- The long-awaited Real ID deadline takes effect on Wednesday, May 7.
- As of April, 81% of flyers were already prepared for the new requirements, the TSA said.
- It's still possible to fly if you don't have a Real ID yet. Here's what airlines are saying.
One of the many Americans still without a Real ID? You can likely still fly, but there's not much your airline may be able to do to help you if you encounter delays.
Business Insider has reached out to 12 of the biggest US airlines about how they plan to manage long waits at security checkpoints or confusion at check-in counters. While they can't help you get around federal ID rules, your ticket may offer free changes if you need to delay your trip.
As of April 11, 81% of flyers were already presenting compliant IDs, the Transportation Security Administration said. That means hundreds of thousands more have not yet upgraded their state driver's license or obtained another form of acceptable federal identification.
No airlines have announced across-the-board flexibility for those who cannot fly or miss their flights due to security delays or Real ID issues. Long DMV lines have been reported in some large cities around the country, but they may shorten after the deadline passes.
Depending on the airline, you can opt to move your flight until after you've secured a new state ID. Luckily, many tickets are now cancellable for credit or changeable with no added fees.
What you can use instead of a Real ID, according to the TSA:
- US passport
- US passport card
- A US Department of Defense ID, including those issued to dependents
- DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
- State-issued Enhanced Driver's License or Enhanced ID
- Border crossing card
- Permanent resident card
- An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs)
- HSPD-12 PIV card
- Foreign government-issued passport
- Canadian provincial driver's license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
- Transportation worker identification credential
- US Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
- US Merchant Mariner Credential
- Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)
The TSA said a temporary driver's license is not accepted. It also warned that this list can change at any time and said travelers should check the agency's website before traveling to verify that their form of ID is still accepted.
You can also get through security without an updated ID, but you will need to answer questions like your name and current address to verify your identity. If your identity is confirmed, you can enter the checkpoint, but you could be subject to extra screening.
This has always been the case (as people who have forgotten their wallets have learned the hard way), but the TSA said this will likely cause delays as more passengers require the alternative method.
Here's what airlines have told us so far about what they're doing in anticipation of Wednesday:
Delta Air Lines
"As we do today, Delta people will work on a case-by-case basis to rebook customers who miss flights due to extenuating circumstances once at the airport," the airline told Business Insider.
Avelo Airlines
Budget carrier Avelo Airlines told BI that it cannot offer a waiver for missed flights due to Real ID requirements, as the new rule has been communicated to customers via email for "a while now."
Customers can pay a fare difference to change or cancel their flights for a travel credit.
Southwest Airlines
Southwest referred BI to Airlines for America or the TSA because Real ID is a government-mandated program.
"We have REAL ID reminders on southwest.com, the app, and throughout the booking process," a spokesperson said.
