Do you travel with your US passport if just traveling in the US?

I leave it safely at home.

Right or wrong, I carry mine every day. I use it as my official identification since I don't drive.

Leave it at home. Probably not even that safely.

I take mine with me when flying and use it for ID at airport counter and going through security.

I leave it at home. Too bulky to carry, and expensive to replace.
Ellenem, does your state issue a non-drivers ID (like NYS does)? It's cheap--like $15 for 8 years.
You can also now get a passport CARD that is only valid for US travel and to and from Mexico and Canada by land.
That way, you have a small ID that fits in your wallet and is less expensive to get and replace if needed.

No. Use my driver's license for ID.

Sometimes. Family is in northwestern Washington State, we're in Florida, and we also sometimes go to Arizona or New Mexico. If there is any possibility we might make a break for a day trip 'cross border, then we do have it.

No.

No.

Yes, you never know when you might get a idea to fly out of the country with someone you are visiting. Or if you go into Canada or Mexico you have your ID with you.

My son has a driver's license I.D. that is not a valid drivers license. You get them at the DMV. Good idea as it is a photo I.D.

No, the passport stays home if I am traveling within the US.

No.

Why would I want to risk losing it?

Yes, I'm in NYC which has an official ID that is not a driver's license. I don't want one. I'm happy to use my passport. My passport fits in my wallet, so it's no problem to carry.

No I don't, no need to do so.

Only once, for identification, when I lost my driver's license.

Thanks guys. Leaving monday for Maui (along with Felicia!) passports will stay home!

Well, I always travel with my passport. Doesn't matter where I'm going, if I'm getting on a plane I take it. I feel more secure having it on my person.

I don't understand all the "leave it safely at home" or "why risk losing it"... I mean that IS what a passport is meant for, ID when you are traveling

suze, actually that's not what I think a passport is for. I think it's for id when you're traveling out of the USA. Think about it -- there are loads of Americans who travel in the US and don't even have a passport. My driver's license is good enough ID everywhere in this country.

Never, license ID is suffiecient.

Mine stays in the breifcase and I've taken it with me everywhere in US and outside for 40 years . . no reason to stop now! Never lost one

Those of you who do take your passport with you when traveling in the US, I'm just curious - WHY do you take it? What do you think a passport gives you that your driver's license doesn't?

I started carrying my passport every day more than 20 years ago when I purchased a wallet all the different-sized currency used in Europe then which didn't fit in a wallet sized for U.S. currency. The passport fit in it as well. I liked the wallet a lot so I continued to use it all the time. It's where my passport stays.

Way back then, New York State driver's licenses didn't have photos on them--it was just this flimsy piece of paper. I always thought it was odd that when people checked ID they would hardly glance at these photo-less, easily counterfeited licenses, but would be flustered by what to do when I produced my passport.

sf7307- The option to change our travel plans. When we found great airfares to Paris during a trip to New York, we were able to go on the spur of the moment since we had our passports with us and not in the safe in Texas.

No. I don't bring it unless I plan on using it, and I have no use for it if I'm traveling domestically within the U.S. I have a valid US drivers license that is on me at all times and that is enough to get me through security.

I just don't want to risk losing it. It would be a pain to replace, and those passport stamps are invaluable to me!

Tracy

Yes if I am flying. I just hand it with my tickets when I check in. When I am touring I usually leave it in the hotel safe. I don't take it on car trips.

<<<I just hand it with my tickets when I check in. >>>

OK, but why when your drivers license would serve equally well? (ellenem, I know all about the old NYS drivers licenses, having gotten my first license in NY - 1969 I think).

Saige, I understand you have a reason that makes it necessary for you, but I think it's more than unusual (even on a forum like this one) for people to be prepared to fly out of the country on a whim. I have traveled a lot in my life, but my "whim" travels are generally within the 50 states (make that 49 -- I've never been to Alaska).

Never. Why take the chance of misplacing it. There's no possible use for it.

Never.

We take ours whenever we fly. Both DSs are old enough that the security folks are asking for ID with their tickets. Since up until last week neither had a drivers license (now the oldest does), passports make things easier than school IDs.

Obviously, someone who doesn't have a driver's license or the state-issued IDs for people who don't have a driver's license need to have their passports when they fly. Which means the question still remains -- why carry it if you DO have a driver's license?

