What ID do you have to show in order to fly?

[Bill McBlueState]

Yesterday as I was leaving the secure area of Logan airport, several TSA agents were harassing a woman who apparently did not have satisfactory identification.

I've read in a few places that photo ID is not actually required to board a flight, even though the TSA seems to want you to think it is. Does anyone know the real requirements?

[Javaman]

1. Technically, you don't need one, but....

according to the new orwellian rules: 1)if you forget your ID and tell them so in a very humble shameful manner, "jeeezzz, I'm such a moron, please forgive me, I forgot my wallet, want me to polish your boots?" they will give you a pass. However, 2)If you tell them that you don't have one and that you didn't forget it they will deny you entry, probably give you a full cavity search, take away your fresh cup of coffee and perhaps if you are really nice, taser you to death.

See how it works? Freedom isn't free buster!! It requires lots and lots of groveling.

[Bill McBlueState]

2. here's a link

This appeared in my cross-post to the Civil Liberties forum:

http://www.tsa.gov/press/happenings/enhance_id_requirements.shtm

It's exactly as you say: You can get by without ID, but you have to grovel. And the TSA is the sole arbiter of whether you grovel well enough.

It would be interesting to look at how people without ID fare as a function of race.