The Blog of Author Tim Ferriss - Latest Comments in How to Fly Without ID and Skip Lines

Re: How to Fly Without ID and Skip Lines

martin stevens — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 20:54:14 -0000

I was skeptical about the clear pass system and then used it a couple of times which honestly saved me an hour or more each time by using it. It is a shame that you have to pay extra to "cut" a line, but if you travel a lot and have a few bucks to spend on convenience, this is well worth it. I have been very happy with the time I saved -- let's face it, time is money. I am spreading the word to fellow business travelers and getting them and me the extra month bonus. Good luck!

Re: How to Fly Without ID and Skip Lines

Joe — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 13:31:02 -0000

Tim - not sure if you have caught this, but Clear data was compromised.

http://cbs5.com/local/tsa.s...

Re: How to Fly Without ID and Skip Lines

Natovr — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 08:20:28 -0000

Really cool trick!! Too bad the UK has other laws, and don't have the same transport organization. I wouldn't be worried about flying this way -- I won't get arrested since everything will be checked :)

Stumbled

Re: How to Fly Without ID and Skip Lines

phraedus — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 06:47:38 -0000

They changed your rules:

http://blog.wired.com/27bst...

This hack wont work no more.

Re: How to Fly Without ID and Skip Lines

TJ — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 22:39:39 -0000

TSA announced today that if you refuse to show your ID (as of June 21, 2008) you cannot fly... but if your ID has been lost or stolen you are good to go:

http://news.cnet.com/8301-1...

Re: How to Fly Without ID and Skip Lines

kjmastaw — Thu, 01 May 2008 07:51:28 -0000

I've been reading your posts for months and figured it was about time to comment just to say, "great job and thanks for all the great tips!" I'm looking forward to the next trip, now, just to try this.

In my previous "job-job" I used to travel, tons, to the point where it became too much. (I knew I had officially burnt out when, on one trip to Stockholm, the hotel receptionist asked if I'd like to go to a party with her when she finished work. It was a Saturday night. I replied that, "I was tired, there was a Metallica concert on TV, and I was in the middle of game of Command and Conquer on my computer.)

The only problem I ever had getting out of a country was when I was on a - again business - trip to San Salvidore Island. I used to travel without cash, all the time, depending on credit cards. On the transfer in Jamaica, they ask for a $5 exit fee - cash only. I had about $2 on me. After push came to shove, they finally took the visa.:)

Sorry for getting carried away!
Kevin

Re: How to Fly Without ID and Skip Lines

Vanessa — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 09:01:28 -0000

I will definitely try this tactis next time I fly out of Midway.

Re: How to Fly Without ID and Skip Lines

Joanna Campbell Slan — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 15:36:50 -0000

This happened to my mother on a recent visit....and she had the same experience being allowed to board and fly home.

We had made the police report BEFORE she went to the airport, and we took a copy of that along with.

While I agree that doing this on purpose would completely mess up the TSA system, and therefore, endanger all travelers, it is great to know that if you are in this situation you don't have to panic. Thanks for the great post--the letter is a super addition to any traveler's items.

Re: How to Fly Without ID and Skip Lines

Jim Donovan — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 14:28:49 -0000

Hi Tim:

While I'll probably never have to use this, it's a prett cool work around.

I like the way your mind works:-)

Our society, unfortunately, has created all sorts of rules. Some, like airport security have been made necessary, however there are even more that are totally unnecessary.

To live free, we have to challenge them sometimes and, as long as no one is harmed or compromised, break them. You seem to get that:-)

Re: How to Fly Without ID and Skip Lines

Robert — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 12:08:25 -0000

The only problem comes when more and more people do this everyday until airport security finally clues in and says you left your wallet on purpose, didn't you? Thanks a lot.

Re: How to Fly Without ID and Skip Lines

Beth Whitman — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 15:13:20 -0000

Astounding that this actually works although I'd hate to take the chance and risk missing my flight. I rented a car once with an invalid driver's license (it had just expired) and you would have thought I was getting away with the crime of the century!

Re: How to Fly Without ID and Skip Lines

Susan — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 12:32:03 -0000

The TSA does have the right to refuse you without ID. But I suppose they also have the right to refuse you with an ID as well. Some airports are implementing 'Diamond Lanes' which offers 'Expert', 'Casual', or 'Family' travelers, etc. the opportunity to form their own lines based on their needs and comfort level. I'd be interested to see how that works.

Re: How to Fly Without ID and Skip Lines

TOM Bender — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 00:01:21 -0000

Hey Tim,

First off love what your doing! Its not to often that I stumble upon something that I'm truly impressed by. Keep it up!

I've got a question about travel for you. I frequently travel via plane with a bike (in a large protective case) or snowboard and was curious if you had any solutions to the crazy airline charges for oversized (sometimes upwards of $200) luggage on a flight. It be great to hear your thoughts!

