Owais Crawford
There is some discrepancy in sources as to whether a Common Access Card (CAC) can be used as a form of ID at the airport. Some sources state that CACs are accepted at certain airports, whereas others claim that they are not considered legitimate ID due to missing information such as date of birth or expiration date. However, it is noted that CACs can be used to obtain TSA Pre✓® benefits by entering the 10-digit number on the back of the card into the KTN field when making flight reservations. This allows cardholders to go through the TSA Pre✓® screening line, which can shorten wait times at the airport.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Use of CAC at the airport | Accepted in some cases, but not all |
| TSA Pre-Check | Possible with CAC by entering the DOD ID in the known traveler ID field when booking |
| Real ID compliance | CAC meets federal guidelines for Real ID |
| Free checked bags | Up to 3 free checked bags with CAC on American Airlines |
| Spouse CAC | Spouses have a dependent USID, not a CAC, and may not have access to TSA Pre-Check |
| State-issued IDs | Some states' driver's licenses are not allowed for ID purposes in a federal setting |
| Alternative IDs | A dozen other federally-issued ID options are available |
| TSA Pre-Check benefits | All members of the U.S. Armed Forces and DOD civilians are eligible for TSA Pre-Check benefits |
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What You'll Learn
Using CAC at the airport for a domestic flight
Using a Common Access Card (CAC) at the airport for a domestic flight is possible, but it may not be straightforward. While the CAC is a valid form of identification, there have been reports of issues when using it at airport security. Some Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents may be unfamiliar with CACs, as they are less commonly used than other forms of ID. It's worth noting that CACs are now included on the TSA's acceptable ID list.
To avoid potential issues, it is recommended to enter your Department of Defense (DoD) ID number, also known as your Known Traveler Number (KTN), when booking your flight. This number can be found on the back of your CAC. By entering this number, you will receive TSA Pre-Check benefits, which will shorten your wait time at the airport. You can also add your DoD ID number to your profile on the airline's website or mobile app, which will save time at the airport.
Additionally, some airlines, such as American Airlines, offer benefits to military personnel with a CAC. For example, you may be able to get up to three free checked bags by showing your CAC at the airport.
It's important to note that while CACs are generally accepted as valid identification, some states have specific requirements for Real ID-compliant licenses or ID cards that a CAC may not meet. In these cases, a driver's license or another form of federally issued ID may be required.
To summarize, while you can use your CAC at the airport for a domestic flight, it is recommended to enter your DoD ID number when booking your flight to receive TSA Pre-Check benefits and avoid potential issues at airport security. Additionally, take advantage of benefits offered by airlines for military personnel, and stay informed about any specific ID requirements in your state.
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Using CAC at the airport for an international flight
A CAC, or Common Access Card, is a federally issued photo ID for contractors who work on federal installations. It is also issued as a military ID to active-duty or retired military personnel and their dependents, as well as DOD civilians.
As per TSA guidelines, adult passengers (18 and over) are required to show a U.S. federal or state-issued photo ID to be allowed to go through the checkpoint and onto their flight. A U.S. Military ID is an acceptable form of ID, and therefore a CAC can be used as a valid ID for an international flight.
However, it is important to note that there have been mixed reports of CAC being accepted as a valid form of ID at airports. While some travellers have reported being able to use their CAC without any issues, others have mentioned that certain airports or TSOs may not accept it as it is an unusual form of ID. In addition, CACs issued to contractors may not be accepted as they may be missing certain required elements, such as the date of birth or expiration date.
To ensure a smooth travel experience, it is recommended to check the TSA's list of acceptable IDs before travelling and to have a backup form of ID, such as a passport, just in case. Additionally, entering your DOD ID or the 10-digit number on the back of your CAC when booking your flight can provide TSA Pre-Check benefits, allowing you to skip lengthy lines and save time at the airport.
Overall, while a CAC can be used as a valid form of ID for an international flight, it is always a good idea to be prepared and have alternative options available if needed.
