TSA misstates the case law on ID to fly
papersplease.org
papersplease.org
I've flown, yes, post-9/11, yes, post-shoe-bomber, yes, post-RealID, without an ID on multiple occasions.
You walk up to the counter and say "I've forgotten my ID and need to make this flight" and they type on their computer, hand you a slip of paper, and then you show that slip of paper to the TSA staffer at the podium checking IDs and they ask you some questions, and you're waved through.
Is this just another CATO fundraising grift?
edit: It's even on the TSA website https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/identification
>In the event you arrive at the airport without valid identification, because it is lost or at home, you may still be allowed to fly. The TSA officer may ask you to complete an identity verification process which includes collecting information such as your name, current address, and other personal information to confirm your identity. If your identity is confirmed, you will be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint. You will be subject to additional screening, to include a patdown and screening of carry-on property.
This still requires you to identify yourself verbally to the TSA, and participate in a verbal interrogation. The legal pleadings referenced in the article claim that there's an option to not identify yourself and be subjected to "a search that is more exacting than the routine search" instead. That option does not exist in reality.
Also, if you try to follow the process you described, and tell them that you did not forget your ID, but deliberately chose not to bring it because you're not required to, they will deny you access to your flight.