Lost Your ID 2 Days Before a Flight? Tips to Ensure You Still Make Your Trip

Lost Your ID 2 Days Before a Flight? Tips to Ensure You Still Make Your Trip - Bring Alternative ID to the Airport

Having a government-issued photo ID is an essential part of air travel these days. But what happens if you lose your ID or realize it's expired just a couple days before your trip? While calling the airline and expediting a replacement ID are good steps, you'll also want to bring alternative IDs with you to the airport.

The TSA lists several forms of identification that are acceptable at airport security checkpoints. This includes a passport, permanent resident card, border crossing card, DHS trusted traveler card, military ID, airline or airport-issued ID, and tribal photo ID. Even expired IDs in these categories can be used for up to a year past the expiration date.

If you don't have any of those, a regular driver's license is better than nothing. While the TSA officially requires a Real ID compliant driver's license, many travelers have reported that expired or non-compliant licenses were accepted going through security. Just know it's not guaranteed.

Beyond government IDs, other documents with your name and photo can also help substantiate who you are. This includes work badges, school IDs, credit cards, birth certificates, social security cards, and more. While these can't replace a proper ID, they can provide supplemental evidence if there are any issues.

Arriving early is key, as going through additional identity verification steps can take extra time. Be patient and cooperative if asked additional questions or screened more thoroughly. Remain calm and politely ask for a supervisor if you encounter resistance.

Travel bloggers like Nomadic Matt and The Points Guy have shared their own experiences of flying without ID. Matt forgot his license on two separate occasions, but was eventually allowed through each time after answering questions. TPG writer Benji Stawski forgot his ID before an international trip, but a passport card and secondary IDs saved him.