TexasCHLforum.com

Jesus wrote:I take it no one read the article I posted where it says you dont need ID to fly?

I read it when it was published. A friend was arrested and spent a month in jail for a civil disobedience protest when he attempted to fly without ID, and then declined to be searched further. They actually charged him with trespass, but no one had ever asked him to leave.

Liberty wrote:I wonder what the ID really accomplishes.

Lots of us wondered, and do wonder, that.

Ostensibly it is to ensure that the person presenting the boarding pass is the person named on it, but that system is so easily defeated that it's not even worth discussing further.

The airlines originally required photo IDs so that people couldn't trade tickets, as they used to do. The airline gets a fee for transferring the ticket.

I vaguely remember when they established that requirement, and being peeved about it. I think it was about 10 years ago.

- Jim

jimlongley wrote:

Liberty wrote:I wonder what the ID really accomplishes.

Lots of us wondered, and do wonder, that.

Ostensibly it is to ensure that the person presenting the boarding pass is the person named on it, but that system is so easily defeated that it's not even worth discussing further.

Considering that the 9/11 hijackers all had valid ID, it's especially nonsensical.

Jesus wrote:Any more info on that? Were the charges dropped, did he fight it?

How much time have you got? There is a 94 page thread on the "Unidentified Flying Objector". The actual event doesn't take place until page 50 of the thread:

http://newhampshireunderground.com/foru ... 2#msg16152

Actually, I think he only spent the weekend in jail that time. It's hard to keep straight -- he gets arrested for civil disobedience quite regularly.

A CHL is a state government-issued identification card with photo, just as a driver's license is. Therefore, it is accepted by TSA. I have only seen ONE CHL used as a form of ID, and in the situation above, maybe the screener was just unfamiliar with what it was, and who issued it. When such a question arises, the "better safe than sorry" approach would be just to ask for another ID. Cautiousness, not incompetence.

The keywords are government-issued and photo. If you do not have a photo ID, then two forms of identification are accepted at the screening checkpoint, one of which must be government-issued.

Yes, you can fly without an ID, but it will require you to go through more extensive screening. I'll just put it that way.

Please don't disparage my agency.

seamusTX wrote:The airlines originally required photo IDs so that people couldn't trade tickets, as they used to do. The airline gets a fee for transferring the ticket.

I vaguely remember when they established that requirement, and being peeved about it. I think it was about 10 years ago.

- Jim

It was started after TWA800 crashed. Airlines loved it, for reasons you mentioned, and loved the fact they took no blame, as they could point to it being a Govt requirement.

jimlongley wrote: When I worked for TSA we would not accept a CHL as a "government issued ID" because it really is not meant to be accespted as an ID.

I thought this was funny, since a DL is not meant to be accepted as an ID either, even though it is considered the defacto ID. I have relatives in NJ, they have to use their passports, as their NJ DLs do not have photos on them.

I used my TX CHL for ID at the secret service checkpoint on my way into the White House for a personal tour once. The SS Agent didn't bat an eye--he just verified the name on the approved list matched the name on the ID and the picture on the ID matched me. In you go....

A texas CHL is a state government issued ID. It identifies you as a CHL holder just like a drivers license identifies you as a Motor Vehicle Operator.

Right2Carry wrote:A texas CHL is a state government issued ID. It identifies you as a CHL holder just like a drivers license identifies you as a Motor Vehicle Operator.

It might look and feel like an ID but it is still license it says so right on it. That doesn't mean that it can't be used as a means of identification, but so can't a drivers license, passport, birth certificate or utility bill.

Personally I think it's bad form to go around flashing ones CHL. In order to obtain one we had to have a license or other form of state issued ID. Flashing a CHL is the same as telling a stranger "I have a gun." Its sorta looking for trouble and its telling strangers something that is none of their business.

Liberty wrote: Personally I think it's bad form to go around flashing ones CHL. In order to obtain one we had to have a license or other form of state issued ID. Flashing a CHL is the same as telling a stranger "I have a gun." Its sorta looking for trouble and its telling strangers something that is none of their business.

