The long-postponed deadline for getting a Real ID for boarding domestic flights is fast approaching, and San Diego International Airport is warning air travelers to arrive early and be prepared.
Starting Wednesday, the Transportation Security istration (TSA) will require Real ID-compliant, state-issued identification for engers over 18 years old before boarding a U.S. commercial aircraft.
A Real ID card is essentially an upgraded driver’s license or state identification card that in California is issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles and is marked with a golden bear and star in the top right corner.
If you procrastinated on getting your Real ID card, there’s no need to panic. There are other forms of acceptable identification in lieu of the card, including a port; Department of Homeland Security Trusted Traveler cards like Global Entry; active-duty and retired military ID; identification cards issued by any federally recognized tribe; and a Transportation Worker Identification Credential.
“We encourage engers to plan ahead if they intend to fly out of SAN (the San Diego airport) on May 7 and bring proper identification,” said Kimberly Becker, president and CEO of the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority. “More than 40,000 engers depart from SAN each day and with the beginning of REAL ID enforcement we anticipate possible delays. To ensure a smooth experience through SAN, we advise travelers to arrive two hours before domestic flights and three hours for international flights.”
The Airport Authority says it will be staffed with extra people in the terminals Wednesday to help address any issues travelers may have. Signs are also posted at checkpoints in both Terminal 1 and 2 reminding engers about Real ID requirements.
Once enforcement begins, travelers who do not have a Real ID card or another TSA-acceptable form of identification will likely face delays, additional screening, and the possibility of not being allowed into the security checkpoint.
There may, however, be some wiggle room. The TSA website notes that an officer may ask engers who don’t have acceptable identification to complete an identity verification process that includes collecting information such as one’s name and current address. If the traveler’s identity is confirmed, that person would then be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint, where there may be additional screening, the website states.
Travel industry analyst Henry Harteveldt said he expects there will be delays at the TSA screening checkpoints as travelers become aware of and adapt to the new rules. It may even be a good idea to not travel in early May, he suggested.
“Even if you have TSA PreCheck, you may encounter longer, slower lines,” said Harteveldt, president of Atmosphere Research Group. “That’s because the TSA’s screening data shows 19% of engers, which equates to nearly 600,000 people a day nationally, currently do not have a Real ID-compliant identification. So allow plenty of extra time during the first week of Real ID enforcement as everyone gets used to the ‘new normal.’ If you don’t have to travel during the first week of Real ID enforcement, don’t.”
Even the DMV is suggesting holding off for now on getting a Real ID given how busy offices will be, stating, “if you already have a current U.S. port or don’t need to fly within the U.S. in the next few months, you can wait to get your Real ID until you renew your California driver’s license or ID.”
The department, though, will have select offices throughout the state that will offer appointments on Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., to accommodate people who want to get their Real ID right away. In San Diego County, the only office that will be available for such appointments is in Poway, at 13461 Community Road.
