I hope you are checking this site – TSA.gov every once in a while especially BEFORE you travel. We are now in phase 4 of the implementation of the REAL ID ACT that congress put into action May, 2005. Phase 4 affects the general public – the ability to fly – ANYWHERE!
I have called TSA several times in the last 3 weeks to attempt to get clear on what it means. It seems the “states” need to be in compliance with an accepted form of government identification in order to fly – ANYWHERE! It seems it is the enhanced drivers license;however, the 3 TSA agents I spoke with could not or would confirm that. All of them said the “public will get further instruction in October, 2017.” Well, by January 22, 2018 everyone needs to have this compliant form of ID. The TSA website gives a list of what is acceptable. Half of the United States is in compliance and the other half are not. The half that are NOT in compliance, at least, have an extension in place that expires Oct. 17, 2017. There are 2 states, Missouri and, I think, Minnesota are not in compliance and have NOT applied for an extension. The TSA agents did not know what it would mean when the extensions expire nor what would happen for the residents of Missouri and Minnesota.
Bottom line by January 22, 2018 you will have to have at least 2 of the government acceptable ID’S to board and airplane.
Now, what does that mean to you???? Well, if you owe any child support or are a felon you cannot get a passport. Yo ass will be catching a bus! It may mean the same thing if you owe back taxes or school loans??? OMG! That could impact a whole lot of people. Car sales will go up, more accidents on the road, auto insurance goes up, buses and trains may get re-newed popularity. We may even see a resurgence of hitch hiking. I don’t know.
DON’T GET CONFUSED – you may not need a passport for a cruise BUT you will need a passport to get to your cruise. mmmmmmmmm Again check with TSA,GOV – Real ID Act.
Marsha,
Your Group Travel Lady
