Sachin Walls
The Common Access Card (CAC) is a smart card that serves as the standard identification for active-duty military personnel, reserve personnel, civilian employees, and eligible contractor personnel. While it can be used as a valid form of identification at domestic airports, it is important to note that it may not be accepted at all airports. Some airports use commercial scanners that can only read state driver's licenses or DoD CACs, so it is advisable to carry a backup form of identification. Additionally, when booking travel, individuals can enter their DOD identification number into the Known Traveler Number (KTN) field to receive TSA PreCheck benefits, which allow for expedited screening at the airport.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Use at the airport | Accepted as a federal ID at some domestic airports, but not at international airports. |
| TSA Pre-check | Possible by entering the 10-digit DOD ID number on the back of the card when booking travel. |
| Scanners | May not be accepted by commercial scanners at some airports. |
| Benefits | Reduced wait times at the airport and free checked bags on American Airlines. |
| Eligibility | Issued to active-duty military personnel, reserve personnel, civilian employees, eligible contractor personnel, and spouses of veterans who are eligible to receive medical care and other benefits provided by the DOD. |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
The CAC card is a valid form of ID at airports
The Common Access Card (CAC) is a valid form of ID at some airports. It is a smart card about the size of a credit card that is issued as standard identification for active-duty military personnel, reserve personnel, civilian employees, and eligible contractor personnel.
While the CAC card is a valid form of federal ID, it is not always accepted at airports. Some sources suggest that it can be used as a valid form of ID at domestic airports, and it may be preferable to use a CAC over a state ID, as the latter may appear fake or not be accepted in certain states. However, others have stated that their CAC card was not accepted at the airport, as the machines could not read it.
To use a CAC card at the airport, it is recommended to enter your DOD ID number into the Known Traveler Number (KTN) field when booking travel. This will generate a TSA Pre-Check indicator on your boarding pass, allowing you to go through the TSA Pre-Check screening line. It is important to note that you cannot go straight to the TSA Pre-Check line with your CAC card; the number must be entered during the booking process.
Additionally, while the CAC card may be a valid form of ID at some domestic airports, it may not be sufficient for international travel. It is always a good idea to carry a secondary form of ID, such as a driver's license, when travelling.
Traveling with Salads: Airport Security Rules
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![AKERU Portable CAC Card Reader DOD Military Smart Card Reader, Universal Compatibility, for Mac/Windows with LED Indicator, Compact PIV & ID Chip Card Reader, Cable Management [EAO-10]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61jqzNhZ14L._AC_UY218_.jpg)
It is tied to your KTN and flight, so no phone scan is needed
The Common Access Card (CAC) is a valid form of identification at airports, and it can be used to speed up the security process. The card is embedded with integrated circuits that enable encryption, decryption, and digital signature functionalities, and it serves as the standard identification for active-duty military personnel, reserve personnel, civilian employees, and eligible contractor personnel.
When booking a flight, individuals with a CAC can enter their Department of Defense (DoD) identification number into the Known Traveler Number (KTN) field to receive TSA PreCheck benefits. This means that when they arrive at the airport, they can proceed directly to the TSA PreCheck line, avoiding the need to remove their shoes, belt, and light jacket and allowing them to keep their laptop and liquids in their bag.
It is important to note that while the CAC can be used as identification at domestic airports, it may not be accepted at international airports. Additionally, some airports use commercial scanners that can only read state driver's licenses or DoD CACs. In such cases, individuals should explain their situation and request a manual check by a supervisor.
To clarify, when the KTN is entered during the flight reservation process, it is tied to both the individual's CAC and their specific flight information. As a result, there is no need to scan a phone or present a paper ticket at the airport. This streamlined process enhances security and convenience for travelers with a CAC.
In summary, the CAC is a secure and widely accepted form of identification for military and affiliated personnel, offering efficient airport security screening when linked to the KTN during flight bookings. However, travelers should be prepared for potential variations in acceptance, particularly at international airports or those utilizing commercial scanners.