Thanks in advanced, TOM

Re: How to Fly Without ID and Skip Lines

Rob — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 01:43:14 -0000

This happened to me the other day. Lost my wallet in San Fran. Was afraid of not making my flight back to NYC with no ID. It was not a big deal at all. TSA said all I need was my boarding pass and to give 10 minutes of my time to extra security. I went into the regular line.. but if I had read this blog before the airport, I would have told security instead of waiting for them to see the big marker print on my ticket that said "no id" and I probably would have gone ahead of everyone to the special security area.

Re: How to Fly Without ID and Skip Lines

Tom — Sun, 16 Mar 2008 19:57:13 -0000

Tim,
You have officially been bumped up to my new hero.

I love the contrast between this and the clear blue card.

Hacking life for what is truly important rather then worrying about MIGHT happen all the time.

I love how you used both PRO-system and ANTI-system type tools to gain more of the good stuff out of life. Like Time!

I have used the fruit trick to pass customs quickly. I know by putting it here I will probably lose this trick when TOO many people do it and customs adjust BUT....

Basically you just bring some something innocent that you KNOW is going to get confiscated when traveling internationally. Bananas are good for Australia and Apples are good for California. :-)

Then simply declaring it and LETTING them confiscate it. Because as soon as you declare it they put in in a shorter faster line. Heck sometimes after they to not search or scan my bags at ALL!

I have saved myself hours in line many times at an average of about 78 cents per hour. :-) Outsourcing my line waiting time to an apple. :-)

Tom

P.S. It is fun when the beagles find your illegal apple AFTER you have already filled out the form declaring it. :-)

P.P.S. Being a dyslexic writer I really appreciate the spell checking on your blog. Probably just saved my post about 17 times.

Re: How to Fly Without ID and Skip Lines

ace — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 08:38:31 -0000

To add, I used to live in San Diego so many experiences with "SSSS' occurred there. Plus said friend who spent 2 days was also departing San Diego...

Re: How to Fly Without ID and Skip Lines

ace — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 08:34:39 -0000

I do hope you (and more importantly, your readers) realise this only works if you're from a 1st world country and white.

A coloured friend of mine spent 2 DAYS stuck at airport/police following wallet being stolen.

In my case, I get a "SSSS" on my b.p. just when I show what country I am from (it's not Iraq or Afghanistan). I have never found this to make things go faster - I have to get to the airport 3 hours before my flight each time. I've had this experience for 17 years, every single time I fly.

I think you were really lucky and resourceful, but I would not have similar hopes if I were a reader of ths blog.

Re: How to Fly Without ID and Skip Lines

timferriss — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 03:14:52 -0000

FYI, the return trip worked great without ID. But... it is definitely true that you move faster if they have someone checking IDs (or lack thereof) before you enter the line and not when you get to 15 feet in front of the metal detectors. Off to get my new ID and so on tomorrow. The driver's license is important for lots more than flying. Happy, happy, joy, joy :)

Tim

Re: How to Fly Without ID and Skip Lines

Brian p — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 18:17:53 -0000

BAAAHHH...my secret is out. I have been doing this for roughly a year. Word of caution. if you are a frequent flyer, your home airport will start to recognize you will be hip to what you are doing. I no longer get away with it at Midway. But don't be afraid to try it.

Re: How to Fly Without ID and Skip Lines

GeoffB — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 18:00:52 -0000

I recently realized my ID was expired and was plenty nervous as I had to fly. I got to the airport, waited nervously while they looked over the ID and marked SSS on the boarding pass. And then i went through a quick screening without incident. And yes, the gentleman doing the screening was efficient and professional about it. It was the same on the return trip.

I don't know that I got through the line any faster, but I was in relatively short lines both times, anyway. And I hope to have my new ID before I fly next, rather than them having to fuss with me. But I will give kudos to the TSA for creating a good process here.

Re: How to Fly Without ID and Skip Lines

Colleen Coplick — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 14:32:45 -0000

Hey - we debated the merits of twitter on the bus back from Salt Lick in Austin and talked about flying w/o id among other things. After looking around at a couple of other posts, I now get it, much more than I did on the bus. :)

to be continued, as you say sir. ;)

Re: How to Fly Without ID and Skip Lines

Nate Green — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 12:49:38 -0000

This is perfect. I lost my wallet yesterday and have to get on a plane Tuesday.

Talk about topical...

-Nate

Re: How to Fly Without ID and Skip Lines

Shama — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 11:44:45 -0000

Hi Tim,

This goes to show you never know until you ask! People keep doing things because they feel that's how it has to be.

Sorry you lost your wallet. Glad you made it to Austin. We liked it! = )

Re: How to Fly Without ID and Skip Lines

Skyler Tanner — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 11:12:16 -0000

Hello Tim,

How are you enjoying my town? Are you tired of the men wearing women's jeans and geometric haircuts yet? You're a southby vet; you're used to this by now.

A couple years back, when I first moved to Austin, I had a temporary drivers license which functioned exactly the same as no license: no line, a quick swab and pat, and I was on my way. I've used it 3 times since, depending on the check-in congestion.

Best,
Skyler

Re: How to Fly Without ID and Skip Lines

Allen — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 09:46:29 -0000

Tim you are a genius. Let us know how well this works on the return. I may start doing this all the time.