The enhanced identification requirement, known as Real ID, for domestic flights took effect Wednesday — and most travelers at Boston’s Logan Airport came prepared.
Transportation Security Administration spokesperson Dan Velez said by early afternoon, nearly 90% of Logan’s domestic fliers were compliant. TSA agents pushed those without an approved ID — such as a Real ID, a passport or a military identification card — through a different line for additional security screening.
“We were pleasantly surprised at how well it went all across the country and how many people actually are Real ID compliant,” he said. And many travelers who didn’t have a Real ID brought appropriate documentation.
The Registry of Motor Vehicles says, so far, 58% of Massachusetts ID holders are Real ID compliant.
Olivia Travis touched down at Logan for a family trip to Boston. She only has a regular ID, but came prepared.
“I’m bringing my passport so I can travel,” she said. “I think it’s really interesting that we need a Real ID to travel in our own country.”
Velez said passengers can also fly with a U.S. passport, military ID or Department of Homeland Security trusted traveler card. But those who don’t have any of those options should arrive at the airport extra early, he cautioned: getting through the additional security screening will take time.
“It could include additional questions to verify your identity. You may get a hand swab, you might get your bag searched, pat-down,” he explained. “There’s a variety of different things that we can do, and it will vary from airport to airport.”
Tulio Martins was getting ready to board a flight out of Logan without a Real ID — he just heeded the government’s advice and arrived four hours early for his domestic flight.
“The politics are pretty unstable now and I’m an immigrant, so I was just trying to be cautious,” he said.
Nia Pezzllesi was scrambling at the RMV service center in Watertown to land a Real ID before a flight in a couple of weeks.
“I didn’t think I would need it because I thought I had a passport, but couldn’t find my passport,” she said. This was her second trip to the RMV to secure it.
“I went to the RMV in April, didn’t have the proper documentation — so I had to come back,” she said.
An RMV spokesperson says its service centers are accepting walk-ins for Real ID transactions, which normally require a scheduled appointment.
