David becomes our first reader to fly under the TSA’s new ID policy. Formerly, if you refused or were unable to show ID you could still fly — but were required to undergo secondary screening by the TSA. Now they’ve altered their position slightly– fliers who willingly refuse to show ID are now barred from flying. The new rule went into effect over the weekend, and David says that in order to board the plane after forgetting his driver’s license he had to answer questions about his political party affiliation and previous addresses.
The new regulation doesn’t apply to those passengers who claim to have forgotten their ID– so essentially you are barred from claiming that you have a constitutional right to refuse to show ID to get on a plane. Here’s how the TSA explains it:
Beginning Saturday, June 21, 2008 passengers that willfully refuse to provide identification at security checkpoint will be denied access to the secure area of airports. This change will apply exclusively to individuals that simply refuse to provide any identification or assist transportation security officers in ascertaining their identity.”
This new procedure will not affect passengers that may have misplaced, lost or otherwise do not have ID but are cooperative with officers. Cooperative passengers without ID may be subjected to additional screening protocols, including enhanced physical screening, enhanced carry-on and/or checked baggage screening, interviews with behavior detection or law enforcement officers and other measures.
It turns out that “and other measures” include questions about political party affiliation and other questionable invasions of privacy, according to David:
So you know how the new TSA regulations went into effect yesterday, where you can only fly without ID if you “cooperate” with the TSA? Well, it turns out you also have to take a test about your personal life. They call up a service to administer it, and the last question they asked was which political party am I registered under (I correctly answered “democrat” and they still let me on board).
Anyway the full story is that I had to go Florida for a funeral, and accidentally left my driver’s license in my apartment in Manhattan. I made it through LaGuardia on Thursday the 19th in about 3 minutes, but when I tried to fly back through Fort Lauderdale Airport yesterday, it took about 45.
When I first approached security, I told the initial guard screening all passengers for ID that I had none. Instead of immediately calling the supervisor over like at LaGuardia, he paused and asked if I was sure I didn’t have any ID on me, like a social security card or something. I said I only had a credit card, so he then radioed for the area supervisor. She arrived in just a few seconds. Her name was Brenda, and she very politely and apologetically informed me that things had changed, and that the TSA supervisor for the whole airport needed to handle this situation because of the new regulations.
Luckily I had arrived an hour early so had plenty of time. I chatted with Brenda while we waited for the main supervisor to arrive. I started to get a little nervous that I wouldn’t be allowed on board, and Brenda repeatedly assured me it wouldn’t be a problem — they just had a few additional steps to go through.
After about 15 minutes, the main supervisor, Laurie, arrived. Again, Laurie was exceedingly nice and professional, but seemed a little more concerned than Brenda. She asked if I was sure I didn’t have photo ID, like a credit card with my picture on it, or even a CostCo card. I wound up going through my wallet in front of her to show that I didn’t, and she pointed to various cards and receipts in it to ask if they were IDs. I wound up showing her everything to prove I was telling the truth. She repeatedly said they had no way of “verifying” that I was who I said I was, and that someone could have stolen my credit card and traveled under my name. I didn’t want to mention that they shouldn’t need to verify who I am, because I was afraid they could then say I wasn’t cooperating and deny travel on that ground. In fact, I even mentioned several times that I wanted to fully cooperate with them because I was aware that was a component of the new regulation, and they assured me that I was.
Finally satisfied that I didn’t have ID, Laurie took my boarding pass and went away. She came back a few minutes later having photocopied it, and also had an affidavit that she requested I sign. It asked for my name and address, and stated in small print at the bottom that I did not have to fill it out, but if I didn’t I couldn’t fly. It also said that if I choose to fill it out and then provided false info, I would be in violation of federal law.
After filling out the affidavit, Laurie called a service to verify my address. The service needed me to then correctly answer three questions about myself, which Laurie relayed to me. The first was my date of birth, the second was a previous address (which I only got right on my second try), and the third was “You are registered to vote. Which political party have you registered with?” I got all three right, and only then did Laurie clear me to go through security.
