Air travelers try to bypass REAL ID requirements with a hilarious hack
Share this @internewscast.com

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is putting an end to an unusual travel tactic: passengers trying to use their Costco membership cards as a legitimate ID at airports.

As of last month, travelers in the U.S. are required to present a federally approved REAL ID or a passport for boarding domestic flights, as a typical driver’s license is no longer sufficient.

Still, some hopeful vacationers believed their trusty Costco membership cards would be their golden ticket through security.

The TSA made it clear in a Facebook post this week that the membership card cannot act as a substitute. 

“While we appreciate hot dogs and rotisserie chickens as much as anyone else, using a Costco card as a REAL ID is not acceptable, so please refrain from saying it is,” stated the agency.

The TSA’s response to the hilarious ID ‘hack’ sparked over 700 comments – with most amused by the idea, while others insisted the Costco card should actually count as a valid form of ID.

‘I’m pretty sure that the Costco card is stronger than some passports,’ one joked.

‘I mean at least it has a STAR on it,’ another wrote.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is shutting down a bizarre travel hack: travelers using Costco cards as valid ID at airport security

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is shutting down a bizarre travel hack: travelers using Costco cards as valid ID at airport security

Starting last month, US travelers were told they needed a federally approved REAL ID or passport to board a domestic flight , with a standard driver's license no longer cutting it

Starting last month, US travelers were told they needed a federally approved REAL ID or passport to board a domestic flight , with a standard driver’s license no longer cutting it 

The TSA made it clear in a Facebook post this week that Costco cards cannot act as a substitute

The TSA made it clear in a Facebook post this week that Costco cards cannot act as a substitute 

‘Do you take Uncle Sam’s Club card though?’ a third quipped

‘What’s more American than using a card that gives you access to hotdogs?’ yet another chimed in.

In March, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that passengers must have an upgraded REAL ID to board domestic flights without a passport.

Created in response to the 9/11 attacks, the REAL ID Act set stricter standards for state-issued IDs – raising the bar on identity verification to bolster national security.

Applicants must present documents that prove their identity, legal presence in the U.S., Social Security number, and address. 

This reduces the chances of fake IDs or identity fraud. 

In most cases, REAL IDs are marked by a white star inside a yellow circle. 

They also have enhanced physical features – including barcodes and security holograms – that make them harder to forge and easier for authorities to recognize at a glance. 

Created in response to the 9/11 attacks, the REAL ID Act set stricter standards for state-issued ID's - raising the bar on identity verification to bolster national security.

Created in response to the 9/11 attacks, the REAL ID Act set stricter standards for state-issued ID’s – raising the bar on identity verification to bolster national security.

In most cases, Real IDs are marked by a white star inside a yellow circle with enhanced physical features - including barcodes and security holograms - that make them harder to forge and easier for authorities to recognize at a glance

In most cases, Real IDs are marked by a white star inside a yellow circle with enhanced physical features – including barcodes and security holograms – that make them harder to forge and easier for authorities to recognize at a glance

Acceptable alternatives include a valid passport, passport card, or Department of Homeland Security trusted-traveler cards like Global Entry or Nexus

Acceptable alternatives include a valid passport, passport card, or Department of Homeland Security trusted-traveler cards like Global Entry or Nexus

The announcement triggered severe wait times and a scramble for DMV appointments, as Americans rushed to secure their REAL IDs ahead of the May deadline. 

Although the law was passed in 2005, enforcement deadlines have been pushed back multiple times – more recently due to COVID 19-related delays.

By April, 81 percent of travelers presented a state-issued REAL ID or acceptable alternative, according to the TSA.

Acceptable alternatives include a valid passport, passport card, or Department of Homeland Security trusted-traveler cards like Global Entry or Nexus. 

After 20 years in the making, the REAL ID requirement officially took effect on May 7.

The IDs have been available through the DMV for years, and those who missed the May deadline can still apply.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

1,100 New Homes to be Constructed on Iconic US Beach

Affordable housing units are set to break ground close to one of…

Court Stunned by Accused’s Drastic Makeover in Parental Decapitation Case

A man facing allegations of decapitating his parents appeared drastically different in…

The Possibility of Bryan Kohberger Employing a Last-Minute Defense Strategy for Exoneration

Bryan Kohberger aimed to point the finger at four other individuals as…

Concerning DNA Development in Travis Decker Case as Police Persist in Search

Authorities in Washington have revealed that none of the DNA samples collected…

My TV Anchor Friend Disappeared — Here’s the Major Lead I Just Discovered

It’s been 30 years since Jodi Huisentruit vanished in the early morning…

Meet the Wife of Zohran Mamdani: Their Modern-Day NYC Love Story

Zohran Mamdani, a socialist, surprised many by securing a win in the…

60 Million Americans in Danger as Key Safety System is Reduced Before Hurricane

Millions of Americans are now at increased risk this hurricane season following…

Tourist Tragically Drowns Under Unusual Circumstances in the Dominican Republic

A Canadian visitor has been reported dead on a beach in the…

DOJ Required Burisma Lawyer to Register but Exempted Hunter Biden, Documents Show

Recently disclosed government records unveil that a well-known lawyer, who advocated on…

Tom Brady and Sydney Sweeney Spark Romance Rumors at Bezos’ Wedding

Rumors are intensifying that Tom Brady and Sydney Sweeney may have struck up…

Trump outlines his plan to expand influence following court decision

President Donald Trump, feeling empowered, celebrated a significant Supreme Court ruling that…

Critical Error that Resulted in the Tragic Death of a Young Mother

An aspiring influencer, who brutally murdered his wife as she pushed their…