U.S. Airports Urge Travelers to Arrive Early as Real ID Enforcement Begins Smoothly

As the federal Real ID enforcement deadline takes effect, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is urging travelers without compliant identification to arrive at airports early, anticipating potential delays during the transition period.

In a statement, a TSA spokesperson emphasized, “TSA encourages those without a state-issued Real ID or an acceptable form of ID, such as a passport, to give themselves plenty of time at the airport.” Travelers who present non-compliant IDs at TSA checkpoints and lack an acceptable alternative may be redirected for additional screening and notified of their noncompliance.

While the TSA has not officially recommended early arrival for passengers with compliant IDs, some major airports are proactively advising all flyers to allow extra time. Atlanta Airport, the world’s busiest, released a statement on Tuesday encouraging travelers to “allow extra time at the airport while travelers adjust to the new security protocols.” The airport also announced the deployment of additional customer service staff at key entry points to assist those uncertain about ID requirements.

Similarly, Ontario Airport near Los Angeles echoed the advisory. “As the Real ID deadline arrives, we want to ensure that our passengers are fully prepared and experience no disruptions in their travel plans,” said CEO Atif Elkadi. “We encourage all travelers to double-check their identification, arrive early and plan ahead.”

Despite these cautionary measures, early reports from major U.S. airports suggest a smooth start to Real ID enforcement. At Newark Airport on the morning of May 7, travelers experienced minimal delays. “Before going towards security, they ask you if you have Real ID or a passport,” one traveler noted. “Everyone around had proper ID… Security took less than five minutes.”

Nationally, the Associated Press reported minimal disruptions, with LaGuardia Airport posting security wait times of 11 minutes or less and Phoenix Sky Harbor at 16 minutes or under.

The Real ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, sets federal security standards for state-issued IDs. Only IDs marked with a star in the upper portion of the card—or other approved alternatives—will now be accepted for boarding commercial aircraft and accessing certain federal facilities.