to prove my identity before I would be allowed on. Does anyone think I will not be able to fly???

By: Casey

Casey — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 06:44:27 +0000

Sadly, I have inadvertently become an “expert” on this.

I disagree with “Check in at home or at a kiosk” … admitting the issue at the counter has generally been the fastest way. Its really up to the airline anyway whether you fly without ID or not — the TSA is just there to verify your identity matches a boarding pass.

They usually write a circled “NO ID” on the pass, agents dont really say much of anything, and it just subjects you to selectee-like screening. one particular time, i was already a selectee, so nothing additional occurred.

Checking in at home or the kiosk when you know you do not have identification is a red flag.

By: Greg

Greg — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 02:39:59 +0000

About that last point: I really don’t mind – I’m bow-legged already :)

By: Steve Forsyth

Steve Forsyth — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 23:52:11 +0000

I lost my Driver’s License and didn’t realize it until I checked in for before flying Southwest from Kansas City to Sacremento August 29th. I just told the truth, showed them all my other stuff, credit cards, etc. My wife was with me. I’m also 66 and look somewhat harlessw. I had to go through extra security but that was only about 5 minutes extra. Same for the return, three days later. Not much hassle at all. I was prepared for the worst and it was almost a non event. Still have not found the driver’s license however so I got another.

By: The Global Traveller

The Global Traveller — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 01:14:51 +0000

Non-Americans do not find it as easy to travel without ID. TSA doesn’t have access to the data they’d like to validate that you are who you say, and so no ID acceptable to TSA means no travel. Passports are accepted as ID, but not drivers licence or any other card issued by a (non-US) government agency.

So if non-American, better not lose your passport inside USA unless you happen to be in a city with your embassy/consulate.

By: jk

jk — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 15:24:28 +0000

I’ve scanned my passport and saved as a secure PDF (requires password to open) and emailed it to myself. Just in case.