Obviously, someone who doesn't have a driver's license or the state-issued IDs for people who don't have a driver's license need to have their passports when they fly. Which means the question still remains -- why carry it if you DO have a driver's license?

My wife and I never have done that.

"Which means the question still remains -- why carry it if you DO have a driver's license?"

Because I like my passport photo much better than my driver's license photo!!!!

Okay - having thought about this for a few minutes (and over a glass of wine )....

I think the reason DH and I are very comfortable carrying/using our passports when we travel in the US is that for all the years we lived overseas our passport was our MAIN identification. Passports were needed for everything from school registration to writing checks at the bank. We got used to carrying them around with us. While I may not have carried it in my purse all the time (unless I was going to the bank or travel agent or the notary or something), we ALWAYS had them whenever we went outside the city for a day trip or camping trip or whatever.

My husband's ID expired and he didn't want to go to DMV to renew, he used his passport for about a year till he got tired of my nagging

I always carry my passport, for several reasons:

1)Twice I've actually left the country on a spur of the moment whim.

2) There was some movie that promoted fake Hawaii Driver Licenses, so for a while I used to get questioned when I used it

3) I don't lose things, and I love the freedom a passport allows me. For the same reason, I have a multi-year visa to India.

4) Pulling out a passport for ID often is a great conversation starter.

Why does it bother you?

"Why does it bother you?"

I don't get the concern, either. To me, it's just another form of ID.

And sometimes I do get the idea that checking in (when I need to) and going thru security is just a teensy bit easier with my well-worn, obviously well-used passport.

why carry a passport in the US? that isnt what they are for, we havent come to that yet. And who has a passport that fits in their wallet? thats a new one

Why NOT use it? It's a ID.

Both my passport and DL have my full name and date of birth, but the DL actually has more "detailed" information (to someone just looking at it) since it includes my home address and physical description (height, eye color). The passport simply includes the state I was born in.

I don't carry mine all the time, but I do like to use it when traveling. And since I carry a purse, fitting it into my wallet is not a concern.

Sorry - the purpose of a passport is to prove you citizenship - so you can legally enter foreign countries and prove you're a US citizen to get back in here. It's not just for "ID" purposes - since most Americans don't own passports. The usual ID is a drivers license or a picture "non license" issued by almost all states.

I sometimes worry about rats in cheap motels. My passport photo will scare them away. Taking my passport could be invaluable!

I don't use my passport for day to day purposes (altho I had to when living overseas), but I do use for ID purposes when traveling - even if traveling only within the US.

What on earth is the big deal?

I sometimes worry about rats in cheap motels. I don't need my passport photo to scare them away - the real thing works much better and I always carry my mug with me. I leave my passport at home.

I think the concern is that a passport is a much bigger pain in the neck to replace if lost than a driver's license. It is also bigger and more unwieldy. Since I have to carry my license all the time anyway, and there is no identification need that won't be satisfied by presenting a license, there is no point in carrying a passport.

If I choose to use my passport as ID when traveling (even in the US), why is anyone else worried about it?

I'm not saying EVERYONE should do this. I'm just saying that DH and I do it. A passport is a perfectly legal form of identification. And, after emailing a couple of friends of mine who lived overseas for many years, evidently they do the same. Old habits, I guess.

I always have my DL in my wallet when traveling, so if I happen to lose the passport (which has never happened)- I can still rent a car and drive.

I don't get why everyone is in such a huff.

Leave it at home unless you are flying out of Kona, Hawaii. We have flown everywhere in the US, no problem with our DL except in Kona. We are from FL and our DL are old, the girl checking ID detained us and had to get a supervisor.

Actually my question is a bit different
My family is flying to Utah in the next two weeks.
What type of ID do I need for my 11 and 14 year old to get on board the plane?
Naturally they don't have an Driver's License..
Thanks for any ideas!

11 & 14yr olds need no ID to fly.

I agree with Grcxx3, why does anyone else care if I carry my passport? I have had a passport all my life and used it as my ID while living and traveling abroad. Carrying my passport while traveling is just standard procedure. It never occurred to me not to use it whenever I fly in the US as well.

dgmr123- I would bring certified copies of their birth certificates.

I've traveled with 11-14yr olds a lot in the last few years. No ID is required.

Until recently - when my boys got to the age of "looking" like they should have drivers licenses - they were never required to show an ID when traveling within the US if they were with me or DH.

I was even amazed that when they traveled alone (on Southwest) no one asked them for an ID. They had their passports with them, but didn't need them.

