With the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) set to require REAL ID for commercial airline passengers in just a week, San Diego International Airport leaders on Wednesday advised travelers to arrive early and be prepared.
Starting May 7, TSA officers will require passengers to present state- issued identification or driver's license, or another acceptable form of identification for travelers 18 and older, to be REAL ID-compliant.
"We encourage passengers to plan ahead if they intend to fly out of SAN on May 7 and bring proper identification," said Kimberly Becker, president and CEO of the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority. "More than 40,000 passengers depart from SAN each day and with the beginning of REAL ID enforcement we anticipate possible delays.
"To ensure a smooth experience through SAN, we advise travelers to arrive two hours before domestic flights and three hours for international flights."
The Airport Authority will have extra staff on duty May 7 to help address traveler concerns, officials said.
To determine if a California driver's license is Real ID-compliant, travelers are advised to look for a golden bear with a star in the top right corner. Those who aren't sure can check with the California Department of Motor Vehicles.
Acceptable forms of identification include U.S. and foreign passports and passport cards, Department of Defense identification — including those issued to dependents — a permanent resident card, border crossing card, or photo ID from a federally recognized Tribal Nation, among others.
A full list can be found online at tsa.gov.
Once enforcement begins next week, passengers who do not present REAL ID or another TSA-acceptable form of identification "can expect to face delays, additional screening, and the possibility of not being allowed into the security checkpoint," the airport statement said