Of course, I still had to submit to secondary screening, including a full-body pat-down and total luggage search. Brenda and Laurie stayed with me to make sure the process went as quickly as possible, and were again incredibly helpful and nice. They kept explaining over and over how necessary it was to “verify” who I was, and how times have changed, and how these new regulations must have been as a result of someone trying to get away with something, because there’s always a reason for these thing but they don’t always know what those reasons are. They were so nice and considerate that I waited until the very end before I finally said that I do not agree with the new regulations, but that I was thankful that the two of them acted so professionally and considerately to me. Laurie actually seemed a little dejected when I said this, because I had been playing along the entire time out of fear that I would not appear cooperative otherwise.
But I made it onboard my flight, and am back in Manhattan. I have flown without ID in the past, a couple years ago, and it was no problem. I almost preferred it because I got to skip the line. This time around though, it was incredibly burdensome, and involved the full attention of two high-level local TSA employees for a considerable period of time. I kept wondering if Laurie and Brenda were so busy with me for so long, what if someone really bad was doing something in another terminal or area? So even though I cannot say enough good things about how these particular TSA employees handled it, I still feel the new regulation is entirely inappropriate and unnecessary. Why do you need to provide a home address to fly? And what if I refused to answer the question about my political party allegiances? Luckily I kept my cool and even befriended the screeners just so they couldn’t resort to the subjective lack-of-cooperation carve-out, but 45 minutes of standing at security not knowing if you’ll make your flight seems specifically designed to test people’s mettle and upset them. The TSA has turned flying without ID into an overly cumbersome and almost unmanageable chore.
We agree with CNet’s Chris Soghoian when he says that this new rule is just more security theater– at the cost of your privacy.
While TSA’s announcement stated that the goal of the change was to “increase safety,” this blogger disagrees. The change of rules seems to be a pretty obvious case of security theater. Real terrorists do not refuse to show ID. They claim to have lost their ID, or they use a fake.
TSA’s new rules only protect us from a non-existent breed of terrorists who are unable to lie.
Your papers please: TSA bans ID-less flight [CNet]
(Photo: Kevin Dean )
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@CaptZ: You want us to believe Texas keeps records of individual citizen’s votes? I call bullshit on that one. Show us some proof. The Texas Election Code might be a good place to start.
@thesabre: It won’t stop at airplanes; eventually it will include buses, trains, car rentals. Eventally crossing bridges or city limits.
“Papers please” “State your party affiliation, please”
@Landru:
I love how everyone takes this out of context. They are asking you verifiable information.
Key word here: VERIFIABLE Information.
DMV records include political party info because you can register to vote when you get your drivers license.
If you don’t want to tell, either bring your ID or don’t fly, simple.
I personally think if you don’t have ID and are over 18, you don’t get on period.
How many times do you need to forget your ID before you fly to be classified as an IDIOT??
“I have flown without ID in the past, a couple years ago, and it was no problem. I almost preferred it because I got to skip the line. This time around though, it was incredibly burdensome, and involved the full attention of two high-level local TSA employees for a considerable period of time.”
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Here’s an idea – Let’s forget the whole thing and go back to the way we boarded planes in the 70′s. This way no one will be inconvenienced. So what a few planes a blown up but at least you can travel without being inconvenienced. Unless you consider loosing your life an inconvenience.
Kind of like russian roulette with an airplane. Look at the upside though- no lines, carry on what you want- sometimes you’ll get there and if you won’t it won’t matter to you, just your loved ones.
Some of you folks are freakin imbeciles
@bart430: What? No you can’t. THe DMV has nothing to do with voting. At all.
@AlexPDL at 12:48 PM: Our party affiliation and addresses is totally public. We can even find out WHEN and therefore how often a person voted, again all public.
@ Pylon83 at 12:48 PM: Most people register to vote at the DMV (or whatever incantation of it your state has), and they would likely have your noted party affiliation noted. While it’s a pretty personal question, it’s one that would be hard for an “impostor” to answer.