To my mind a U.S. passport "trumps" a Washington state drivers license in the big picture of things. I prefer to use it going thru airports, etc. Not to mention now you need it for going over the border for Mexico and Canada. Since I DO have one (I know lots of people don't) I sure don't see any reason not to use it when I travel. Can't think of a single reason I should leave it home.

My son recently used his passport to get into an "R" rated movie. His "real" DL has not come in, so he just has the paper thing with no picture but it does have his birth date. His school ID has his picture, but no birth date. So he took along his passport (even tho the picture is from 7th grade!) and all was well! Quite a handy little document!

Here is an interesting experience...

I was checking in at security and they asked me for my ID - I handed over my Driver license... I had NO idea it was expired. It has expired on my birthday in December - this was in AUGUST. I never use my license - and had not noticed.

The security was not going to accept it - I had my passport in my purse as well. I now always travel with it when flying. Period. You never know..

What it someone asked you to go to Paris? Right now?

hahhahhahah I love it Suze

Sign me up suze!!!! I'm ready!

MomDD, that's interesting, because the exact same thing happened to a friend of mine, whose driver's license also expired in December. But while the agent pointed out it was expired there was no reason for them NOT to accept it as an ID. If I'm not mistaken, a driver's license with a picture does not need to be current to be used as an ID according to airport security.

It is MUCH more likely that you would have had an expired passport than an expired driver's license --because you are notified by the state when your license is about to expire, and you are notified by noone when your passport is about to expire. So I'm glad you had proper ID with you (although Patrick is right, for proof of age, the fact that it has expired is irrelevant, whether it's a driver's license or a passport), but it could have just aas easily (in fact, more likely) happened the other way around.

<<because you are notified by the state when your license is about to expire,>>

DH has had his license expire once (in one state)....and come within days of expiring another time (in another state) and he was never notified by either state.

Many states no longer send out expiring license notices.

You must present valid ID, and an expired ID is no longer valid. I know, it still looks like you and identifies you, but it isn't valid.
That said, though, you actually don't need any ID to get through the airport. Just have to go through additional (ssss) layers of security, or convince the agent that you are legitimate. If you say you do not WANT to present ID, then the TSA CAN legally reject you.

It bothers everyone that some of you use your passport for ID because your reasons are basically irrational. Now, I'm not saying you don't have a right to be irrational! We are all of us irrational on some topics. I know I am.

But carrying a bulky, expensive-to-replace document around for no practical purpose (i.e., because you always have, or because you *might* jet out of the country at a moment's notice) rubs us efficiency nuts the wrong way. Being inefficient because you can seems silly to us.

I am also guessing that some of you are, you'll pardon my saying, show-offs, or fond of causing a stir.
<Pulling out a passport for ID often is a great conversation starter.>

#

#
NeoPatrick on Aug 11, 09 at 08:15 AM

MomDD, that's interesting, because the exact same thing happened to a friend of mine, whose driver's license also expired in December. But while the agent pointed out it was expired there was no reason for them NOT to accept it as an ID. If I'm not mistaken, a driver's license with a picture does not need to be current to be used as an ID according to airport security.>>>

I would have thought the same exact thing Patrick. I was surprised, as I said, I simply never use my drivers license. This agent (at LAX) said he would not take it. No idea but I was glad to have my passport (which I really do not travel with in the states - I simply see no reason to - not really sure WHY it was in my travel bag unless it has been there since the last time I used it??? which with me is highly unfortunately likely).

So now I am a show off because I carry my passport around when traveling? My Hawaii Driver's License gets a LOT more attention than a passport. I've carried the passport through India in 110' heat without finding the weight a struggle. It's a part of my traveling tools, just like a tube of Neosporin and my eyeglass prescription.

Not to mention that when I use the passport, I don't have to let every Tom. Dick and shopkeeper see my address, weight, and the fact that I'm an organ donor when I just want to use my Discover Card.

And I HAVE used it to take side trips out of the country when I had only planned to be visiting the mainland. It would have been very inefficient to have had to made my husband overnight mail the passport to me for a two day trip to Canada or Mexico.

But, I do wonder about people who wear heavy watches, expensive jewelry, carry wallets the size of a brick or haul "handbags" the size of a military duffle bag.

So no, I don't pardon you for saying it.

