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Back then the TSA hadn't started making birth dates a requirement for a reservation. You were supposed to be able to get around the ID requirement by submitting to a more extensive search (moon river...)

I bet his results would have been different if he had talked to a SWA customer service person. He didn't have to if he downloaded his boarding passes on line.

Each airline has its own security rep, usually the desk manager, who is supposed to know the rules. This is the person you talk to if you get push back over checking firearms, certain medical devices, or in this case lose your ID. I am sure they can really grease the skids for you by talking to the right person at TSA. It is something to keep in your hip pocket in case you have a problem.

After reading the article it is pretty clear he planned this whole event. He had an email from TSA that he says gave him permission to use a recording device in the checkpoint. It appears he also refused to give his name. That is a necessary piece of information for airline security. There is a difference between, "I lost my license," and "I know my rights and I'm not telling you my name."

Arresting the guy was what he wanted. They should have shown him the door and then let him walk home. I'm sure his further experiences with TSA will be full of excitement.