TSA is encouraging flyers who don't have a Real ID or an acceptable alternative to arrive to airports early on Wednesday.
But with Real ID enforcement set to take effect, the agency has stopped short of advising travelers who do have compliant ID to take precautions.
"TSA encourages those without a state-issued Real ID or an acceptable form of ID, such as passport, to give themselves plenty of time at the airport," an agency spokesperson wrote in an email. The spokesperson did not address a Travel Weekly question about whether flyers with compliant IDs should build in extra time on Wednesday.
"Passengers who present a state-issued identification that is not Real ID compliant at TSA checkpoints and who do not have another acceptable alternative form of ID will be notified of their noncompliance, may be directed to a separate area and may receive additional screening," the spokesperson added.
Some airports, however, are asking all flyers to arrive early as Real ID enforcement takes effect.
"Allow extra time at the airport while travelers adjust to the new security protocols," Atlanta Airport, the world's busiest, said in a press release Tuesday. The airport also said it will have additional customer service staff on site at key entry points to assist travelers who are unsure about the new ID requirements.
Ontario Airport, just east of Los Angeles, also encouraged flyers to leave extra time.
"As the Real ID deadline arrives, we want to ensure that our passengers are fully prepared and experience no disruptions in their travel plans," CEO Atif Elkadi said in a prepared remark. "ONT remains committed to providing a smooth, stress-free travel experience, and we encourage all travelers to double-check their identification, arrive early and plan ahead. This is an important milestone in aviation security, and we're here to help our community navigate the transition."
Real ID's first morning passing smoothly
At Newark Airport, which has been experiencing flight delays and problems beyond any Real ID slowdowns, a Travel Weekly editor arrived May 7 at 4:50 a.m. for a 6:45 a.m. flight and said her group didn't run into any issues.
"Before going towards security, they ask you if you have Real ID or a passport," she reported. "Everyone around had proper ID (not only in our group). Security took less than five minutes."
An Associated Press report also didn't uncover many morning delays: LaGuardia Airport was reporting security wait times of 11 minutes and under, it said, and Phoenix Sky Harbor was reporting waits of 16 minutes and under.
The Real ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, establishes minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and ID cards. Only IDs that meet these standards, marked by a star in the upper portion of the card, will be accepted to board commercial aircraft and enter certain federal facilities.
This article was updated to include reports on wait times at airports after Real ID rules took effect.