Tip for those Flying (LONG)

[MaggieMouse]

On my recent trip to WDW I lost my Driver's License somewhere on my flight from Newark to Atlanta (where I changed planes to go to Orlando). I was able to continue from Atlanta because obviously I wouldn't have made it that far if I didn't have some form of ID.

When I arrived in Orlando, I went to lost baggage to report my driver's license stolen. Of course there was nothing in my record to say they found it. So I asked what I would need to get home. She told me a social security card would be fine.

A day or so before we were scheduled to come home, I called Delta again to make sure I would be able to get home. They told me that they could not guarantee that I could get on the plane with just my social security card (I had no photo ID at this point). I asked them what was acceptable. I was freaking because by now it was too late to have my DH mail my anything else. Anyway, I had him fax me a copy of my birth certificate and just took my chances. I explained the problem to the ticket agent and she was kind of giving me a hard time (which I expected so it was no problem). Anyway, it ended up that I had to get all of my luggage searched both checked and carryon and both my kids had to be searched (with the wand, no touching). We just made our flight and I was so happy when we sat down on the plane. The only reason they let us on is because we had flown down and were going back home. I had to have a note from the ticket agent to get through the security checkpoints.

MORAL: Carry more than one form of photo ID, even if it's a Sam's or Costco Card!

 

[peg2001]

I'm so sorry you had this experience but glad to hear that they worked with you and allowed you to come home!

I had a very similar experience while coming home from WDW just 2 months after 9-11. I used my DL to get on the plane in Orlando but when I changed planes in Atlanta, I could not find my DL!! I had been juggling carry-ons, plane tickets, and two young children in addition to my DL and could not even remember getting it handed back to me by the gate agent. I had TONS of other identification, but nothing with a picture. The gate just refused to let me board, referring me to the Delta counter. I rushed to the counter (thankfully there was one within the concourse) and explained the situation. They were already boarding my plane so I was in quite a panic. I showed them credit cards, social security card, library cards, my Disney Club card , everything I had in my purse. Do you know what they seemed to finally accept?!? My frequent flyer card.

They had to get special permission from someone on the phone but finally called the gate and informed them to let me on. We were the last ones to board, but we made it!

So, if you have two forms of picture ID, be sure to have them both along. It would have helped tremendously if I had my work ID (with picture) along.

Peg

 

[Eeyore1954]

Thank you for this great tip! I travel a lot for business and the only photo ID I have is my DL. Now I am thinking I better go back to the DMV and get an IL ID card. It's nothing more than a photo ID, but it would be a good backup.

You may want to check if your state's DMV issue's just a simple photo ID card. My MIL got one because she doesn't drive, but needed a photo ID card.

 

[hercamore]

You have raised a good point here, sorry about your driver's license hassle.

In March, dd and I took a trip which involved two connections. It seemed like we were always showing our licenses. I was so paranoid about losing them!

We were ok, but next time I am bringing another photo i.d.

My college students kids will be ok cause they have their student i.d.s they can bring along too.


Herc.

 

[ncligs]

I have a Chase Continental master card(for FF miles )with my picture on the credit card. It is neat and is a good back up in case you don't have , or lose your drivers license.

 

[safetymom]

Also keep in mind that if you lose your card you won't be able to rent a car. I thought I lost mine and called the car rental company. You would have to call your states DMV and have them fax something to the company before you could rent.

 

[trayletha]

You can get a photo ID for your kids too - I got one for my 3yo - not only does she have a photo ID but DMV has got her info if (God Forbid) anything ever happend. And it shows the years that they will turn 18 and 21. (ie WILL NOT BE 18 UNTIL 2016)

 

[ducklite]

In addition to my DL, I also carry my passport when traveling, and this is the ID I present to the airlines.

Anne