<<It bothers everyone that some of you use your passport for ID because your reasons are basically irrational.>>

No, it does not bother "everyone." It bother some, and obviously it bothers you. And while the reasons may be irrational to you, they are obviously not irrational to others.

<<But carrying a bulky, expensive-to-replace document around for no practical purpose>>

It fits in a special pocket of my "travel purse" quite nicely. And, frankly, I find it safer and easier to pull out my passport to show security than to pull out my whole wallet.

<<Being inefficient because you can seems silly to us.>>

I don't find it inefficient at all.

<<I am also guessing that some of you are, you'll pardon my saying, show-offs, or fond of causing a stir.>>

That is just silly. No one wants to "cause a stir" in airports these days. And I have no need to "show off" but there have been several times that - with passport and boarding pass in hand - I have been "waived" over to a shorter security line, the ones usually reserved for gold/elite type flyers.

I really can't believe this bothers people so much. Why does anyone else care what I (or the other posters) do ?

Showing my passport as ID to the clerk at an airline check-in counter is hardly being a "show-off" and certainly has never once "caused a stir" in my experience.

I always carried my passport whenever I was flying. Just a habit. I'm also one of the few that needed it on a short notice foreign trips when away from home so it became a must for me.

I just renewed my passport so I decided to also get Passport Card. so now I carry 3 pcs of ID, FL DL, passport and passport card.

Just recently we were driving across the country with no intentions of leaving the country but since we were so close to Mexico, we decided to check it out for few hours.

If I left my passport and/or passport card back at home, then it would be a no go.

You just never know......

If you don't have a passport or have one & don't want to travel with it that's peachy with me. But why in the world do you care what I do?

1. When I said "everyone," I should have been terribly, terribly specific and made it clear that I was referring to those on this thread whom it bothers. No, I did not mean every living being on this green earth.
2. Since carrying your passport is a necessity when traveling *abroad", my comments did not refer to trips *overseas* or *across borders*. Guess I wasn't too clear about that, lol!
3. Of course I don't give two flying fruitcakes what you people do. I thought we were having another frivolous Fodor's conversation. So awfully sorry for invading your privacy--oh, but wait. Didn't you join this thread to say you carry your passport when it isn't necessary? Thereby inviting me to comment? Yeah, you did. So if you'd like to know why I care, answer first why you felt the need to share.

My everyday wallet it 5.5 inches by 4 inches by .75 inches packed full--with my passport in its pocket inside behind my credit cards. Doesn't seem bulky to me because I don't have many credit cards, which can really make a wallet bulky.

NewbE - Of course you are welcome to comment and you are welcome to voice your point of view. However, criticizing those of us who choose to carry our passport when traveling in the US was not necessary. It was, IMO, rude.

I answered in response to the original question:
Just curious. If you are American do you travel with your US passport when just traveling in the US or do you leave it safely home?

You didn't invade my "privacy ". You quoted me, and called me a show-off and said I was inefficient. Thanks.

<<You didn't invade my "privacy ". You quoted me, and called me a show-off and said I was inefficient. Thanks.>>

And don't forget "irrational."

<<answer first why you felt the need to share>>

BECAUSE it IS the question that was asked in the title of this thread.

<<<DH has had his license expire once (in one state)....and come within days of expiring another time (in another state) and he was never notified by either state>>>

Well, just so happens MomDD lives in California, which does still notify you when your license is about to expire

Grcxx3:

On the issue of leaving things "safely" at home- a few years ago I went on a trip, and as people recommend, cleared my wallet of credit cards I didn't plan on using. While I was gone, my house was broken into, and the credit cards were among the things stolen. Big hassle canceling them, getting them replaced, dealing with the charges that had been made on them. Meanwhile, the things I took with me were safe and sound.
Yes, I sometimes take my passport, just as a backup i.d.

One thing I ALWAYS use my passport for that has nothing to do with travel is when I'm filling out my I-9 for a new job. Most people show driver license (photo ID) and Social Security card (proof of eligibility to work in the US), since the passport is both it's easier. Also, I keep both in my firebox, so I can just as easily grab one or the other, and since my passport doesn't have my SSN on it there's less risk of identity theft if I lose it.

While there have been times in traveling around the US that I did, indeed, feel as if I were in a foreign country, no, I do not carry my passport when traveling in the US.

Yes, my passport is on me at all times.
I was a Boy Scout and the first rule is to be prepared for a worst case scenario!

Looks like the lounge has made it over to the US board.

