Sunday, August 25, 2013

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.


They then have a large list of the acceptable forms of ID (which I am sure you are all familiar with). 
Hoping that if this ever applies to you, it is only your ID and not any of your other credit cards or personal items as that would involve a whole additional set of follow-up items. 
Talking strictly about your ID . . . . never fear in case of an emergency such as this.  You can follow these guidelines and at least get to your destination.

Happy travels!

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