05/03/2024
Can you fly without an ID?
Chances are high! According to the Transportation Security Administration, you may still be able to fly if you arrive at the airport without a proper form of identification (see their website for a full list of valid forms of ID), though the process will be different than your typical security experience. TSA recommends that you arrive at least two hours before your scheduled flight departure to give yourself enough time to complete the process.
You’ll need to go through an identity verification process, where you provide your name and address, among other personal information, to confirm your identity. If you have any other forms of identification on hand—credit cards, a paper license, a student or work ID, even prescription medication with your name on it—this can help.
Once your identity has been verified, you’ll then go through the security checkpoint, likely with extra attention from a TSA agent; note that you may be subject to a patdown, and your carry-on may need to go through additional screening.
Obviously, if you choose not to comply with this protocol or your identity cannot be verified, you will not be allowed to go through security.
Checking in and checking a bag?
If you checked in for your flight online and are only bringing a carry-on with you, you can scoot through the front door to security and hope that TSA doesn’t give you a hard time. However, if you’ve left check-in until the day of, or need to check your bag at the airport, you might run into some other trouble, this time with the airline, if you don’t have your ID.
Typically, airlines require you to present a government-issued form of ID when checking in and checking your bag. Every airline is different, so there is no guarantee that you’ll have success, but you can kindly explain your situation to the airline agent and see if you can present other forms of identification to verify your identity, like with TSA.
If that doesn’t work, you may be able to employ the flat-tire policy.
Flat-tire policy
Airlines’ flat-tire policies are admittedly difficult to track down in writing, though there seems to be a general consensus within air-travel chat rooms that airlines try their best to rebook you on the next possible flight (at no additional charge) if you miss your original flight due to unforeseen circumstances.
Named after the unfortunate circumstance of getting a flat tire on your way to the airport, the policy often extends to other situations, like if you forgot your ID or showed up at the wrong airport (looking at our NYC friends).
There tends to be a time frame within which you must arrive at the airport after your scheduled departure time if you plan to employ the flat-tire policy. For instance:
American Airlines: Within 2 hours of scheduled departure
Delta Air Lines: Within 1 hour of scheduled departure
United Airlines: Within 30 minutes of scheduled departure
Head to the airline ticket counter and explain your situation. Agents typically handle these on a case-by-case basis, so it’s best to remain calm, kind, and helpful in these instances if you want to improve your chances of making it to the next step—security.