I couldn't agree more. That's why I have only seen it used ONCE as a form of identification, and when I saw it, I said to my mate "Huh? That's not a wise thing to go around flashing." However, since he's in an airport, he's not going to have the gun on him anyway, so it doesn't make much difference in that situation.

Liberty wrote: Personally I think it's bad form to go around flashing ones CHL.

I feel just the opposite. I have my DL and CHL in a small ID wallet separate from my "main" wallet. When I show my DL, my CHL is plainly visible.

Liberty wrote: Flashing a CHL is the same as telling a stranger "I have a gun."

I don't think so. I think it's the same as telling them, "I have a CHL."

Liberty wrote: Its sorta looking for trouble and its telling strangers something that is none of their business.

I don't think it is looking for trouble at all. I frankly don't care what someone thinks when they see it. If they pop a blood vessel right then and there, all I'm gonna do is call 911, try to stay out of the way of the stream, and pray for their immortal souls. If they give me any grief, they will get it back 10x.

See, I think I am a good guy. And yes, I carry a gun. If someone doesn't like it, they are free to not like it. I wasn't put on this Earth to make them happy.

Just for the record, if you prefer to keep your status private, I have no problem at all with that. I don't consider it good form or bad form. It's just what you want to do, and you have every right to do as you see fit.

But I'm a little curious. Do you think there is something wrong with carrying a gun? Are you ashamed that you carry? Are you concerned that people will think you are "strange"? Are you worried that they will think, "He has a gun. I will attack him and steal it."?

Just wondering.

Liberty wrote:

Right2Carry wrote:A texas CHL is a state government issued ID. It identifies you as a CHL holder just like a drivers license identifies you as a Motor Vehicle Operator.

It might look and feel like an ID but it is still license it says so right on it. That doesn't mean that it can't be used as a means of identification, but so can't a drivers license, passport, birth certificate or utility bill.

Personally I think it's bad form to go around flashing ones CHL. In order to obtain one we had to have a license or other form of state issued ID. Flashing a CHL is the same as telling a stranger "I have a gun." Its sorta looking for trouble and its telling strangers something that is none of their business.

You drivers license is also a license but it can be used as a form of ID just like a CHL. They are both state government issued licenses but can be used as an ID to prove who you are.

For the record just because someone shows his or hers CHL does not mean they are armed at that time. Showing your CHL doesn't mean you have a gun on you at that moment, just like showing your drivers LICENSE doesn't mean you are operating a motor vehicle at that time.

frankie_the_yankee wrote: But I'm a little curious. Do you think there is something wrong with carrying a gun? Are you ashamed that you carry? Are you concerned that people will think you are "strange"? Are you worried that they will think, "He has a gun. I will attack him and steal it."?

I am not ashamed to carry a gun. I am not ashamed of my underware either, but I do not believe it is a strangers bussiness whether its boxers or briefs.

I am not worried what they think. I respect people and do not want to make folks uncomfortable without reason. I respect my privacy.

I am concerned that the person could have a friend or mark me for another time.

I believe the concealed concept of our license was there to protect us. In fact the legislature this session took the extraordinary step of guaranteeing that our enrollment as CHLer is secret from non-official probing.
I don't think there is anything wrong with carrying a gun.

I carry a concealed handgun, not because of any known real threat from anyone, but because of unknown potential threats. Letting a stranger know I have a CHL gives that stranger some key information that I have no reason to give. I do not know who my next assailant is going to be.

On a personal level, I respect those that might have a different opinion than mine. I don't believe there is anything wrong with the three letter word for donkey. Others are offended. On this news group and out in the real world. I don't use that word I don't wish to offend without a reason even though I believe it is a harmless and should be inoffensive.

If Texas Legislature ever decides to take on open carry, I will support it. I don't think I would ever open carry though. Just because its nobodys business.

AR Traveler,

I did the same this last month. I went out of Hobby. I gave them my CHL, he looked at me funny, but let me go through the check point.