SultanOfSwing

This was a representative of the airline. Without their OK to get a boarding pass, you'll not get through to see the government lot.

hungryhorace

We had credit cards, which we offered to show, but they were just interested in something with with our photo on.

Also, I've flown internally from England to Scotland without ID being asked for at LHR *many* times. The EasyJet policy you cite i'm not familiar with, but I have heard of certain airlines imposing these silly policies. As I say, i've flown tens of times with BA up to Scotland from LHR and never had ID checked once. There is no law an airline has to conform to to check ID for internal flights. Frankly showing ID for internal flights is offensive.

hungryhorace

We already had our boarding pass on our phones before we even reached the airport.

SultanOfSwing

Then your ID was verified at the point of booking, which they were able to re-verify at the airline desk and that was kind of a needless rant in the end ...

Ultimately though, it's up to the airline whether they let you on the plane or not, you agree to that when you buy a ticket. It is what it is, mate.

hungryhorace

They didn't ask for any ID at the airline desk, other than to show our boarding passes for them to check in our luggage.

SultanOfSwing

I misread that, I thought this all took place at the check-in desk.

If you have your boarding pass, then it is to be accepted that the airline has already verified your ID, as was the case this time.

Still, at the time I flew without it (2005) ID was required by the airline in order to fly, even if they did decide to allow me on anyway. On an earlier flight, too

Pulaski

I suspect that is what happened, because I usually self-check-in, and that requires a DL or credit card in my name, or if checking in on-line, is linked to a credit card in my name.

That said, I am still surprised HH was allowed to board the aircraft without showing photo ID because my local airport stops everyone and checks the ticket and a government-issued photo ID (DL, PP, or GC) of everyone before they get to the security check point. It had never occurred to me that I might be allowed through without an ID.

OK, so your identity was checked to the satisfaction the TSA. Using a credit card is a sure way to leave your fingerprints all over the place.

hungryhorace

That line you speak of is where we were stopped and taken aside for the search. A secondary agent came and searched our stuff as described, took us through the metal detector and we were on our way.

SultanOfSwing

It may be because they already had boarding passes in hand, plus the use of some kind of expedited check in process at booking. ID verified through the credit card used to pay.

Whether opponents of ID requirements like it or not, 'they' already have your info somewhere.

Bluegrass Lass

Well, all I can attest to is that on the numerous business trips I have taken, I have always had to show a photo id not only to a check-in agent, and to a TSA agent before reaching the x-ray machines and to TSA agents at the x-rays. Not to mention, depending on the airline, I've had to show id to another airline clerk at the gate before boarding the plane.

I've read of instances where people without id have been denied boarding. So while HH may been a one-off instance, I would say fat chance of everyone getting away with this all the time.

hungryhorace

Have you actually read the TSA link I posted? Suggest you do.

Bluegrass Lass

Tbh, HH, I really don't care what the link says. I have no problem carrying a photo ID to get on a plane. Can't tell you have many times I've been asked for one when simply using my credit/debit card in a store. While I am one of the first that will say I refuse to give up freedoms for the sake of a thin veneer of additional safety, flashing a photo ID is a minor thing.

AdobePinon

REAL ID? Screw 'em.

JAJ

There's no "airline desk" involved when you check-in online, especially without any bags to check. In most airports, you go straight to a TSA checkpoint and as long as your ID meets TSA requirements, you're good to go. Airlines do not usually check ID at boarding gate on domestic flights.

The U.S. passport card may evolve into a de-facto national ID card.

Steve_

I don't think they will extend them indefinitely, I think what is going to happen is that the States that oppose it will upgrade their IDs anyway and DHS will certify them as compliant arbitrarily. Only way forward I can see given how many States have said they won't comply with it.

They already granted Montana a waiver they didn't ask for.

Otherwise next year you're going to see people not allowed into Federal buildings in various States unless they use their passport.