TSA officials are debunking rumors that travelers can use their Costco membership to expedite airport security screening.
The rumors first began on Reddit when a passenger said that they were allowed through airport security using their Costco membership.
GettyTSA officials are clarifying internet rumors[/caption] GettyReddit users claimed that a Costco membership could be used to go through TSA security[/caption] GettyTSA officials said that memberships can only be used in extreme cases[/caption]The Reddit user said they realized they had forgotten their license at the airport and explained their situation to the TSA officers.
The user claimed that the TSA agent then asked if the flier had a Costco membership they could show.
“I produce my Costco card printed in 2011 with the print so faint that it is hard to make out and a B&W photo that is basically just a smudge after 12 years of wear,” the user wrote.
“TSA agent confirms that my Costco card matches the name on my debit card and I am subjected to only a slightly more intrusive TSA screening than usual.”
Other Redditors replied, saying they were also able to use their Costco membership to fly.
“I got through LAX a few years ago with my Costco card too! Couldn’t believe it,” one person commented.
The wild story has led some fliers to believe that they can use their Costco memberships at TSA checkpoints, rather than the mandated Real ID licenses.
However, TSA officials are quickly putting this rumor to rest.
“That is not considered an acceptable form of identification,” Transportation Security Administration Spokesperson Lorie Dankers told local Fox affiliate KTVU.
“It’s not a government-issued ID.”
She noted that in extreme cases, a Costco membership may be accepted but it depends on the circumstances.
“At least we know that some place has given them an ID,” she mentioned.
“That in itself is not considered an acceptable ID but is considered a baseline.”
In addition to a Real ID, other acceptable forms of identification include a passport, passport card, a Veteran Health Identification Card, and a Global Entry or NEXUS card.
“Adult passengers 18 and older must show valid identification at the airport checkpoint in order to travel,” TSA wrote on its website.
The website does note that if you lost your license, you may still be allowed to fly.
Acceptable form of ID
Real ID Passport Passport card Global entry card NEXUS card Veteran Health ID card“By providing additional information, TSA has other ways to confirm your identity so you can reach your flight,” the website states.
While the website suggests that other forms of ID may be accepted if your license has been stolen or lost, it doesn’t explicitly state that Costco memberships are an accepted form of identification.
Dankers said that every few months the Reddit post gets passed around, forcing the agency to clarify that fliers can’t use their membership to go through security.
“It’s mostly clickbait,” Dankers said.
Dankers said there “is no up side” to relying on your Costco membership as it will only delay you and your fellow passengers.
“It causes our resources to be taken,” Dankers said.
“It should only be used in the most extreme of cases.”
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( TSA forced to clarify Costco card rule at airport checkpoints – it’s only a ‘baseline’ )
Also on site :