I had this happen once before, so now every time I fly I test the system. I tried to use my TWIC at TSA checkpoint as a “real ID.” Every time I try to use it the agent tries to run it through their machine and it won’t read. This has happened several time and different airports. Not a big problem since I have other, “real ID.”
Just wondering if anyone else had tried to use their TWIC at airport TSA?
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Have no idea what a TWIC or a TSA is.
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Transportation Worker Identity Card
Transportation Security Administration
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My TWIC works great at airports. Enter the correct number into your reservation, and
POOF
Pre-check appears on your ticket.
as ID? no
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It works fine, but you have to submit it when you make the reservation as your “known traveler number”. It’s on the back (left side?). TWIC website i believe has instructions showing you which number it is. It wont work if you try to do it at the airport. Once reservation is made, when you go to the airport and print your ticket, it’ll usually say “tsa precheck” somewhere on the ticket. Hope this helps!
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thank you!
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Yeah, a lot of CACs don’t scan right either. Not sure what the deal with TSA is on that.
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I don’t think the TWIC is part of the Real ID thing. That’s drivers license with extra stuff or passports.
You don’t need a Real ID until 2025 (unless they extend it again), but a passport, passport card, or drivers license with the gold star is what they’re going to look for.
A TWIC should just work as a regular form of ID though. I’ve done it countless times.
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Yes it will. The ticket counter agent can put you TWIC number into the system and print your ticket with PreCheck on it. You may have to do this if your company books your ticket and so doesn’t include your known traveler number with the booking. (I haven’t tried it at a self serve kiosk to know if that works.)
I’ve had the company’s travel agent submit the wrong birthdate so the known traveler number wouldn’t give me PreCheck and the ticket counter agent was able to figure out why PreCheck wasn’t printing on my ticket, correct my date of birth, and then reenter my KTN and get it working.
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I did the same thing last time I flew (Last week). I tried my TWIC card to get through security screening but it didn’t work so I used my drivers license. On the way home I tried my TWIC card again same deal. I’ve tried it a few times last couple of years, (PWM BWI JAX CHS) been pretty consistent, it never works.
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Then why did you reply?
And why didn’t you do a simple internet search before replying?
It should, but it often doesn’t…but it’s usually the fault of the TSA genius not knowing what a TWIC is–even though it bascially is an ID issued by their own department in some way.
Global Entry number also works for PRE check. Entering TWIC/Known Traveler/GLobalEntry at the self serve kiosk or during online check-in/modification usually adds PRE to the boarding pass unless your company did something stupid like didn’t put correct middle initial, or wrong birthdate (as mentioned).
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When it first came out, I used to carry a printout from their website that showed valid IDs and would pull it out when they gave me problems. Baffled a few supervisors for sure, but that was 15 years ago. You’d think they would have figured it out by now.
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Why would I do an internet search when I can annoy you instead?
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How old is your TWIC. I think the new TWIC is different and it works properly. Check FAQ on the TWIC website and look for NextGen. I have the new format and never have any issues using it.
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What the OP stated was he tried to use it at the TSA checkpoint. I guess i should have been more clear. It needs to be on the ticket.
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Yes, but he’s also talking about using it as an ID at the TSA checkpoint.
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GM navyguy…have had TWIC since early 2000’s… like yourself tried using it numerous times at airports…TSA had no idea way back when and still have no idea what a TWIC is…Another huge money grab by the Feds … Along with the individual TWIC requirement came all the peripheral equipment required to validate TWIC holders…As a Major Oil Storage Facility (Maritime Facility) Manager I can tell you it was an expensive nightmare to get up and running… TWIC card readers, training programs for in house drivers and external company drivers, required signage that nearly doubled in price with the coming of TWIC…etc etc… Get a Passport and forget the TWIC and Real ID.
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TWIC is on the list of accepted REAL ID ready documents. I too have tried it at airport security. Even though that number is what I use for PreCheck.
Baffling how those guys don’t even know ID’s issued by their department. Also seems that if it doesn’t scan, they won’t do anything else.
Give them your MMC next time. It’s also on the accepted list.
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Travel has been slow for me this year, but in the past, I have used my TWIC widely at the TSA check points. Only twice in the past have I been asked for other ID. Once, flying home from Wichita, and most recently, at Houston (I think) when I was told that they needed a card that their scanner could read. As far as port entry, I think I have only ever used one of those card scanners, what, 10, 11 years ago (is the TWIC that old?) and was told that it didn’t work.
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Zero problems using the KTN for Pre-check, but as recently as two months ago TSA couldn’t scan the actual TWIC at the checkpoint (though they did, this year, know what it was – a change from previous years).
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