Starting May 7, passengers aged 18 and older must provide an ID-compliant driver’s license or other approved ID card at a Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) checkpoint.
A TSA spokesperson told Skift that more than 80% of travelers have used compliance IDs. Still, planners are preparing for delays.
“We have been updating our pre-match newsletters,” said independent event planner Elaina Whitey. “But still worry that attendees will have completely non-compliant IDs, facing delays or missed flights.”
The compatible license is marked with a star in the upper right corner. Travelers without a single person must bring alternatives such as a valid U.S. passport, Department of Defense ID, or a driver’s license from states such as Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, or Vermont.
Travelers are advised to arrive at the airport earlier than usual and to check their ID status in advance. TSA warns that those with non-compliant IDs should expect additional screening and possible delays.
Real ID movement improves visibility
Before the May 7 deadline, several tourism industry organizations launched real ID publicity campaigns. American Airlines created travel, like a star initiative, to increase visibility.
Some companies have also taken action. Cordis’s travel team integrates real ID pop-ups into its internal travel booking system and drives updates via employee emails. But that may not be enough, said Monique Rochard-Marine, head of global business services at Cordis.
“Many people ignore things like this. Avid travelers don’t even read airport signs,” said Rochard-Marine. “Many people may not realize this until they arrive at the airport and cannot use what they have, and then make plans to update their ID, or start carrying another form of ID.”
Some incidents have adopted a proactive and creative approach to real identity cards. At the New York International Auto Show held April 18-27 at the Jacob Javits Convention Center, organizers worked with New York DMV to establish a mobile office that handles applications on-site. The application process takes about an hour, but applicants are able to enjoy the performance while they wait.
Apart from these challenges, anyone who travels through Newark Liberty International Airport faces another layer of complications. Airports are plagued by flight disruptions due to aging infrastructure, shortages of staff among air traffic controllers and temporary closure of critical runways. More than 440 flights were affected on Monday and 600 on Sunday, according to Flightaware.