<<Looks like the lounge has made it over to the US board.>>

LOL!

Funny thread!
I'm not an American and as a Brit I'm just used to carrying my passport if I'm heading to the airport but I recently flew within the US and decided to leave my passport behind.
I felt a little lost without it! I had a few fluttery anxious moments when I thought I'd forgotten it but then remembered I just had to produce my green card for ID.

I'll probably just carry my passport next time to reduce my anxiety and although the chance of me leaving the country on the spur of the moment is unlikely I'd cry if I didn't get to go if I'd left my passport at home (for safety or convenience!)

<<although the chance of me leaving the country on the spur of the moment is unlikely>>

Trust me.....during our recent family visit in PA, there were times I WISHED I had an opportunity to leave the country!!!! A quick trip to Canada would have been just fine with me!

#
sf7307 on Aug 11, 09 at 09:00 PM

<<<DH has had his license expire once (in one state)....and come within days of expiring another time (in another state) and he was never notified by either state>>>

Well, just so happens MomDD lives in California, which does still notify you when your license is about to expire >>>

Yes, but one would have had to notify the DMV that they had moved in order to get that notice ...and since it had been errr...umm... err... about 3 years or so since one had moved there would be no forwarding address. (hanging head in shame)

<<Yes, but one would have had to notify the DMV that they had moved in order to get that notice ...and since it had been errr...umm... err... about 3 years or so since one had moved there would be no forwarding address. (hanging head in shame)>>

Minor detail, MomDD, minor detail!!!!!!

Our DLs still have DH's office street address.....leftover from our years overseas. Just haven't gotten around to changing them!

Minor detail, MomDD, minor detail!!!!!!

Our DLs still have DH's office street address.....leftover from our years overseas. Just haven't gotten around to changing them!>>

I told you I never use the darn thing... up until last month I had not gotten a ticket in YEARS - I have since moved again and still have my old address on it as well. shrug. Being a nomad has its downfalls to be sure.

>>>Trust me.....during our recent family visit in PA, there were times I WISHED I had an opportunity to leave the country!!!! A quick trip to Canada would have been just fine with me!<<<

I would have been tempted too! (I don't visit family often LOL)

But, for once I'd love to live like James Bond and just jet around on a mission so I carry my passport just in case.
It's never going to happen...... waah

But, for once I'd love to live like James Bond and just jet around on a mission so I carry my passport just in case.
It's never going to happen...... waah>>>

Sassy sometimes when I drive by the airport I think about how cool it would be to just drive there and get on a plane

There were times I went to:

Chicago - ended up in London, Manchester
Los Angeles - ended up in Hong Kong, Bangkok
New York - ended up somewhere in Europe

non of it planned or even thought about. I assumed that it was a simple domestic business trip.

That's why I carry my passport with me every time I travel.

Don't ever say never... sassy_cat

<<Sassy sometimes when I drive by the airport I think about how cool it would be to just drive there and get on a plane >>

I'm trying to get 2 teenage boys to help clean the house - so I am REALLY ready to head to the airport and fly away!! And since I still happen to have my passport in my purse from my recent trip to New Orleans - I could go ANYWHERE!!!!!

Oh so tempting at the moment.........

Grcxx3 - I think I am going to put it on my bucket list... one day to do just that

Good luck with those teen boys

I just went shopping and then picked up my DD from camp maybe I should have taken my passport and made a detour to the airport LOL!

It's fun to dream. AAFF sounds like you had some crazy times.

Grcxx3... let me know if you have any secrets regarding getting teen boys to clean the house. My DS leaves for college in a couple of weeks and I've resigned myself to torching/fumigating his room after he leaves.

MomDD I see a spontaneous trip in your future!

sassy - "torching/fumigating" sounds like a good idea!!!

Sorry can't offer any good tips as my efforts are only producing mediocre results!!!

It stays home unless I'm traveling to Southern California, Arizona, New Mexico, to Washington state or to Florida.

I'll bite, Wendy.

Why only in those states?

Years ago . . on a flight from Dallas to Las Vegas ( on the way to Chicago ) I happened to sit next to Catherine Deneuve . . near the end of the flight she said if I would go with her to Paris that very nite, she would make mad love to me all week . . I happened to have my passport and so was able to take her up on the offer.

I have never traveled without it since . .

