Airline traveler embraces REAL ID requirement
Travelers must present a federally compliant ID with the gold star to pass through TSA checkpoints to board domestic flights.
'They did ask for the REAL ID to check, make sure that it has a star on the corner before traveling,' said traveler Juan Zavala. 'From what I saw, a few people weren't stopped, but you could tell that people were nervous when TSA agents were asking for the REAL ID to make sure that it had a star on it,' said Zavala.
If your driver's license does not have that gold star, you will need another approved ID, like a valid passport or a military ID.
'Those of us who fly internationally already, we have to have a passport, so that is like a federal ID which compensates for not having the star on your state driver's license.'
The Real ID Act was passed in 2005 to enhance national security after 9/11. The federal rollout has been delayed numerous times.
'I think it's gonna be a good move, obviously it's always about safety first,' Zavala said.
So, before you head to the airport, double-check your license. Pack your passport, or you could miss your flight if it is missing that gold star.
'And so you just bring your passport if you have one, bring it just in case your driver's license doesn't get you through,' said Fehr. 'If you don't have the star, it's good backup.
You can get a REAL ID at an OMV field office or a public tag agent location. According to the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles, they cost $33. You can also get a REAL ID from a title or notary office, but there will be an additional convenience fee.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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CNET
an hour ago
- CNET
Avoid TSA Headaches: How to Pack Your Carry-On the Right Way
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Doing a little research on the latest rules and regulations can help you ace the experience without getting held up. You can't control what TSA officials confiscate, but you can control what you pack and how you pack it. Here's how to pack your carry-on bag efficiently for any flight, so you can breeze through TSA security lines. For more travel tips, explore these travel essentials you need for every vacation and then take a look at this travel checklist. You should also read about the new Real ID requirement to get through airport security. The best carry-on travel bags Before you start packing, you'll have to find the right carry-on bag. Here are a few important things to keep in mind. What size carry-on should you get? The first and most important aspect to think about is size. Federal Aviation Administration regulations say carry-on items can't exceed dimensions of 22 by 14 by 9 inches, though you might find an inch or two of difference depending on the airline. The general rule is that it must fit under your seat or in the overhead enclosed storage compartment on the plane. Here's a quick reference for size limits for the most popular US airlines. Carry-on items by airline Airline Cabin Maximum size Air Canada All 55 x 40 x 23 cm; 21.5 x 15.5 x 9 in Alaska Airlines All 55.88 x 35.56 x 22.86 cm; 22 x 14 x 9 in American Airlines All 56 x 36 x 23 cm; 22 x 14 x 9 in British Airways All 56 x 45 x 25 cm; 22 x 18 x 10 in Delta Air Lines All 56 x 35 x 23 cm; 22 x 14 x 9 in Frontier Airlines All 60.96 x 40.64 x 25.4 cm; 24 x 16 x 10 in Hawaiian Airlines All 55.9 x 35.5 x 22.9 cm; 22 x 14 x 9 in JetBlue Airways All 55.88 x 35.56 x 22.86 cm; 22 x 14 x 9 in Southwest Airlines All 60.9 x 40.6 x 25.4 cm; 24 x 16 x 10 in Spirit Airlines All 56 x 46 x 25 cm; 22 x 18 x 10 in United Airlines All 56 x 35 x 22 cm; 22 x 14 x 9 in Carry-ons should have an easy access tech compartment If you decide to bring electronics like a laptop, iPad, Kindle or other tablet on board, your carry-on should ideally have a separate, padded compartment for secure packing. 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Rolled clothing can save space in your tight bag or suitcase. Getty Images Essential items for your carry-on bag There's some items that are just better in your carry-on luggage. If you do decide to check a bag, be sure to keep these items with you on the flight. Most of these carry-on essentials are items that would be hard to replace or purchase when you get to your destination. Prescriptions and medications Contact lenses or glasses Valuables like jewelry, wallets, passports, IDs and boarding passes Cameras and smartphones Entertainment like tablets, books and laptops Headphones to watch TV or movies if a longer flight Chargers for electronics Printed itinerary, or hotel and flight confirmations Explore this complete guide for essential travel items you may forget to pack. Place your larger electronics in secure yet easily accessible compartments, since you'll need to pull them out at TSA security checkpoints. Getty Images What you should never pack in your carry-on bag The TSA has specific guidelines covering which items are banned from flights, and the agency takes those rules very seriously. In 2023 alone, the TSA screened more than 858 million passengers and crew members nationwide, and it confiscated a record number of firearms (6,737) and many other items. TSA policy says that individuals carrying weapons, especially loaded firearms, can face fines or criminal penalties. These are some of the most commonly confiscated items: Firearms Fireworks Box cutters, utility knives and razors Bats, clubs and blades Swiss Army knives If in doubt, always refer to the TSA's guidelines on packing for flights, to ensure you have safe and easy travels. If you're planning a vacation soon and are stressed about packing or preparing, CNET has plenty of resources to help. Get ready for your next trip with these hacks and tips:
