CHL as ID (Pass) for TSA?

[Thomas]

I have a TWIC card processed by the TSA and background checked by the FBI and they didn't accept it even though they say on their website it a valid ID for travel!

(Transportation Worker Identification Card)

TSA almost used the TWIC for their own employees. If they did, I wonder how that would have affected the checkpoints. I know someone who works for TSA and apparently they have an ID that is almost identical to the TWIC (biometrics, 6 to 8 digit pin, etc).

Once I had to argue with them that my US passport and social security card was good enough for an id.

Social Security Cards should not be used as a form of ID, after all it's just a piece of paper with a name, no photo or anything. It shouldn't be carried around (in case of loss or theft), but should be kept someplace secure. However I agree that a passport should be adequate ID.

[mamabearCali]

Social Security Cards should not be used as a form of ID, after all it's just a piece of paper with a name, no photo or anything. It shouldn't be carried around (in case of loss or theft), but should be kept someplace secure. However I agree that a passport should be adequate ID.

As I remember the airline required it. I had called ahead because my purse had been stolen and had been told that to pick up my ticket they wanted two forms of ID. One would have been my license and the other my passport, but as my license was stolen they had said to either bring my birth certificate or my social security card. I don't usually carry either with me--and I did not want to bring it however they were adamant in their requirement. I think it was bull as my passport should have been just fine--but whatever. I don't fly anymore because of all the shenanigans pulled by the TSA. It is just not worth it.

[3dfxMM]

Not planning on flying anytime soon, or if ever again. But I know all of us hate the TSA and their "Feel" Good procedures.

Why can't we get a Nationwide movement going to allow bypass of all TSA security (& delays) by simply presenting our CHL (or other similar States permits)?

After all, we are certified Good Guys with a complete FBI background check. Why can't this be used for air travel (and/or ALL SECURITY) within the USA?

Not only would it help us, it would also thin out the line for those that do not have one.

There is nothing about having a CHL that makes us certified Good Guys. We are just another class of certified Never Been Caught guys. Big difference. The FBI background check that we get is not even close to being a complete background check. In the realm of security clearances, it is just the first step.

[speedsix]

Texas officials won't even recognized the CHL as a valid, primary form of ID and often will still require a DL. I think that would be the first hurdle to overcome if we want Federal (TSA) recognition of the CHL as an ID and any derived benefits.

...True, but it WILL get you into the Capitol building through the express line
(as long as you're at the RIGHT Capitol)

[4LOKO]

I never had a problem using a US Passport or a US Passport Card as ID for travel. Maybe I look trustworthy.

I don't think TSA will give a pass to someone with a CHL but there's a program for TSA to have expedited screening for passengers that have a federal travel card like Global Entry. http://www.tsa.gov/what_we_do/escreening.shtm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[karl]

I've used my CHL as ID at a TSA checkpoint on two occasions, one of them in California, without incident.

[OldCurlyWolf]

Once I had to argue with them that my US passport and social security card was good enough for an id. They wanted a drivers license which had been stolen two days before (along with the rest of my wallet). I had to explain to these gentlemen that yes a US passport is a gov't issued ID, and it carries more than enough weight to stand in for a drivers license. These guys are not the brightest bulbs in the box.

That is a massive understatement. They were burnt out. Or Defective From The Factory.

[E.Marquez]

Not planning on flying anytime soon, or if ever again. But I know all of us hate the TSA and their "Feel" Good procedures.

Why can't we get a Nationwide movement going to allow bypass of all TSA security (& delays) by simply presenting our CHL (or other similar States permits)?

After all, we are certified Good Guys with a complete FBI background check. Why can't this be used for air travel (and/or ALL SECURITY) within the USA?

Not only would it help us, it would also thin out the line for those that do not have one.

There is nothing about having a CHL that makes us certified Good Guys. We are just another class of certified Never Been Caught guys. Big difference. The FBI background check that we get is not even close to being a complete background check. In the realm of security clearances, it is just the first step.

