The Looming REAL ID Crunch: What Travelers Need to Know for Memorial Day
Travelers confront potential obstacles during the Memorial Day weekend flyway.
We chatted with Acting TSA Administrator Adam Stahl about the forthcoming REAL ID impact on travel, as states and airports gear up for the May 7 deadline.
As the great Memorial Day escape looms, sets to shatter a new travel record this year.
An astounding 45.1 million Americans are set to traverse at least 50 miles from their homes during the long weekend, as per AAA's announcement.
In the sea of travelers, AAA forecasts 3.61 million to be jetting off to their vacation spots. That's a 2% rise from the previous year.
*FLYERS ANTICIPATE A 'REAL ID APOCALYPSE,' WHILE OTHERS ACCEPT NON-COMPLIANT ID HOLDERS CAN FLY*
"This Memorial Day weekend is not slated to set an air travel record (that milestone was hit back in 2005 with 3.64 million travelers), but this year's figures are projected to outdo pre-pandemic levels by 12%," declares the AAA press release.
It's crucial for flyers to arrive at least two hours prior to scheduled domestic flights and three hours before international ones, as per TSA's advice. The increased traffic, REAL ID regulations, and airport upheavals may snarl Memorial Day weekend travelers this year.
*SNEAKY REAL ID DIFFICULTIES THAT CONTINUE TO PLAGUE AIRLINE TRAVELERS AND STATES*
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reimplemented yet another ground delay at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) on Monday, just a day after the previous delay, stoking passengers' frustration.
According to travel industry expert and "View From the Wing" blog author Gary Leff, passengers should steer clear of New York airports for connecting flights.
"If you're connecting, it's usually a smart move to avoid New York airports. If you depart from New York, it depends on where you reside in the city," said Leff.
Brandon Blewett, author of "How to Avoid Strangers on Airplanes," encourages travelers to and from New York City to examine alternative airports.
"I'd consider alternatives to EWR like LGA and JFK until the runway reopens and ATC staffing levels stabilize," said Blewett. "It might be more of a hassle in traffic, but it appears less travelers will face unexpected flight cancellations or lengthy delays in the interim."
AAA conjectures 3.61 million will be taking to the skies - a 2% boost from the previous year.
On May 7, the REAL ID mandate went into effect, necessitating travelers to acquire the new identification featuring a star in the upper right corner to fly.
Flyers have voiced concerns about potential holdups during the security process if they, or fellow travelers, lack the appropriate identification.
Those who do not possess a compliant ID may undergo additional screening, which could lead to extended wait times.
A TSA spokesperson advised our website Digital that the agency continues advocating passengers to secure REAL IDs or to bring other acceptable forms of identification for travel.
"Summer travel is upon us, and there is still time to get a REAL ID," said the spokesperson.
"Passengers who present a state-issued identification that is not REAL ID compliant at TSA checkpoints and who lack an alternative acceptable form of ID will be informed of their non-compliance, may be steered to a separate area, and may experience additional screening," the spokesperson added.
- Despite the anticipated increase in travel for Memorial Day, it's crucial for flyers to be aware of the security process and ensure they have the necessary REAL ID or alternate acceptable identification to avoid potential holdups.
- As more travelers return to the skies this Memorial Day weekend, it's essential to secure REAL IDs or alternative identification to prevent additional screening and extended wait times during the security process.
