REAL ID Deadline Approaches: TSA Warns of Potential Travel Delays

The clock is ticking for U.S. travelers as the May 7 deadline for REAL ID enforcement looms. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has issued a warning for air travelers, advising them to ensure they have the proper identification or face possible delays at airport security.

As the REAL ID deadline approaches, TSA is reminding passengers that they’ll need a REAL ID-compliant identification to fly domestically. Without it, travelers could experience significant delays, additional screening, or even be denied entry to the security checkpoint.

TSA spokesperson Lorie Dankers told Fox News Digital that while 81% of the public is ready for the change, the remaining 19% may find themselves unprepared.

“If you do the math, the reasonable response would be to arrive early,” Dankers advised, acknowledging that the delays travelers face will depend on how many others are also without a compliant ID.

This means if you’re among the 19% who haven’t upgraded their ID to REAL ID, you could face longer lines or even additional verification. In larger airports, the delays could quickly snowball.

Gary Leff, a Texas-based travel expert, highlighted the potential ripple effect. “Even a slight delay, like 10 extra seconds per passenger for ID verification, can add up across thousands of travelers. That’s enough to create a bottleneck at security checkpoints,” Leff said.

To avoid the headache of missing the REAL ID deadline, make sure to check your ID now and update it if needed. The TSA suggests that air travelers be proactive and allow extra time to get through security, especially during busy travel periods leading up to the deadline.

If you show up to the airport without a REAL ID-compliant credential and no other acceptable ID (like a passport), you could face serious delays. In some cases, you might not be allowed to proceed to the security checkpoint at all.

With the May 7 deadline quickly approaching, TSA urges travelers to double-check their IDs and take the necessary steps to avoid last-minute scrambling.

Don’t wait until the last minute to get your REAL ID. The TSA is already preparing for potential delays, so it’s best to be prepared early and give yourself plenty of time to make your flight.