Travel Changes
Air travel in the U.S. is entering a new era — and for travelers, that means changes both at the gate and well before check-in.
Real ID Deadline Approaches
One of the biggest changes looming is the enforcement of the Real ID Act, which will require travelers to present a Real ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card to board domestic flights starting May 7, 2025. The updated security measure, originally passed by Congress in 2005, aims to make it more difficult to forge identity documents.
With the deadline now less than a month away, Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) offices nationwide are seeing a rush of applicants scrambling to upgrade their IDs. Many Americans still carry standard driver’s licenses that won’t be accepted by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) come May.
A Real ID features a star in the upper right-hand corner and requires more stringent documentation to obtain — typically including a birth certificate, proof of Social Security number, and two documents verifying residency.
“We’re encouraging travelers not to wait,” said a TSA spokesperson. “Without a Real ID or another acceptable form of identification, such as a passport, you won’t be allowed through security.”
Digital Travel Credentials on the Rise
Meanwhile, the aviation industry is taking aim at another relic of the past: paper boarding passes. Airlines, airport authorities, and federal agencies are pushing for a fully digital credentialing system, aiming to modernize the passenger experience and enhance security.
The TSA has been piloting Digital ID programs at select airports, allowing passengers to use mobile-based identification — often integrated with Apple Wallet or Google Wallet — to pass through checkpoints. This initiative goes hand-in-hand with biometric screening tools like facial recognition, already in limited use at several major airports.
Proponents argue that digital credentials reduce wait times, lower paper waste, and improve accuracy. Critics, however, raise concerns over data privacy and equitable access for travelers who may not own smartphones or feel comfortable using biometric systems.
Still, the momentum is clear. “We’re moving toward a future where your entire journey, from booking to boarding, can be done digitally,” said an airline industry representative. “Paper tickets will become as outdated as paper maps.”
What Travelers Need to Know
As these changes roll out, experts advise travelers to:
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Check your ID now: If your driver’s license or state ID isn’t Real ID-compliant, schedule a DMV appointment as soon as possible.
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Download your airline’s app: Most major carriers support mobile boarding passes and allow for digital ID integration.
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Be prepared for tech checkpoints: At some airports, you may be offered the option to use facial recognition or digital ID instead of presenting a physical document.
With the skies getting smarter and security tightening, the era of digging through your wallet for a paper ticket or outdated license may soon be a thing of the past.