<<<Yes, but one would have had to notify the DMV that they had moved in order to get that notice ...and since it had been errr...umm... err... about 3 years or so since one had moved there would be no forwarding address. (hanging head in shame)>>>

OK OK, I give

JGG:
I guess I'm a two-time offender. I always carry my passport when flying and have for almost 50 tears AND I also carry it with me at all times when travelling. I have never left it at the hotel nor have I ever worried about losing it. While traveling through "Yugoslavia" in the sixties I had to surrender it to the authorities in order to insert a Visa stamp. It was gone for two and a half hours on the train. Now that worried me.

Icuy, I'm not Wendy, but I can see why she takes the passport to those states. From those states the chance is fairly high that she might want to make a quick or unexpected trip across the border to Mexico or to Canada.

I always encouraged my adult children to carry their passports, in addition to their driver's license, while traveling in the US. On one trip, my son's wallet was lost in the ocean in Hawaii. Had he not had his passport in his suitcase he would have had no identification in order to fly home.

Whenever we fly we take our passport, sometimes if flights cancel especially in the midwest area, you can be rescheduled to say Vancouver(Canda) and back into the U.S. to get on a diff flight. This has happened to friends that did not take a passport and had to stay in Minneapolis and I believe CHI.

Had he not had his passport in his suitcase he would have had no identification in order to fly home.

you don't need an ID to fly.......(just be ready for extra rubber glove probing by the TSA bozos and interview with the local sheriff/police, etc).

But seriously, in your son's case, he would have to provide his name, DOB and SS# to the cop and after verification of the info, he would have been asked to step into the special TSA line. Once cleared he would have been allowed to fly.

Not that having having his passport was a bad idea, but I just want to clarify the misconception about ID and flying.

I always travel with my passport.

Usually. But we live very close to Canada (15 mins) so it it used frequently. Michigan does issue an enhanced DL for border crossing but since we do a lot more than Canada, I don't have that.

I was mugged once and passport was taken (3 weeks before leaving for Italy). Not fun but replacement passport was issued (at a cost) in time to make no travel adjustments. After that incident, I went for several months without carrying it but then I had to remember when I had stashed it at home. Sometimes frustrating.

I've learned to take both my Drivers License and my passport whereever I go. I once was in a foreign country, and had only taken my passport but realized that I needed my license in order to rent a golf cart (only means of transport on that island). I've also been to a US territory recently, and realized that I could travel to a non-US territory if I had my passport. So, I had it - no problem. So for me, if there is an off chance that I might travel somewhere that I need a passport (now Canada and Mexico), I always take it with me.

I also copy the key pages and keep it separate in case I need to replace it.

I also used to store my passport in my bank's safe deposit box - bad news if you have to take a last minute trip and have to wait to retrieve it. Now I keep it under a small locking safe in my home.

Now I've never taken my passport on a domestic trip, because I've always thought of it as a document based on international agreements and entry and all that. I also think of it as being a bigger pain to carry around than a credit card sized ID, being a guy and only having a wallet most of the time.

But - I was thinking about what people were saying about difficulty replacing one or the other. I'm kind of thinking that most of the time, by DL would be a bigger pain to lose than the passport, unless I was getting ready to travel internationally soon. I get back from a weekend jaunt, I will probably need my DL the next day. Replacing my passport is at my leisure. And DMV vs passport office in my local post office? No contest. DMV = evil empire.

Of course, if I'm renting a car during my trip, I sure wouldn't bring and risk both! I need the DL anyway.

But we live very close to Canada (15 mins) so it it used frequently. ,

You can apply for Passport Card. It was designed for people living close to Mexico and Canada borders and need to cross the border on a regular basis, although it's not exclusive to the border states, any US citizen can get one. It contains the same info your passport book has and can be used for for land and water crossings only. You still need the passport book when flying. It can also be used when cruising from/to US to the Caribbean and Bermuda.

The Passport card is good for 10 years, just like the book. It's the size of a DL, CC.

My father told me to always carry my passport. He said if I got thrown in jail, it would make it easier for him to come get me out!

I never bring my passport when traveling within the US. But I might..... I welcome opinions to my unique concern.
I have a VERY long hypenated German last name. My DL has my first and middle initials and the complete last name. My first name and middle names did not fit. My passport, of course, has the full first and middle names.
The problem: I have heard that the "new" travel regs will require a passenger to have their name printed on their tickets EXACTLY as it appears on their identification.
I would prefer to leave the passport home if I fly from upstate NY to Orlando. But when purchasing airline tix online one cannot put one initial in the first name box.
So what to do? I would assume I am stuck bringing my passport for the guarantee that I will be able to board. Usually there's a friendly senior citizen who checks the ID at our airport. I look pretty non-threatening. But who knows when my luck will run out and they'll not let me board.
I did not want to risk that.
Anyone know of any news on that or had experience with it?
Appreciate it!

