The REAL ID deadline is fast approaching on May 7, and it's crucial to have the right documents for seamless travel.
REAL ID is a new standard for identification documents with stricter requirements. Make sure you have a REAL ID driver's license, passport, or other compliant document for domestic flights to avoid delays or being barred from traveling.
If you arrive at the airport without a REAL ID, TSA may ask for additional information for identity verification. However, this process does not guarantee passage, even with TSA PreCheck.
Be prepared to face delays, extra screening, or being denied entry to the security checkpoint without proper identification. Ensure you have a REAL ID or acceptable alternative for hassle-free travel.
Stay informed about the TSA's guidelines and make necessary arrangements before the May 7 deadline to avoid any travel disruptions.
(This story was updated to fix a typo.)
For more travel insights, contact Zach Wichter, the author of Cruising Altitude at USA TODAY, based in New York, at zwichter@usatoday.com.