Waffle House ID Goes Viral as 'Realest ID,' TSA Says No Way at Airport Security

In a hilarious twist of modern identity debates, a Waffle House customer sparked a social media frenzy by flaunting a yellow Waffle House ID as the "realest ID" for travel. The post, which racked up over 2.1 million views on X, drew a swift and witty response from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), who made it abundantly clear that this quirky piece of diner memorabilia won’t get you through airport security.

The TSA took to X with a polite but firm shutdown: "Respectfully, no... Waffle House IDs will not suffice as a REAL ID alternative (sorry)." This comes on the heels of their recent reminder that Costco cards also don’t make the cut, despite the allure of hot dogs and rotisserie chickens. With the REAL ID requirement now in effect as of May 7, travelers need proper identification—think a valid U.S. passport or the new REAL ID with a star in the corner—to board flights.

The viral post unleashed a wave of envy and humor among X users. Some questioned how to snag their own Waffle House ID, while others jokingly lamented the state of American freedom. One user quipped that earning this diner badge might require more paperwork than the REAL ID itself. It’s a lighthearted reminder that, while we all love a good waffle (or a cheap hot dog), airport security isn’t quite ready to dine on creativity.