Acceptable forms of ID

[29palms]

It looks like the driver's license (State level) and passport (Federal level) is the most widely accepted forms of pictured ID card around. Does anyone here know if an airport badge holds any water when showing proof of identification?

[MRSDS1DONNA]

I always use my badge to get through security. I've only ever been questioned once and that was in a very small airport where the person at TSA had never heard of Alaska Airlines.

[ColoAvs19]

Airport badge should always be accepted, as it's issued by the airport authority, which is a government agency. There is some debate about airline issued badges though. Absolutely any unexpired government issued photo ID should be accepted every time.............that being said, we've all dealt with the geniuses who have no clue about the rules they're paid to enforce...

[spongebue]

I almost always use my badge to get through. I have had 2 times where they wanted a government issued ID instead for one bullspit reason or another (not in uniform or something like that). Once in MSP, once in DEN, so not exactly tiny airports. I think both times I tried arguing with them a little ("I've always been told that this is supposed to be enough for you...") and eventually show them my license while telling them that I'd appreciate it if they would check with their supervisor when they have a chance to.

A few months ago I had training at DEN. For the first day I made (and later cancelled) a NRSA listing just to give me a boarding pass to get through, and also talked with a supervisor to get an idea of what the official policy is supposed to be. He told me that an airline badge alone (not even a boarding pass alongside) is supposed to be enough (I've given up on that one and just give them that from the start). When I told him that I've been told my airline badge was worthless at the ID check, his jaw kind of dropped. The rest of the week I went through with just a badge, but I also wasn't carrying any bags with me, either.

Still, better than when I tried using the TSA's contact form to ask the actual policy. My response given was essentially "thank you for asking why airline employees don't need to show ID..."

[29palms]

Don't get me started on TSA. Too late now. Here is why. They obviously don't hire based on scores and merit. Not the top pick of the crop.

But lets get back to the badge. The airport badge is not a government badge. It is issued by the CITY. It says so in the back of the card. In case you lose it, to mail it into this address. Your company badge is issued by the airlines. Again, maybe government regulated but not a government agency. But neither is your driver's license a government agency. It's a state level ID card.

I use my badge to get through security at the airport. If they want a DL, I can provide it too. Or passport if going overseas. The airport badge is a must if going through employee line. I show that one, wife shows the driver's license or passport. I bet you TSA feels so important when they travel to show their HOMELAND SECURITY ISSUED BADGES. Issued by the U.S. government. Hell, even welfare recipients get a medicaid card along with a debit card with money in their account just for having babies and staying IGNORANT.

[29palms]

But usually, its government issued ID's that hold the most water. Passport, military ID, merchant mariners id, DOD employees ID card, or any government agency issued ID card. Having said this, you know the pain in the butt hassle it is to replace a lost airport badge.

[spongebue]

But a city is still a government, just not as large as a state or federal one. But I wouldn't really expect a TSA agent in Kalamazoo to know what San Francisco's badge looks like, either. At least airline badges only come in a handful of varieties, generally less than there are state licenses even.

[ColoAvs19]

Any ID issued by any government agency.......on any level. As long as it's issued by a government agency and has a photo and isn't expired, it's good. That's it...........of course there are just a ton of idiots keeping us safe every day that have no clue what is and isn't good.

I can't quote certain TSA issued materials, but let's just say airline ID is still up for debate. What's great is when it's a teeny tiny airline. I've had TSA tell me my badge is fake..........And then let me through with my license...........like it's no big deal or anything............these people are just my favorite. Between TSA and CBP, my risk for hemorrhoids has got to be elevated..

[29palms]

I know when I get a hotel room as in Sal at Intercontinental, they run a copy of your AIRLINE BADGE for your discount. Airline badge for discounts, Airport badge for security and employee line. At the KIOSK machine, they actually want your driver's license (Conus) or passport document for overseas travel. For identification purposes on travel itself, they could care less about your airport/employee badge.

[ColoAvs19]

Exactly. The carrier is responsible to verify you have any required documents for entry into any country they fly you to. Passport, visa, etc. The airline is responsible and they get the fine if they fly anybody that doesn't have their required documents. Of course in addition to that, an airline can request whatever they want to at check in. As for going to the gate, even if it's an Intl flight, the nice folks checking your ID should not be looking for any of that.........strictly satisfying the requirement of a government issued photo ID........