I leave tomorrow by plane to start my summer internship. The only problem: I have no state issued government picture ID. I used to have a driver's license but then I went to the NY DMV to get an official NY drivers license (I felt this was important since I might be driving in another state and I wanted to make sure everything was legal*) but discovered that NY only issues you a paper temporary license and then mails the real license to you in the mail. The paper temporary license has no picture.
Personally, I don't see why I need a picture ID to travel. After all, Saenz granted travel within the 50 United States as a fundamental right and granted the Full Faith & Credit Clause to all citizens-- I have the right to go from state to state and have my federal rights follow me, regardless of the state. NPR did a great story on a traveler who refused to show picture ID when he flew. He did not like the idea that the government was tailing him, was distrustful of him and that the airline workers, who do not even work for the government, got to see all of his personal information. Sure enough, he was able to fly without an ID, as long as he stuck to his guns and insisted on speaking with a higher up and did not refuse a manual search.
I looked into this. Sure enough, the airline has the right to see a picture ID. This is in the right of carrier contract. However, the ID does not need to be government issued; for instance, the photo ID could be your Sams Club Card. TSA also does not require ID, but does require searches. So it looks like I really can fly without ID as long as I am willing to let TSA manually search every single thing in my suitcase and on my person.
However, while I know that I CAN do this, I'm not. I don't want to spend 2 hours at the airport fighting with someone over my lack of picture ID. It's just pure laziness on my part. The fighting= more time at the airport. I don't want to spend any more time in the airport than I have to.
My plan is this: I will present my photo student ID. I will also have my birth certificate on me. My social security card will be packed in my carry-on, along with other important documents. If after showing them my picture ID, my birth certificate and other state issued documents they still won't let me fly, then I'll begin the legal arguments. No way am I NOT getting on that plane because the NY DMV took my old license and didn't issue me a new one.
* I am usually not so concerned with doing things the absolutely legal way, but when you take the BAR, you also have to take something called the Character & Fitness Test. Essentially, you can't be a lawyer if you break the laws-- or certain kinds of laws. I've already been arrested once (act of civil disobedience) and I just don't feel like taking any more chances.
Personally, I don't see why I need a picture ID to travel. After all, Saenz granted travel within the 50 United States as a fundamental right and granted the Full Faith & Credit Clause to all citizens-- I have the right to go from state to state and have my federal rights follow me, regardless of the state. NPR did a great story on a traveler who refused to show picture ID when he flew. He did not like the idea that the government was tailing him, was distrustful of him and that the airline workers, who do not even work for the government, got to see all of his personal information. Sure enough, he was able to fly without an ID, as long as he stuck to his guns and insisted on speaking with a higher up and did not refuse a manual search.
I looked into this. Sure enough, the airline has the right to see a picture ID. This is in the right of carrier contract. However, the ID does not need to be government issued; for instance, the photo ID could be your Sams Club Card. TSA also does not require ID, but does require searches. So it looks like I really can fly without ID as long as I am willing to let TSA manually search every single thing in my suitcase and on my person.
However, while I know that I CAN do this, I'm not. I don't want to spend 2 hours at the airport fighting with someone over my lack of picture ID. It's just pure laziness on my part. The fighting= more time at the airport. I don't want to spend any more time in the airport than I have to.
My plan is this: I will present my photo student ID. I will also have my birth certificate on me. My social security card will be packed in my carry-on, along with other important documents. If after showing them my picture ID, my birth certificate and other state issued documents they still won't let me fly, then I'll begin the legal arguments. No way am I NOT getting on that plane because the NY DMV took my old license and didn't issue me a new one.
* I am usually not so concerned with doing things the absolutely legal way, but when you take the BAR, you also have to take something called the Character & Fitness Test. Essentially, you can't be a lawyer if you break the laws-- or certain kinds of laws. I've already been arrested once (act of civil disobedience) and I just don't feel like taking any more chances.
Your student ID should be good enough. I generally use my student ID when traveling just because I'd much rather lose that: replacement fee of 10 dollars vs. 35 and a hassle. Most of the TSA folk accept that, but I have had a few make me pull out my ID. Should be fine, though.
You bring up a fantastic point about our right to travel from state to state. I'm sure that's true, say, if you are riding a horse or driving a car. Unfortunately, the events of September 11th have allowed the government (or non-government, as you mention) to keep tabs on who is flying in and out of places. Under the name of security, this is slightly understandable.
I personally think that all of the hassle at airports is to make people think that they are safe! There are far less air marshals than pre 9/11 and all sorts of things can get through security. I mean, I've gotten a lighter through (not purposefully), and recently my friend from LA mentioned how she could transport certain items in certain body cavities. I'm just saying. So you have an ID or don't have an ID. Do they really thing it matters? If I'm not Jane Smith but I have her boarding pass? WHAT IS THAT protecting? Information never harmed anyone. It's the weapons and crap they need to keep off the airplanes.