TSA Reminds Flyers Costco Memberships Are NOT Valid IDs
In what might be the most American public service announcement of the decade, the TSA took to Facebook to clarify a pressing issue: your Costco membership card, no matter how many free samples you’ve devoured, is not a REAL ID.
As of May 7th, Americans have been required to secure a Real ID, in order to fly domestically. The Real ID includes a gold star on your driver’s license. Even though Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced that for the time being, you can still use the former ID requirement, people are getting creative with their identification choices.
The very real post from the Transportation Security Administration comes after a disturbing trend of travelers are earnestly flashing their Costco Executive Gold Star Memberships at airport security checkpoints, confidently explaining that if it gets them 36 rolls of toilet paper for $12, surely it can get them to Terminal C.
In a follow-up post on their Instagram, the TSA says they understand the good deals with Costco, but it doesn’t come with pre-check. “We get it, you’re a bulk-buying boss, the executive of excess, the sultan of samples. But unless your $1.50 hot dog has a passport, you’re gonna need a REAL ID or other acceptable form of ID to fly.”
While your local gym membership or library card won’t get you on your flight, TSA reminds everyone there are several options when traveling.
