Homeland Security: REAL ID Not Yet Required for Air Travel, But Stricter Checks Expected

Travelers who aren’t REAL ID compliant by the imminent deadline this week will still be eligible for air travel. But, be warned, you should brace yourself for an extra dose of scrutiny. This little nugget of information came straight from the horse’s mouth: the head of Homeland Security, on Tuesday.

Kristi Noem, in an attempt to reassure a Congressional panel, insisted that a whopping 81% of travelers are already waving their IDs that are in line with the REAL ID requirements. She posited that, when the clock strikes midnight on Wednesday, security checkpoints will be open to passports and tribal identification cards. So first of all, let’s not panic.

Here’s where the logic breaks down. Those still toting identification that doesn’t dance to the tunes of the REAL ID law “may be diverted to a different line, have an extra step,” according to Noem. “But people will be allowed to fly,” she assured. “We will make sure it’s as seamless as possible.” But how seamless can it be when people are being shuffled around like cattle through a gate?

Statistically speaking, the REAL ID is a more secure form of identification, as per Homeland Security. It was conceived as a recommendation by the 9/11 Commission, given life in 2005 by law, but its implementation has been more stop-and-go than a New York City traffic light.

In conclusion, this week could see a few extra steps for some travelers, but the authorities claim they have it under control. And that’s something the Department of Homeland Security is banking on not being refuted.