BZZZZZZZZZ… Sorry, wrong answer. The state I live in believes in a secret vote, and party affiliation, if any, is NOT recorded by the state (Washington State).
When registering to vote in this state one DOES NOT state what party one “belongs” to. I have voted since 1967, and have always voted for the PERSON whom I thought would do the best job, not for whatever party he or she might profess allegiance to.
(BTW, we DO have “Motor Voter” laws here that allow easy registration via our Department of Licensing when getting, updating, or renewing a driver’s license.)
@fadecomic: “That’s the flaw in so many of the arguments here. There’s this implicit assumption that things are magically going to progress. Why should they? What’s the evidence? “
The public was assured that income taxes would only affect the very wealthy and not rise above three percent. Your phone calls are now monitored by the NSA. Your government wants to know which books you read. It has progressed to the next level and it has been doing it for a long time.
If the bad guys were out to change our society, they are succeeding. We are heading towards a police state. We need to wake up while we still can.
@donkeyjote: I can register to vote when I renew my driver’s license at the DMV in my state.
Only an hour early? Lies!
//Well, maybe in the best of situations, but still.. it’s unheard of.
If you wish to board this flight, you must answer me these questions three!
@smcallah: Which state is that? A police state? (No, srsly, which state?)
@Michael Bauser:
Uhh, actually Texas does keep voter registration records, as well as a record of what party you voted for in the primaries, and it’s all public — http://www.publicdata.com is one source to obtain that information
@Tijil:
X2,
And Pylon83′s belief that an ‘impostor’ would have trouble answering such questions is complete bull$hit. Publicdata.com gives you access to Texas DL# & address history as well as voter registration and party affiliation, so that’s all the knowledge one would need to bypass the 3 “security” questions for someone who wants to impersonate you to get on a plane and doesn’t have ID. In fact, an Impostor most likely would just grab random info out of these databases to use to get on a plane without ID, Versus a legit. person who may or may not remember who they voted for in the last election (and believe me, some people vote just to vote and don’t look at who they voted for), or knowing a previous address that was entered fraudulently on your consumer credit report headers.
@Lucky225: Uhh, actually Texas does keep voter registration records, as well as a record of what party you voted for in the primaries, and it’s all public — http://www.publicdata.com is one source to obtain that information
We all agree on that (I agree too, even despite my post that erroneously says something to the contrary), and it varies from state to state.
No state in America, however, keeps records of who you voted for, which is the absurd assertion that CaptZ made earlier.
@Lucky225: Voter registration and what party’s primary you voted in is not the same as keeping a record of the votes of individual citizens.
@Michael Belisle:
Oh yea, agreed.
Umm, this absolutely worked today. OP was who he said he was. But now that we know what the questions will be, the terrorists will just have to look up the proper answers in advance.
It’s just not worth the hassle and frustration. Anymore, I will only travel to places I can drive to. Luckily, I live in California, and there are all kinds of cool places to drive to.
/Like they would let any Arab guy on a plane without ID. Please!
@Lucky225: Just to note…
I put my info into http://www.publicdata.com and it came up with data which is simply not possible (I never lived in Texas for example) and my last name is unique. Only 3 people in the world have it.
@Michael Bauser: I’ve used my public university employee ID on several occasions as a government issued ID.
@blong81: the key difference is that not everybody is allowed to drive. I think the pilot should be required to show his ID before he gets on the plane, because I’d prefer to know that he is in fact a licensed pilot. The “right” to drive and put the lives of others at risk can be suspended (for example, if you’ve been caught driving drunk), while the right to travel should only be able to be suspended if you have been convicted of a crime severe enough to warrant imprisonment. I have no problem with them requiring people to show their ID before they walk out of prison.