Buzz Feed
19 hours ago
- Buzz Feed
33 Things That Frequent Travelers Use While Traveling
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Fox News
a day ago
- Fox News
TSA warns of phishing scam targeting PreCheck travelers
If you're planning to breeze through airport security using TSA PreCheck, you should first check the URL. The TSA just posted an urgent warning on Facebook reminding travelers to use only the official government site when signing up for PreCheck. The post says, "Signing up for TSA PreCheck? Make sure you're using a safe and trusted .gov website" and includes this official link, Why the warning? Because scammers are out in full force, hoping to trick busy travelers into handing over personal information, and even money, by posing as TSA PreCheck. Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy ReportGet my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you'll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide — free when you join my Scammers have created fake emails and websites that look exactly like TSA PreCheck. They send these phishing emails to people who are eager to skip airport security lines. The messages urge you to click a link, enroll fast and pay the fee. But here's the problem. You're not signing up for anything legitimate. You're giving your data, and possibly your credit card, to a scammer. Even worse, you may not find out until you're standing at the airport, expecting a smoother journey that never comes. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) also issued a warning to help travelers spot the scam before it's too late. Here are the key steps and our recommendations to stay safe. Always start your application at Type the URL directly into your browser. Never trust a link from an unexpected email or text. Avoid clicking on links in emails or texts you weren't expecting, even if they look polished and professional. Scammers are getting better at impersonating trusted sources. A strong antivirus can flag phishing emails and block malicious websites before you click. It's an essential line of defense, especially when scammers are spoofing trusted organizations like the TSA. Get my picks for the best 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices at If this is your first time applying, you pay the fee in person at a TSA enrollment center. Anyone asking you to pay online during first-time enrollment is a scammer. Note: TSA will not reimburse applicants who attempt to enroll in TSA PreCheck through a fraudulent website. Scammers often rush you. If someone pressures you to pay quickly or click now, walk away. Personal data removal services can help remove your personal information from data broker sites. That reduces the chance of scammers targeting you in the first place. While no service promises to remove all your data from the internet, having a removal service is great if you want to constantly monitor and automate the process of removing your information from hundreds of sites continuously over a longer period of time. Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web: Use MFA for any accounts tied to your travel plans, like your email, airline apps or identity verification services. If scammers do get access, MFA adds an extra layer of protection. Before entering any personal details, make sure the site starts with " and ends with ".gov"-not ".com" or ".org." Secure and official sites matter. If something feels off, report it to Even if you're unsure, your report could help stop the next scam. Getting TSA PreCheck should make travel easier, but only if you do it the right way. The real process is simple, but scammers are exploiting people's urgency. That's why it's essential to slow down, double-check links and start at the official government site. Remember: No one enjoys long TSA lines. PreCheck is a valuable tool, but only if you protect yourself from scammers posing as the TSA. The official government site is your safest bet. Stay alert. Bookmark Share this with a friend who's traveling soon. Have you ever second-guessed a link that seemed just a little too convenient? Let us know by writing to us at Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy ReportGet my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you'll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide — free when you join my Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
