With the May 7 deadline for Real ID-enabled driver's license for flyers fast approaching, a TSA spokesperson said that flyers without acceptable IDs should plan to arrive at the airport about three hours early for the verification process.
The spokesperson also said that flyers with acceptable IDs should not expect longer security wait times, because "TSA will pull those who do not possess an acceptable ID aside" and that TSA checkpoints would be staffed "appropriately" to handle the initial enforcement period.
Flyers who are pulled aside may be asked to complete an identity verification process, which the TSA said "includes "collecting information such as your name and address to confirm your identity." If travelers decline to cooperate with that verification, or if their identity cannot be confirmed, they may not be able to enter the security checkpoint.
The TSA said that 81% of travelers at TSA checkpoints present what will be acceptable identification, including state-issued Real IDs, passports or a DHS trusted-traveler card like Global Entry or Nexus.
Pulling 474,000 flyers aside for checks
One airport industry official, who spoke with the stipulation that his name not be used, said that if 19% of travelers don't have compliant IDs, on a day in which 2.5 million people go through a security checkpoint, approximately 475,000 would need to be pulled aside for noncompliant IDs.
For the first week of April, as an example, TSA daily screening throughput varied from 2.2 million to 2.7 million people.
"Like any sort of new initiative, whether it's process, procedures or technology, there's going to be challenges associated with it where the transportation security officers and the passengers become familiar with this new procedure, so there's going to be a burn-in period," the official said. "I think there will be some challenges at least initially."
The official added, "hopefully, there will be some flexibility there so there's the option at the local level or nationally to make some changes that prevent lengthy wait times and operational disruptions."
During a call with financial analysts to discuss its Q1 earnings, United chief commercial officer Andrew Nocella expressed concern over the upcoming deadline. "I kind of hope the date gets extended once again," he said, adding, "This is something we're aware of, and we continue to talk to the government about it."