I amazed at how many little sheep here are busting the flyer for not “following the rules.” Like the fucking rules benefit anyone but TSA workers and dumbfuck politicians hoping to snow a dumbfuck population
Love seeing all the comments busting this person for even thinking about breaking the rules. Git along little sheep. Like all this airport bullshit benefits anyone but the TSA stooges and dumbass politicians trying to con a dumbfuck population. And no way those evil doers have figured out there are easier ways to cause mayhem than to fly without an ID.
@tgpt: I don’t think the government should be able to allow or disallow people to drive. Who says they are competent to decide? Why should they be the ones? I don’t agree with the government at all anyways but, they do decide who drives legally now, and look at all the crashes we have anyways.
@Phillip M. Vector:
Thanks for proving my point — Where do you think TSA gets *THEIR* information when they verify who you are without ID?
I still fail to see how TSA requiring ID violates any kind of civil rights. You are choosing to fly on a plane, the govt isn’t forcing you. Is your local gas station also violating your civil rights when they ask for ID if you’re trying to buy alcohol because you look under age?
@BAF: According to some morons who comment here, yes, the gas station would be violating their rights, because god forbid they take 20 seconds out of their day to show them their ID.
The TSA is useless in many ways, but I have no problem with them checking IDs. It might actually help with security, and I get through security a hell of a lot quicker than any moron who refuses to show their ID because they feel like their civil liberties are being taken away and are trying to be a hero by standing up to the man. Guess what, you’re not a hero. Not my hero at least. You’re just an asshole that has to hold up an already slow-moving line.
As much as I value individual rights and all the yada yada yada, the US is unique in the range of things one can do without an id card, INCLUDING VOTE.
I have flown frequently in Europe and you simply don’t go on a plane without an identification. Its a basic security precaution. Can it be faked? Of course, but it’s one more obstacle and a way to identify suspicious behavior. Terrorists are not actually as smart and complicated as one they expect; they typically use glaring holes in a security system.
Also, what sort of an idiot goes to a different part of the country without any form of ID or a driver’s license (I know this is a funeral, but he did this before). How do you check into a hotel, rent a car, enter a cab, buy liquor, or visit a hospital if you’re sick without any form of photo ID?
And to the person who asked about the “did you pack yourself?” stuff: It’s obvious to people who fly regularly, but if you’re not used to traveling outside your tiny little hamlet, you might be willing to do a favour for that nice man in the terminal who asked you to bring something to his friend at your destination. Pigs don’t fly, but idiots do.
@uricmu:
I’m not sure why you think I’m an idiot for going to Florida without ID. I was able to check into a hotel room with ID no problem b/c I had a credit card, I didn’t have to rent a car b/c my whole family was there and could get a ride, I’m not sure why you think entering a cab requires ID (that’s just weird), I don’t drink so buying liquor is not necessary, and I’ve actually gone to hospitals before without ID (broke a bone while skiing) so I’m not sure why you think that’s neccessary either. What’s really sad is that YOU think you NEED ID for all those things. Why don’t you carry ID with you next time you want to go outside and get your mail?
@uricmu: the US is unique in the range of things one can do without an id card, INCLUDING VOTE.
Woah, slow down there. It depends on the state. In Arizona, for example, not only do you need ID, but you also need to prove your citizenship.
What sort of an idiot goes to a different part of the country without any form of ID or a driver’s license…?
Someone who leaves his mistakenly leaves his ID at home. It’s not like he planned to test the system. I imagine checking into a hotel without ID is easier than getting through the security checkpoint without one.
Some people are absent-minded. I can sympathize, having missed 3 flights and 1 train because I confused myself about what time they left (“I’m sorry, your flight left yesterday.” or “I’m sorry, your flight left this morning.” or “I’m sorry, your flight arrives at 9:30. It left at 7:30.”). The thousands of dollars these mistakes cost me has not improved my scheduling accuracy. Apparently, I just don’t care.
Maybe just take a crayon and draw an ID card. Maybe show them a chad from the last election.
Ever notice how you need an ID to do almost anything now a days but if you ask for an ID from someone who is about to vote, it is “disinfranchisement, blah, blah, blah”.
This entire TSA BS is all about security theater.