6kids3cats - I understand your concern. But I am sorry I don't have a solution! Are these new rules in effect yet?

I actually go by my middle name and my DL has my Middle-Maiden Initial-Married name on it. My passport has the whole bit - First-Middle-Maiden-Married. No initials.

During all our years overseas, I had tickets issued with my middle/last name. Then I would show my passport at the airport and never had a problem. But I am just wondering what the impact will be in the future. My kids have the same issue.....tickets have always been middle/last name and passport has full names.

I'm no expert, but there are two ways that "ticket must be EXACTLY the same as ID" can be interpreted. One interpretation, of course, is that the two must match exactly including middle initial and/or complete middle name the same on both. But the other interpretation is that they simply mean there can be no discrepancies between the two. In other words, it might be OK for the ticket not to have the middle name while the ID does, but if the ticket DOES have a middle name or initial then it must be the same as the ID. In other words if the ticket says Mary C. Jones and the ID says Mary Claire Jones, that would still be OK. But if the ticket says Mary J. Jones and the ID says Mary Clair Jones, then you have a problem. I'm curious if that's how the "new" rule is to be interpreted or not.

From what I was told by the passport office you are correct Patrick.

I called them as in the past my passport always showed my first name, middle name, maiden name and married name. My international tickets were always issued in my first name, maiden name and married name.

The recent passport shows my first name, middle name and married name. They left out my maiden name.

All of my other ID including my CA driver's license is in my first name, maiden name and married name. My Airline FF account is also.

If I obtain an international airline ticket as the name on my current passport reads I will not receive FF mileage. I cannot have said ticket reading differently compared to my passport. So I need to have my passport reissued with my first name, maiden name and married name. I hope I am making sense as I am sort of half awake, I haven't finished my morning coffee.

I'm gonna throw my opinion in with the folks who always take it with them for travel. While I've never say gone to LA and ended up in Bangladesh (*sigh* I wish) I have gone to NY or MI and ended up in CN. It was nice to be able to go to the Canadian side of the Falls on a whim when we took a random day trip there rather than be stuck on the American side for instance. Or even to be able to go into CN on that same whim.

Also, I agree with the person who bought up the re-routing/delay issue- if I hadn't had my PP with me I would have been grounded overnight. Instead, I was able to get on a flight going into Canada and coming back down into the US.

I also have to say that since I have had a passport- I've had a LOT less issues with ticket/ID/name issues. Passport is full name, and sometimes my ticket will be something different depending on the FF setup on the airline. Never had any issues with the PP, the DL? Different story. Not to mention it seems that security gives a lot less inspection to my PP than they ever did to my DL- esp when I'm not flying in/out of the state of issuance of the DL. Age and all that is in an odd place on my DL and sometimes I feel like I need to paint a roadmap for others to find it. Not so with a US PP- they all look the same.

Also, a PP does not give away more info than your full name, issuing state (or state of birth I believe) and issuing/exp date of the passport. DL gives away much more info- esp if you keep the DMV privy to any addy changes/name changes/etc.

And seriously? I'd rather go through the 'hassle' of replacing a PP than sit in the DMV for anything. lol

<<And seriously? I'd rather go through the 'hassle' of replacing a PP than sit in the DMV for anything. lol>>

NO JOKE!!!!

Amen, Sister!!

I agree with Patrick's interpretation. My passport has my legal name - first name, full middle name (which I never use) and last name. When I get plane tickets I only use my first & last name. That has never once been questioned by an airline or immigration official anywhere.

Here is a good article that was in the International Herald Tribune a couple of days ago which should answer all or at least most questions. Do read the section on the second page regarding your FF a/c name.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/16/travel/16practsa.html

"But the other interpretation is that they simply mean there can be no discrepancies between the two. In other words, it might be OK for the ticket not to have the middle name while the ID does".

The above might be OK with security but it is definitely not "exactly the same".

Well, Rusty, as I was trying to explain, there are many people (not just me) who interpret a ticket saying John C. Smith and an ID saying John Charles Smith as being the SAME, even though they technically aren't identical. There is more that one way to interpret the "same". Those two names have NO discrepancies between them, unlike one saying John C. Smith and one saying John James Smith. Get it?

