[vkou]

If you think some dweeb checking your ID is a serious impediment to freedom of movement, I invite you to do a few dozen border crossings outside the EU.

The ID requirement to fly is not great, but it is nothing like actual border controls.

[DyslexicAtheist]

that is only true if you compare EU to Overtheristan but not to how free movement was sold to EU voters. My comparison is based on what people voted for which was much closer to the concept of a US citizen taking a domestic flight.

[philwelch]

US citizens taking domestic flights have to show ID.

[DyslexicAtheist]

I did not know that. Some websites claim US nationals do not need a passport to travel domestically https://www.skyscanner.com/tips-and-inspiration/editorial/pa...

and while in 2021 europa.eu website says EU nationals do not need a passport to travel within Schengen this has already been not true before covid. Arrive at FRA or MUC or CDG and you will end up having to show your passport either at a manned booth or a machine (but the concept is no different: there is a queue and your name/geolocation entering the system ... actually even worse with the machine when they capture your biometrics)

[Kbelicius]

I think you are mixing id with passport. I doubt that you need a passport to fly internally in US. I know that as a EU citizen you absolutely do not need a passport to fly within the EU but you do need some form of id.

[vkou]

I will point out that having to show a passport to fly is not the same thing as doing a real border crossing.

A few reasons for it:

1. The 'dweeb' at the airport doesn't assume you are a criminal/drug smuggler/thief who is coming to steal his country's jobs.

2. Border guards can, and frequently do exercise their discretion at turning you away, or making your life very uncomfortable for the next 15 minutes -> 8 hours.

3. Being nervous when dealing with border guards is further evidence that you are hiding something from them.

4. Border guards care very deeply about who you are traveling with, and your relationship with them, where you are going, why you are going there, and who you are going to meet when you get there. The 'dweeb' at the airport only cares that you can show proof that you are who you say you are.

Which particular piece of ID you have to show before you board a plane is largely a technicality (And you can do some US -> Canada border crossings with only an enhanced driver's license). It's the everything else that makes border controls suck. I would far rather show my ID and be waved through, than not have to show my ID, and be subjected to all the other regular border controls.

[Hnrobert42]

You do not need a passport although you can use one. A driver’s license or other government issued ID is sufficient. It may even be possible to fly without an ID, like if it was stolen or lost, but it would be a holy mess. The comedian Hannibal Burress has a funny bit about it.

[withinboredom]

In Kentucky (at least back in the day), several people who knew you a long time, vouching for your identity was all that was required to be that person. I wonder if anyone ever tried it to get on a flight?

[ryanlol]

You can travel without any ID just fine, evidence of EU (or EEA?) citizenship is sufficient.

[raverbashing]

You need an ID (like a national ID, I think health insurance or equivalent might work as well), not necessarily a passport. Really, every country pretty much requires this.

(Or you're arriving from a non-Schengen country)