Your specified point is valid.

The implication that if there was a way of being a "Certified Good Guy" that TSA would then pass us is not valid implication, INHO.

If it was, then myself and many more like me, civilian, DOD civilian, DOD, with some of the highest security clearances available.. should be granted a "free Pass" as we have been certified "good Guys" by systems, checks and investigations that surpass anything TSA has access to or conducts on sight.. Yet, I wait in line behind Grandma while she is searched.
It’s simple, letting certified Good guys though, means you would be acknowledging the very things that would actually provide some small measure of security, Profiling.
We should profile Good guys, and let them ID them self’s and breeze though security.
We should Profile, unknowns and conduct cursory ID checks
We should Profile likely or possible Bad guys, and search them, question them.

[FL450]

Airline Flight Crew and Airport Badging at major airports go through the same federal TSA checks and don't receive any special treatment.
The only thing my Hobby badge gets me additional is it serves as ID and I can use the employee line at Hobby TSA checkpoints as well as go thru to the secure side of the terminal at Hobby without a boarding pass if I have a reason. Last time I wanted to eat breakfast with my wife on the secure side while she waited for her flight so I was able to eat and wait with her.
If the TSA makes a fast track line I think we will see it first for Flight Crew unless they put into use the Passenger pre clearance Program but I don't think we will see fast track ( reduced screening) programs based on CHL, TWIC or other non TSA administered programs.
As long as TSA has no checks and Balances they are destined to grow and will continue to find reasons to do it.

[papajohn1964]

Texas officials won't even recognized the CHL as a valid, primary form of ID and often will still require a DL. I think that would be the first hurdle to overcome if we want Federal (TSA) recognition of the CHL as an ID and any derived benefits.

YEP! I lost my drivers license a coupe of months ago and when I went to the DPS the lady would not accept my CHL. She said that I had to have my SS card. I tried to explain to her that it is a STATE issued card with my picture on it and that my SS card didn't have my picture on it. I lost the argument and had to go home and get my SS card.

[Kirk]

If the TSA makes a fast track line I think we will see it first for Flight Crew unless they put into use the Passenger pre clearance Program but I don't think we will see fast track ( reduced screening) programs based on CHL, TWIC or other non TSA administered programs.
As long as TSA has no checks and Balances they are destined to grow and will continue to find reasons to do it.

FYI- Actually TWIC is administered by the TSA which is why I though it was funny when they wouldn't accept it as an ID.

[KingofChaos]

There is nothing about having a CHL that makes us certified Good Guys. We are just another class of certified Never Been Caught guys. Big difference. The FBI background check that we get is not even close to being a complete background check. In the realm of security clearances, it is just the first step.

Our CHLs are not good enough to skip a security screening. I know that this guy is obviously someone I don't want past the secured area of an airport. While CHL convictions rates are much lower than the general publics, they aren't zero, and there is no way of knowing which of us CHL holders is the rotten apple in the bunch. I'd much rather it get me in the first class line.

[C-dub]

I wonder if the TSA folks go through the same screening before they go into the secure area.

[mamabearCali]

I wonder if the TSA folks go through the same screening before they go into the secure area.

Ummmm no they don't

[rm9792]

Not planning on flying anytime soon, or if ever again. But I know all of us hate the TSA and their "Feel" Good procedures.

Why can't we get a Nationwide movement going to allow bypass of all TSA security (& delays) by simply presenting our CHL (or other similar States permits)?

After all, we are certified Good Guys with a complete FBI background check. Why can't this be used for air travel (and/or ALL SECURITY) within the USA?

Not only would it help us, it would also thin out the line for those that do not have one.

Unfortunately that is not a hard rule. All you need is a clean background to get the CHL and someone could easily be paid or forced to do so. Terrorists/zealots are quite patient and have many qualified applicants to do asuicide run. Grab a guy's kid and he is all yours.