Flying Without a REAL ID May Still Be Possible
Read today's edition of Gate Access • April 21st, 2025
Happy Monday. Gate Access is returning to a weekly publishing schedule. Expect to read this newsletter every Monday moving forward.
The REAL ID takeover is now 15 days away. In a previous newsletter, I mentioned that TSA officers still don’t have an official protocol on what they’ll do if passengers arrive without a REAL ID or an authorized alternative.
Well… I received some updates on what may happen. Allegedly, if you don’t have the correct documentation for screening, you’ll still be able to fly. However, you’ll be treated as an SSSS (Secondary Security Screening Selection).
I don’t know if you can tell by the number of updates I have given regarding this topic, but this is pretty serious, and it can affect your travel plans even if you have your correct documents.
DHS has clearly stated that they are not allowing non-compliant passengers through.
Passengers who present a state-issued identification that is not REAL ID compliant and who do not have another acceptable alternative (i.e. Passport) can expect to face delays, additional screening and the possibility of not being permitted into the security checkpoint.
But as an officer, I’ve never seen the agency give a hard no to this magnitude. Denying thousands of travelers will make headlines, and I don’t think the agency wants to do that, so they’ll make accommodations.
This clause from TSA.gov suggests they will.
The TSA officer may ask you to complete an identity verification process which includes collecting information such as your name and current address to confirm your identity. If your identity is confirmed, you will be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint, where you may be subject to additional screening.
You will not be allowed to enter the security checkpoint if you choose to not provide acceptable identification, you decline to cooperate with the identity verification process, or your identity cannot be confirmed.
Making accommodations means pulling support from regular operations to deal with the influx of non-REAL ID travelers. A friend of mine who still works as a TSA officer told me that their airport is thinking of creating an entire checkpoint for non-REAL ID travelers.
I'm not sharing the airport because this is all gossip, but I want you to know what’s being shared.
We won’t know the actual protocols until this all goes live on May 7th. My advice? Arrive at the airport early if you’re traveling that week. I’m sure it will be a huge learning week for everyone.