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Using CAC for TSA Pre-Check
Common Access Cards (CAC) are used by hundreds of thousands of people as identity authorization to access government computer systems. They are also used by some as identification at airports. However, there is some confusion over whether CACs are accepted as legitimate ID at airports. While some people claim that their CAC has been accepted as ID at airports, others state that their CAC was rejected.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requires adult passengers to show a U.S. ID at the airport. CACs are included on the TSA's acceptable ID list, but some people have reported that their CAC was not accepted as ID by the TSA. This may be because CACs are an unusual form of ID, and some TSA staff may not know that they are a genuine form of federally-issued photo ID. CACs issued to contractors may also be treated differently.
To use TSA PreCheck, members of the U.S. Armed Forces and DOD Federal civilians must include their DOD ID number in the Known Traveler Number (KTN) field when making flight reservations. A TSA PreCheck indicator must then be visible on the boarding pass. It is not possible to access the TSA PreCheck lane by presenting a CAC or other documentation. It is important to note that TSA PreCheck benefits do not extend to non-DOD-affiliated military adult dependents age 18 and over.
There are several credit cards that offer a credit for TSA PreCheck, including the Chase Sapphire Reserve, the Chase Sapphire Preferred, and the Platinum Card from American Express. These cards can be used to cover the cost of PreCheck, and some cards reimburse the application fee for trusted traveler programs. It is worth checking which cards offer these benefits before choosing one.
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Using CAC for free checked bags
When travelling, members of the military can use their Common Access Card (CAC) to identify themselves and their belongings. While a CAC cannot be used to access the TSA PreCheck lane, it can be used to obtain TSA PreCheck status, which is indicated on your boarding pass.
To obtain TSA PreCheck status, members of the U.S. Armed Forces must include their DOD ID number in the Known Traveller Number field when making flight reservations. The DOD ID number is found on the CAC. This will result in a TSA PreCheck indicator (such as TSAPRECHK, TSA PRE, or TSA PreCheck) being printed on the boarding pass.
When checking in bags, members of the military can show their CAC to obtain free checked bags. Most major U.S. airlines offer one to three free checked bags for "military personal leave". However, it is important to research the specific airline's allowance regarding weight and quantity. While some airlines may offer increased weight limits for those travelling on orders, leisure travel may still qualify for free bags at standard weight.
It is recommended to book directly through the airline's website, as third-party sites can be difficult to deal with regarding cancellations or changes. Additionally, members of the military can use their CAC at the gate to board with the first boarding group.
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Using CAC for identification at the airport
Using a Common Access Card (CAC) for identification at the airport is possible, but it depends on the airport and the airline. While CACs are now on the TSA's acceptable ID list, they are not the most commonly used form of ID, so some Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) may not be familiar with them and may refuse to accept them.
CACs are designed and specified by the Department of Homeland Security and are used by hundreds of thousands of people to access government computer systems. They are also used as military ID, so they are a legitimate form of photo ID. However, some people have reported that their CAC was not accepted by the machine at the airport, and they were asked for a driver's license instead.
To avoid potential issues, it is recommended to enter your Department of Defense (DoD) ID number, located on the back of your CAC, into the Known Traveler Number (KTN) field when booking your flight. This will give you TSA Pre-Check benefits, including a shorter wait time at the airport. You can also add your DoD ID to your profile on the airline's website or your Skymiles account, which will save automatically.
It is worth noting that CACs issued to contractors may not be accepted as easily as those issued to military personnel. Additionally, while CACs meet federal guidelines for Real ID, some states have driver's licenses that are not allowed for ID purposes in a federal setting, so it is always good to have another form of ID with you when travelling.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, your CAC meets the federal guidelines for Real ID. However, it is recommended that you enter your DOD ID in the box that asks for a known traveler number when purchasing tickets.
Using your DOD ID when booking travel can reduce the amount of time spent waiting in lines at the airport.
You cannot go straight to the TSA Pre✓® line with your CAC. You must enter your DOD ID number when you book your travel.
No, you do not need to be in uniform to go through TSA Pre✓®.