The whole country needs to get PTSD counseling and conquer fear already.
Good. ID isn’t an end all solution to airport security but it does help. I realize this blog has to lean as far left as possible but really?
I just finished reading a book called “Little Brother” by COry Doctorow. It’s a young adult book, so the writing is a bit stilted. But it gives a pretty chilling scenario about how quickly government can take control and monitor the public under the guise of Homeland Security.
I’m not particularly concerned with these regulations right now. I AM concerned how quickly they can be implemented if some terrorist blows up something and government takes the opportunity to start tracking EVERYONE.
A friend of mine has a problem. He has a drivers’ license valid for his state of residence. He also has a state government ID (same but for driving privileges) issued from another state. Both are valid.
How long does he have to ditch the one of the state he doesn’t live in before Real IDs merge all of the databases together? (Assuming they haven’t already.)
@bart430:
I think that you should move to North Korea – you’d be much happier there. Demanding ID to travel within the US (or to leave the US) is fundamentally contradictory to what this country is supposed to be about. It is NONE OF THE GOVERNMENT’S BUSINESS where I fly. If they want that info, get a warrant.
@Tijil: Look up any DC resident’s voter registration:
[www.dcboee.org]
@not_kosher:
ID definitely does help – since no terrorists can ever get IDs, ID checks meant that nothing unusual happened on 9/11/01. Oh, wait, the 9/11 hijackers had completely valid IDs? Never mind.
@uricmu:
“I have flown frequently in Europe and you simply don’t go on a plane without an identification.”
Actually, no, you don’t. If you’re staying within Schengen, you don’t need ID to check in or board. They might ask for it on arrival, but not always. Flying TO and FROM Europe, sure (international travel), but not for domestic flights.
@BAF:
You are choosing to leave your house. The gov’t isn’t forcing you. What’s wrong with them asking for ID when you walk out your front door.
You are choosing to walk down the street. The gov’t isn’t forcing you. What’s wrong with them asking for ID when you walk down the street.
You are choosing to walk down the street. The gov’t isn’t forcing you. What’s wrong with them asking for ID when you walk down the street.
You are choosing to enter that Democratic party rally. The gov’t isn’t forcing you. What’s wrong with them asking for ID when you enter the rally.
You are choosing to buy that newspaper. The gov’t isn’t forcing you. What’s wrong with them asking for ID when you purchase the newspaper?
Sure some of these things maybe inconveniences, but honestly is 15-20 minutes of going through security that big of a deal. If you dont want anyone to know where your identity or anything about you and are so worried about the government, identity theft, and all this other bullshit you have the RIGHT to live off the land in the middle of fucking nowhere where no one can bother you and you don’t have to worry about the big bad government trying to get you. You also have the RIGHT to take another form of transportation if this is such a big deal.
Sure some of the policies are silly, but its the same with any other company/bureaucracy, I dont see anyone complaining that there hasn’t been another successful attack on/through the airlines in 7 years.
I guess some people need to get a life.
@JustThatGuy3: You also fail to mention how the process of getting a driver’s license has changed dramatically in the past 7 years. In most states, you now need original copies of proof of identity (birth certificate, naturalization certificates, etc.), proof of legal presence (birth certificate also satisfies this requirement), proof of residency (W-2, pay stub, utility bill), proof of name change (if any), and proof of Social Security Administration registration (SSN).
Do you think the same 9/11 hijackers could satisfy those requirements today instead of filling out a form and getting their picture taken in 2001? The process of GETTING a license is harder, so the value of a license as legal identification increases.
@thesabre:
Sure they could have met those requirements. The IDs were completely legit.
That being said, if you believe that there’s this huge terrorist conspiracy out there, inches away from hijacking airliners across the US, but kept in check because they’re unable to get FAKE IDS that would be available to every college kid in the country, well, I guess some people will believe anything.
TSA should be focused on keeping items that would allow a hijacker (a) destroy the aircraft or (b) breach the cockpit door and seize the aircraft, off the plane. Period.