Forgot your ID?? Have no fear, read here

So I went to ORD this week for my travels to SFO and realized once I got to security that I did not have my wallet . . . which meant no driver’s license, no credit cards, no cash . . . . . nothing.  In this case I had to change my flight to a later time (thank you @United for being so helpful) and go back to get my wallet (as I couldn’t really complete my business trip with no way to pay for anything). 

However, I have had friends or colleagues who have been on trips (business or personal) and have either had their wallet/purse stolen or lost their ID at some point during their travels.

So what happens??  You are away from home, need to obviously get through security to get back home, and have no ID.  I checked into TSA’s guidelines to get the official scoop on what happens if you forget or lose or do not have your ID.  

 On the official TSA website (http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information/acceptable-ids) they include the below –

We understand passengers occasionally arrive at the airport without an ID, due to lost items or inadvertently leaving them at home. Not having an ID, does not necessarily mean a passenger won't be allowed to fly. If passengers are willing to provide additional information, we have other means of substantiating someone's identity, like using publicly available databases.

Passengers who are cleared through this process may be subject to additional screening. Passengers whose identity cannot be verified by TSA may not be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint or onto an airplane.

Healthy snacks while traveling

Whether you travel frequently for work or just occasionally for travel . . . you need some snacks while on the road.  Although it has gotten better . . . it still takes some effort to find snacks that are not total garbage.  Never fear . . I’ve found some good ones over the years, below are some of my faves. 

One helpful hint a co-worker once told me . . .  always always always have spare snacks in your bag such as a protein bar, almonds, crackers, piece of fruit, etc.  You never know when you will be sitting on the runway for 2 hours or not have enough time to grab dinner in between flights.  When you get your Starbucks coffee, grab a Kind bar or almonds or a banana with it and throw it in your bag.  This is a lifesaver in certain circumstances.

I also pack snacks to keep in my suitcase for those nights you are starving in your hotel room . . . so that you don’t have to hunt down a vending machine or room service.

Another trick is that I always carry Cinnamon Altoids or mints in my bag . . . in case you don’t have food it carries you over at least a little longer . . . and is better than nothing.