# Should airlines require passenger ID? **URL:** \ **Category:** Great Debates\ **Created:** [July 19, 2002, 7:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-airlines-require-passenger-id/119865 "2002-07-19T19:56:01Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 2\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![Joe\_Cool](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ecb155/32.png) [@Joe\_Cool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Joe_Cool)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2002, 6:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-airlines-require-passenger-id/119865/61 "2002-07-25T06:59:32Z")
The conversation seems to have drifted a bit. The point of the lawsuit is for the right **to travel by air anonymously**. The goal of the suit is to eliminate requirements for ID for air travel, not to quash reporting and databasing. One of the foundations of a free state is the ability of its citizens to travel freely without having to present papers. So maybe we can get back on topic? If not, all good. Whatever. ---
**Author:** ![sailor](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a587f6/32.png) [@sailor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sailor)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2002, 10:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-airlines-require-passenger-id/119865/62 "2002-07-25T10:00:36Z")
Well, it seems you already have that right if you are willing to undergo additional screening. Furthermore we seem to agree here that you do not have a fundamental right to a company’s services anonymously. Your ISP. your car rental company, any company can require your ID if they are so inclined and you are free to accept their terms or take your business elsewhere. \>\> One of the foundations of a free state is the ability of its citizens to travel freely without having to present papers Without having to present papers to the government or its agents. We agree. If the airline is acting as a government agent and collecting information _for the government_ then that is not acceptable. I think we all pretty much agree on all these points and most of the thread has been clarifying misunderstandings. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-airlines-require-passenger-id/119865.md?page=3)