The Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) has formally dispelled the web rumor claiming that Costco membership playing cards can be utilized as identification at airport safety checkpoints.
Final week, the company issued a public advisory after a number of social media customers falsely claimed that the wholesale chain’s membership card might double as a sound type of identification whereas touring. “We love hotdogs & rotisserie chickens as a lot as the following individual,” the TSA tweeted, “however please cease telling folks their Costco card counts as a REAL ID as a result of it completely doesn’t.”
What Is a REAL ID and Why It Issues
Starting Could 7, vacationers boarding home flights in the US should current a REAL ID—a federally compliant type of identification—or a suitable different resembling:
A legitimate U.S. passport
A everlasting resident card (inexperienced card)
A U.S. army ID
A border crossing card
With out one among these accepted types of ID, passengers may very well be denied boarding or face extra safety screening.
Why the Rumor Caught Hearth On-line
The Costco card confusion seems to have began as a joke, presumably as a result of how official-looking the playing cards are—that includes a photograph, member title, and bar code. Nevertheless, the TSA made it clear: retail membership playing cards usually are not government-issued identification and don’t meet federal requirements.
“Simply because it has your image doesn’t make it a sound ID,” stated TSA spokesperson Lisa Farbstein.
This isn’t the primary time the TSA has needed to fact-check airport myths on-line. In current months, the company has additionally addressed viral claims relating to:
Utilizing scholar IDs or fitness center playing cards at checkpoints
Accepting digital driver’s licenses on smartphones (which nonetheless varies by state)
Bypassing safety protocols with airport lounge entry
The company is encouraging vacationers to confirm their ID standing now to keep away from airport delays or being turned away on the gate after Could 7.
Closing Ideas: Don’t Let a Costco Card Wreck Your Journey
Whereas we love an excellent rotisserie hen run, don’t mistake your Costco card for a official journey doc. The TSA has made it clear—in relation to boarding a flight, solely REAL ID-compliant types of identification will fly. It’s finest to test your pockets now and be sure you’re good to go.
