In a time when travel security is becoming more digitized and scrutinized than ever, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is taking a firm stance: Costco membership cards are not acceptable forms of ID at airport checkpoints—no matter how loyal you are to those $1.50 hot dogs.
This announcement might sound like common sense to some, but recent traveler confusion, widespread social media myths, and growing frustration with the Real ID rollout have led the TSA to issue an unusually direct public clarification.
This article unpacks everything you need to know about why your Costco card won’t fly, literally or legally, what Real ID actually means, and how to avoid getting turned away at airport security in 2025.
The Costco Card Confusion: Where Did This Start
The viral confusion began, like many bizarre travel stories do, on TikTok and Reddit. A few influencers posted skits joking about trying to use a Costco membership card to board a plane, some claiming they’d successfully passed through security.
Others took the humor literally. According to TSA officials, multiple travelers in April and May of 2025 actually attempted to present warehouse club cards—including those from Costco, Sam’s Club, and BJ’s—as proof of identity.
“It might seem like a joke to some, but TSA officers are seeing this at airports across the country,” said TSA spokesperson Lisa Farbstein in an interview with NBC News. “A warehouse club membership card is not, and has never been, a valid form of ID at airport security.”
What TSA Accepts (and What It Doesn’t)
To fly domestically in the U.S., TSA requires passengers aged 18 and over to present valid identification at airport checkpoints.
✅ TSA-Approved Forms of ID:
- State-issued driver’s license or ID card that is Real ID-compliant
- U.S. passport or passport card
- DHS Trusted Traveler cards (e.g., Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI)
- U.S. military ID
- Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
- Foreign government-issued passport
❌ Not Accepted:
- Costco, Sam’s Club, or retail membership cards
- Library cards
- Student IDs (in most cases)
- Social Security cards
- Digital ID screenshots
So why are people even trying to use Costco cards? Some Costco locations include a photo on the membership card, which leads people to assume—incorrectly—that it’s a secure, government-accepted ID.
The Bigger Issue: America’s Real ID Confusion
The Real ID Act, passed in 2005 after 9/11, aims to tighten security around identity verification. After multiple extensions due to COVID-19 and state compliance delays, the final Real ID enforcement deadline is May 7, 2025.
That means:
- If your driver’s license or state ID isn’t marked with a gold star, you won’t be able to use it to board domestic flights.
- TSA will require a Real ID-compliant license or an alternative accepted document (like a passport).
“We expect a lot of confusion in the weeks leading up to the Real ID deadline,” said David Pekoske, TSA Administrator. “That’s why we’re clearing up misinformation now—even if it means reminding people that a Costco card won’t cut it.”
Why This Actually Matters: Legal Implications and Policy Enforcement
This isn’t just a quirky mix-up. The legal frameworks around TSA’s ID requirements fall under federal law, not just agency guidelines.
Legal Frameworks Involved:
- The Real ID Act (Pub.L. 109–13)
- 49 U.S.C. § 44903 – Air Transportation Security
- Homeland Security Presidential Directives (HSPD-11 & 12)
Using non-approved identification can result in:
- Travel delays
- Missed flights
- In some cases, additional screening or questioning by TSA agents
Why the Costco Card Incident Struck a Nerve
Costco holds a special place in American consumer culture. Its card isn’t just a shopping tool—it’s a cultural symbol of economic savviness, middle-class values, and bacon-wrapped everything.
So when the TSA publicly denounced the Costco card as a “non-ID,” it set off a blend of confusion, memes, and even mild outrage.
“They’ll let billionaires fly private with no security, but I can’t show my Costco card?” wrote one X user sarcastically.
Of course, the comparison isn’t apples to apples, but the commentary taps into broader concerns about government overreach, class bias, and surveillance culture.
How to Prepare Before You Fly in 2025
To avoid issues at the airport, follow these updated TSA tips:
✅ Check Your ID Now
- Look for the gold star on your license
- If your license doesn’t have it, renew at your local DMV or plan to travel with your passport
✅ Have a Backup
- Always carry a secondary form of ID if possible
- Don’t rely on digital IDs or screenshots unless your state offers DHS-approved digital credentials
✅ Follow TSA on Social Media
The TSA is surprisingly active—and witty—on X (Twitter), Instagram, and Facebook. They post frequent updates on what is and isn’t allowed, often responding to real traveler questions.
What Happens If You Forget or Lose Your Real ID?
If you arrive at the airport without valid ID, you may still be allowed to fly—but only after additional screening.
- TSA will request two pieces of secondary ID and may run a personal background check
- Expect significant delays
- Not all airports are staffed or equipped for this level of manual screening
The TSA’s Final Word: “Don’t Let a $60 Card Cost You a $600 Flight”
As of June 2025, the TSA is launching a public awareness campaign with a simple message: Know Before You Go.
Whether you’re flying for vacation, business, or family, showing up with a Costco card instead of a Real ID could cost you your seat, time, and peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why isn’t a Costco card accepted by TSA?
A: It’s not government-issued, doesn’t meet federal security standards, and lacks essential data like date of birth or expiration.
Q: Can I use a Costco card for anything at the airport?
A: No. It doesn’t grant you access through security or boarding. At best, you might use it for in-store discounts at a Costco near the terminal.
Q: Is a digital ID screenshot acceptable?
A: No. Unless it’s part of a state-approved mobile credential app, screenshots won’t work.
Q: How do I know if my ID is Real ID-compliant?
A: Look for a gold star in the upper-right corner of your license or state ID.
No Joke, No Entry
As funny as it may sound, using a Costco card at a TSA checkpoint reflects a real issue: a lack of public understanding of ID laws and the disconnect between everyday habits and federal regulation.
If you want to breeze through security and get to your gate on time, leave the loyalty cards in your wallet—and bring what actually counts.
Leave a Reply