Do we hVe to have a passport?

Interesting. I always thought the purpose of having a passport was to get into a country, not leave one. Leaving Mexico without a passport might not be a problem. It's getting past US Immigration Control to enter the country where problems would happen.

The problem is, the airline will not let you board without one.

The reason is, if they fly you to a country, and you do not have a passport or visa (if needed), THEY are responsible for flying you back where you came from. Oh, but then you cannot get into that country. Then what?????

It's actually CBP and yes, you would have to go to secondary inspection for a bit in order for them to verify that you are a US citizen, but once that is done you'll be sent on your way (if you have a grumpy CBP officer he or she might make some remarks about the situation).

That only works if you can convince the airline to let you board.

That only works if you can convince the airline to let you board.

That's part of the port agent's job.

The problem is, the airline will not let you board without one.

 

The reason is, if they fly you to a country, and you do not have a passport or visa (if needed), THEY are responsible for flying you back where you came from. Oh, but then you cannot get into that country. Then what?????

If that were the case we'd see numerous stories of people being stranded in ports for days or weeks (since most ports don't have a Consulate or Embassy). Instead I've seen two threads lately where the passenger went to the airport as advised and were able to board a plane to the US. It's the simplest way to get folks home after all and CBP can verify them in secondary inspection. It's already been mentioned that the airlines cover themselves with signed waivers and terms of carriage.

The OP asked a binary question...yes or no.

 

The OP did not ask for opinions.

So I guess that means the opinion in your own post is also illegitimate :evilsmile:

Yes you can.