TSA offers tips ahead of Real ID deadline
Changes are coming to TSA security checkpoints.
'On May 7, 2025, every air traveler 18 years and older must have a 'Real ID' or an alternative ID to travel,' said Jose Flores, TSA Illinois deputy federal security director.
The deadline comes two decades after Congress passed the Real ID Act in 2005 to enhance security at federal facilities, military installations, and air travel.
'Identity verification is critical for our mission, and TSA continues to make significant investments in this area to include our credential authentication technology,' Flores said.
'Real ID' compliant IDs have a star in the upper right hand corner.
The Quad Cities International Airport is doing its part to make sure travelers are aware of the new ID changes.
'We've started adding signage around the airport,' said Ashleigh Davis, the Quad Cities International Airport's public relations and marketing manager. 'At all of the airline check-in counters, and in our baggage claim area, we have a big countdown so that people remember that this day is coming.'
According to Flores, 70 percent of Iowans have a 'Real ID.' For Illinoisans, that number drops to 35 percent.
'Passengers without a 'Real ID' after the date can face delays, additional screening, and the possibility of not being permitted into the security checkpoint,' Flores said.
Traveler Megan Johnson has 'Real ID' compliant identification.
'It puts me at ease knowing that I can get in and out, and I don't have any troubles,' Johnson said. 'No one is stopping me, no one is questioning.'
Airport and TSA officials advise travelers to arrive 90 minutes to two hours before takeoff.
'I'm really confident in our local TSA officers here that they've been well-prepared and well-trained to keep the lines moving,' Davis said.
'If you try to do the TikTok challenge of the 15-minute airport challenge, I would not recommend that. It may not be successful,' Flores said.
If your driver's license is not 'Real ID' compliant, there are other forms of ID you can show to get through TSA, including your passport.
To find a full list of proper identifcations, click here.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Yahoo
Your Costco ID is not valid for TSA entry
HONOLULU (KHON2) — If you've been thinking your Costco membership card is good enough for airport security, think again. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recently made it clear that Costco cards will not be accepted as valid identification when you're flying. In a post on their official Facebook page, TSA shared: Hawaiʻi residents: Get your REAL ID before May 7 'We love hotdogs & rotisserie chickens as much as the next person, but please stop telling people their Costco card counts as a REAL ID because it absolutely does not.' This statement comes after a lot of confusion from travelers, some of whom thought their Costco card, which has a gold star on it, would count as a REAL ID. Some of those who engaged with the TSA post even joked online, saying things like 'at least it has a STAR on it' or 'So, you're saying we should bring you a chicken?' But the truth is, a REAL ID is a special kind of ID that meets strict government standards. The REAL ID Act was passed in 2005, and it has taken nearly 20 years for all states to issue these you want to fly domestically, you'll need either a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, a state-issued ID or another acceptable form of ID like a passport. You can get a REAL ID by visiting your state's driver's license office and providing documents like your full name, birth date, Social Security number, proof of address and legal status. You can click to learn more about state issued identification cards and for information on obtaining a Hawaii State driver's license. Get news on the go with KHON 2GO, KHON's morning podcast, every morning at 8 So, while Costco cards are great for shopping, they won't help you board your flight. Make sure you have the proper ID next time you travel! Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Fox News
7 hours ago
- Fox News
Pizza, chocolate and donuts among the foods you can bring on flights, says the TSA
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has issued a reminder to flyers about the foods they can and cannot bring on board planes. TSA posted a "breakfast travel tip" on Monday on its X account, noting, "We don't suggest leaving this delicious pastry behind." The post featured a photo of "The Simpsons" character Homer eating a donut pasted into the corner of a security checkline. "Donuts are g2g[good to go] in carry-on or checked bags, no matter what toppings you choose," the post said. "How many you decide to bring is up to you." TSA then added a link sharing guidance for traveling with certain food items. Sixty different food items are listed in terms of the items travelers may pack in their carry-on bag or checked luggage, with some restrictions on particular items. Travelers may pack pies, cake, pizza, solid cheese and chocolate, cooked meat, cookies, crackers, candies and cereal. "Solid food items (not liquids or gels) can be transported in either your carry-on or checked bags," reads the TSA website. TSA advises that travelers should separate such items "that can clutter bags and obstruct clear images on the X-ray machine." Even live lobsters can be packed — as long as they're in a clear, plastic and spill-proof container. "A TSA officer will visually inspect your lobster at the checkpoint," reads the restriction. "We recommend that you contact your airline to determine your airline's policy on traveling with your lobster before arriving at the airport." Tamales are allowed with no restrictions listed. Coffee, creamy cheese, canned foods, gravy, ice cream and hummus are allowed to be carried on if the items weigh less than 3.4 ounces. While fresh fruits and vegetables are allowed, there are special instructions related to them. "Passengers flying from Hawaii, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands to the U.S. mainland cannot take most fresh fruits and vegetables due to the risk of spreading invasive plant pests," the TSA says.
Yahoo
9 hours ago
- Yahoo
TSA Issues Helpful Reminder Before Father's Day
While it may not be as busy as Memorial Day weekend last month, which set records with its air travel, Father's Day weekend is expected to bring quite a few people through airports as they travel to visit their fathers. In the days leading up to the weekend, the TSA has a reminder for everyone. In a post on social media this week, the TSA issued a warning for all passengers, reminding everyone that while empty water bottles are permitted through airport security, a full bottle will not be allowed. "Jetting off to see Dad? Don't bottle up your travel smarts. A full water bottle is a no-go, but an empty one (or one filled with solid ice) pours right through security. Refill post-checkpoint and keep the pop in your step this Father's Day!" the TSA wrote in a social media post this week. It might surprise some that the TSA actually allows ice to be taken through airport security, but frozen liquids of any kind are actually permitted to be taken through the security checkpoint and do not have to comply with the 3-1-1 rule for liquids. "Frozen liquid items are allowed through the checkpoint as long as they are frozen solid when presented for screening. If frozen liquid items are partially melted, slushy, or have any liquid at the bottom of the container, they must meet 3-1-1 liquids requirements," the TSA's website reads. The 3-1-1 rule mentioned refers to the 3.4 ounce maximum liquid allowance per item, which must be in 1 clear quart-sized zip-lock bag, with passengers only allowed one of those bags per person. The rationale for allowing frozen liquid is rather simple: it's very difficult to freeze corrosive or dangerous liquids that the TSA is screening for, so anything that is completely frozen is assumed to be safe. So if you want to bring a water bottle on board, just make sure that anything inside of it is frozen solid. TSA Issues Helpful Reminder Before Father's Day first appeared on Men's Journal on Jun 11, 2025