Using Debit Cards at O'Hare Airport: Is it Possible?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
It can be used to get through the employee line at airports
The Common Access Card (CAC) is the standard identification for active-duty military personnel, reserve personnel, civilian employees, and eligible contractor personnel. It is a smart card about the size of a credit card. While the CAC card does not allow you to go straight to the TSA PreCheck® line, it does qualify as a Real ID-compliant form of identification. This means that it can be used as a valid form of ID at domestic airports.
To use your CAC card at the airport, you must enter your DOD ID number when booking your travel. This will be the 10-digit number located on the back of your CAC card. When you make a reservation and include your DOD ID number, a TSA PreCheck® indicator will appear on your boarding pass, indicating that you can use the TSA PreCheck® screening line.
Some people have reported that their CAC card was not accepted at the airport because the airport's scanners were not updated to read the newer version of the card. In these cases, you can explain your situation and request a supervisor or manual check.
It is worth noting that the CAC card is not sufficient for international travel. For international flights, you will need to present a valid passport or other accepted form of identification.
In addition to using the CAC card as a form of identification, it can also be used to access certain benefits when flying. For example, on American Airlines, presenting your CAC card can get you up to three free checked bags.
Arriving Early: How Early is Too Early?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
It can be used to get up to three free checked bags on American Airlines
While the DOD Common Access Card (CAC) does not give you access to the TSA PreCheck® lane, it does offer some benefits for military members when it comes to air travel. Military members can use their DOD ID number to score complimentary TSA PreCheck and keep liquids in their bags. This benefit extends to their children under 12, and as of spring 2023, children 17 and under who are flying on the same reservation as a TSA-approved adult may also use the TSA PreCheck lane. To access this benefit, enter the 10-digit DOD ID number located on the back of your card into the "Known Traveler Number" section of your booking. This can be done at the time of booking, after booking, or even once you've checked in and arrived at the airport.
Additionally, active U.S. military members can take advantage of free checked bags on American Airlines. Up to three bags of 50 lbs each are allowed for active U.S. military personnel on personal or leisure travel. This benefit applies to American-marketed and operated itineraries, and free checked bags do not apply to codeshare flights operated by American's partners.
It's important to note that American Airlines also allows passengers to check up to three bags per person when checking in on their website or mobile app. However, this option is available to all passengers and is not exclusive to military members.
Baby Wipes and Airport Security: What's Allowed?
You may want to see also
It is Real ID-compliant and meets federal guidelines
The Common Access Card (CAC) is a smart card about the size of a credit card, issued as standard identification for active-duty military personnel, reserve personnel, civilian employees, and eligible contractor personnel. It is an acceptable ID for TSA and meets federal guidelines for Real ID. It is advisable to enter your DOD ID in the box that asks for a known traveler number when purchasing tickets.
The CAC is Real ID-compliant and can be used as an ID at domestic airports. It is recommended to carry another form of ID as backup, such as a driver's license, as some states still have driver's licenses that are not allowed for use for ID purposes in a federal setting. Additionally, some airports use commercial scanners that can only read state driver's licenses or DoD CACs. In such cases, you can explain your situation and request a supervisor or manual check.
The CAC is also tied to your KTN (if you opted for it) and your flight, so there is no need for a phone scan of your flight or ticket. However, it is important to note that the CAC is not sufficient for identification at international airports.
To receive TSA Pre-Check benefits, you can enter your 10-digit DOD identification number, located on the back of your CAC, into the KTN field when making flight reservations. This will allow you to go through the TSA Pre-Check screening line and keep your shoes, belt, and light jacket on during the screening process, making it a less stressful experience.
Organic Items: Airport Security Clearance?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Yes, your DOD CAC card is a federal ID and can be used at domestic airports. However, it may not be accepted at international airports.
When booking your travel, enter your 10-digit DOD identification number, found on the back of your CAC card, into the Known Traveler Number (KTN) field. This will give you TSA PreCheck benefits, allowing you to go through the TSA PreCheck screening line.
Using your DOD CAC card at the airport can help shorten your wait time in lines. With TSA PreCheck, you can leave your shoes, belt, and light jacket on during the screening process, and you don't need to remove your laptop and liquids from your bag.
Yes, on American Airlines, presenting your CAC card allows you to check up to three bags for free.
If the airport uses a commercial scanner that can only read state driver's licenses or DoD CACs, explain your situation and request a supervisor or manual check.