I know many people who would look at two people wearing identical shirts and saying that the two shirts are the same, even though one may be a size L and the other may be size M. Again, there is more than one way to interpret "the same". Some people would interpret it as saying there are no actual differences (discrepancies) between them.

Geez. Two fingerprints might even be considered the same, and an arrest could be made, despite the fact that one of them also showed a cut on the finger. Hmmm. How is that possible, since they aren't "exactly" the same, then?

I always take mine with me. My license is in my wallet and if my wallet gets stolen there goes the license. My passport is in a safe in Hotel or hidden in condo.

lcuy - is inefficient? hahahahaha - you obviously don't know her. she is one "bad" traveler too. she has probably put more miles in the scope of one year than any of us will in a lifetime. She carries her passport around because she's been told many times by her doctor - it's not a wise idea for you to travel right now. She often will run off to the airport before the doctor can call her family to warn them. Hench her need to always have her passport handy.

John C. Smith and John Charles Smith are not the same !!!!! They are similar but they are not the same. It is not possible to "interpret" the two as being the same because they are not the same. There is only one person (NeoPatrick) who would claim that they are THE SAME.

As per Merriam Webster the meaning of "same" is:
resembling in every relevant respect b : conforming in every respect; being one without addition, change, or discontinuance : identical

I lost my drivers licence and my passport just expired this week. I am flying to Phoenix in 2 weeks from JFK. I understand it takes 2 weeks to receive new license and a temporary non photo licence is issued. Is this sufficent for getting to and from Phoenix. I heard as long as passport is less than 2 years expired. and passport is what I need to get new NYS liscense. also that is acceptable since it just expired.

It may not be. A "valid" ID must be unexpired, and TSA requires a valid photo ID. However, if this is not possible, they may still allow you to board by providing some alternative corroborating information. I would urge you to contact the TSA now and ensure that you bring whatever they will require with you to the airport.

Here is their website: http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/acceptable_documents.shtm

Once in Arizona, you might also expect difficulty in renting a car (Phoenix is already very difficult at times on this count), and given Arizona's stance lately, I would expect them to be quite strict. Contact your rental car company, hotel, etc., as well.

"John C. Smith and John Charles Smith are not the same !!!!! They are similar but they are not the same. It is not possible to "interpret" the two as being the same because they are not the same. There is only one person (NeoPatrick) who would claim that they are THE SAME."

I never saw this argument almost two years ago, but since then I've learned one thing. In addition to myself someone ELSE considers those two the same. American Airlines issued my ticket with a middle initial only (although they have my full middle name as appears on my passport. They insisted when I call them that the two "are the same" and do not create a problem. At the Miami Airport, they passed me right through and I then asked the TSA agent specifically if it made any difference that one contained only a middle initial and the other contained a full middle name and he very clearly stated that as long as the initial matched the first letter of the middle name that they are to them "the same" (Yes, he used that word.)

So while it may give some comfort to people to know what the dictionary says, I've never seen a dictionary wave people through security or stop them. If American Airlines as well as TSA considers those two names the same, I'd be very surprised if the "three of us" are the only ones who do.

NP, count me as no. 4 - I've never yet had a plane ticket that had my full middle name on it, just the initial, but my passport and drivers license both do have my full middle name. I've never had a problem.

I never even use my middle name at all when I buy plane tickets. Never had a problem.

NP, sf and nov. moon. This is an oooold thread that was topped for an entirely different question/issue.

My passport has my middle name and my drivers license does not. So....when I book air in the US I don't include my middle name on the ticket. When I go out of the country I use my middle name on the ticket.
The airlines made a big deal last year about your airfare being booked in the same exact name that you have on the ID you will be using.

I take my passport when traveling in border states so I can cross the border if I want to. I seem to visit a lot of states on the border, north and south.

Yes, janisj, I noticed that. But it's kind of interesting than in the almost two years that have passed since this thread was started, it's clearly still an issue. At the time I was less sure how the TSA would interpret "same", but since then I've found that the normal interpretation by them is that one can have a middle initial and the other a middle name and as long as they agree, then they consider that the "same" (their own word in their rules). So I see it relevant to bring that up again. And the original topic might have changed some people's minds as well now that a passport is REQUIRED for travel into Mexico or Canada.