US rapper uses magazine cover as ID to get through airport security

Halsey and G-Eazy were attempting to fly back to Los Angeles

Couple G-Eazy and Halsey had been in Miami before trying to fly back to LA (Getty/Christopher Polk/Staff)

Realising you’ve left home to catch a flight without your ID is the stuff of nightmares.

However, if you happen to be a successful American rapper, it’s possible to get around otherwise stringent airport rules simply by presenting your security staff with a magazine.

According to American singer Halsey, her rapper boyfriend G-Eazy recently managed to get around not having ID by using a magazine with his face on the cover as identification.

They duo had been preparing to take a domestic US flight when the latter realised he did not have appropriate ID on him.

Halsey, 23, was less than amused by her boyfriend’s lapse in organisational skills.

However, G-Eazy confirmed on Twitter that his attempt to board the plane using a cover of XXL magazine was successful, enabling the couple to travel between the east and west coasts of America.

G-Eazy’s birth name is Gerald Earl Gillum. Fortunately for the Oakland rapper, the case of the missing ID coincided with his first appearance on the front cover of XXL magazine’s spring issue, which was released last week.

G-Eazy had performed at Miami’s Ultra Music Festival and spent a few days in Florida with Halsey before returning to Los Angeles.

According to the Transport Security Administration (TSA), domestic US travellers must show valid identification to fly. This could be a driver’s licence, passport, permanent resident card or other forms of ID.

However, in the event that a passenger forgets their ID, they may still be able to fly. According the TSA website: “The TSA officer may ask you to complete an identity verification process which includes collecting information such as your name, current address, and other personal information to confirm your identity. If your identity is confirmed, you will be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint. You may be subject to additional screening, to include a patdown and screening of carry-on property.”

It warns that if a passenger can’t verify their identity, they will not be allowed to enter security.

Various editions of Ultra Music Festival take place each year in locations including Miami (Getty Images/iStock/Boogich)

In the UK, travellers are required to present a passport for all foreign travel (the UK is not part of the Schengen Zone) but also for many domestic flights. Some countries require a UK passport to be valid for six months (Egypt, for example) after the last day you intend to spend in your destination.

According to the CAA, some domestic airlines accept driver’s licences and other forms of ID, but it warns passengers to check airlines’ websites before travel.

So while appearing on the cover of a magazine could aid your cause in the event that you forget your passport in the States, it’s unlikely to do you much good at Heathrow.