Now You Tell Me…

Beginning June 21, you will have to show identification to get past the security checkpoint at airports.

Now, many of you probably think that was already the case – and certainly the good folks at the Transportation Security Authority do currently ask to see identification.

However, as anyone who has had the misfortune to misplace their ID can attest, you have been able to get through security without it – you just had be subjected to a more thorough screening, generally a pat down, and a hand search of your carry-ons.

If you’re a chronic misplacer of such things, don’t worry – the new ban only applies to passengers that “willfully refuse to provide identification’, or “refuse to assist transportation security officers in ascertaining their identity.’ According to a press release announcing the change, “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.’

On the other hand, if you’re an air traveler who thought that people couldn’t get on the plane without first producing ID….



For an interesting (if somewhat alarming) take on boarding procedures and the no-fly lists, check out Insecure Flight: Broken Boarding Passes and Ineffective Terrorist Watch Lists

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