For the first time recently, I boarded a plane without ID. I always though you could not. The airline rep said you can and she helped a few people in the same boat just yesterday. For all her 20 years of experience, this was not the first time. (I believe her, I just never thought I would put myself in this position.) But when I realized I had nothing-driver’s license or passport. I was thinking I am going to be stuck here 1) very late for work 2) paying extra fees to change my flight time. Plus I had woken up very early. My friend was driving en route with my ID but it was a good 40 -45 minute drive one way (without traffic) or 30 minutes if you are really flying down the highway.

So I walk over to the check in/full service counter. I had already checked in on the kiosks as you only need your credit card or other information to check in. I gave my boarding pass and told the rep my situation. Turns out I could make my flight (time was 6:20am—boarding time was 6:30am for a 7am departure) but she told me I would be thoroughly screened without ID. The gate was in another terminal so I was tight on time. Luckily I make it quickly and get to the guy who asks for the boarding pass and ID. Immediately someone takes me to fill out some forms They ask for another form of ID, I only have my credit card, otherwise nothing else on me.

Then the TSA person calls somewhere and answers some questions. I am asked what states I have lived, what is the name of the county I live in and that is pretty much it. After less than 5 minutes, I am cleared. Then this young man personally walks me to the security line (bypassing alot of people). I am thoroughly patted down. I have to wait in this glass enclosure. All my stuff is then taken and patted down and opened up. This took all of 10 minutes. I race to the shuttle van to go to the other terminal. It is 6:52am as I get to the terminal. I run right out of the shuttle to my gate. I am told that I just missed the last call before the final door closing and flight take off.

I recognized the flight attendants from the other night, I really liked them. One of them tells me to call down and take a deep breathe. I am glad I made my flight. So you can board a plane without ID but you just have a few more hassles.