Remember when people were told that REAL ID would be mandatory? Beginning on whatever date REAL ID became mandatory…it became mandatory. If you didn’t have REAL ID, or another acceptable form of identification (AFOID), you weren’t getting on that plane. (Among other things.)
Well, that was a lie.
As I noted in December, the Transportation Security Administration was officially allowing an alternative acceptable form of identification (AAFOID???). An item ran in the Federal Register with this text:
“The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is launching a modernized alternative identity verification program for individuals who present at the TSA checkpoint without the required acceptable form of identification (AFOID), such as a REAL ID or passport. This modernized program provides an alternative that may allow these individuals to gain access to the sterile area of an airport if TSA is able to establish their identity.”
But there was going to be a fee.
“To address the government-incurred costs, individuals who choose to use TSA’s modernized alternative identity verification program will be required to pay an $18 fee.”
Well, that was a lie. (Yes, “Lyin’ Eyes” is still on my mind.)
Here’s a quote from TSA’s February 5 press release:
“Passengers without REAL IDs or other acceptable forms of identification have the option to use TSA ConfirmID by paying a $45 fee for a 10-day travel period.”
For those who are math-challenged, $45 is over twice as much as $18.
TSA’s hope of course is that if the law won’t force you to get a REAL ID, money will.
Bredemarket 