Avoid BWI Delays, Use Real ID During Summer 2019 Air Travel: TSA

BALTIMORE MD — With a predicted record number of travelers at Baltimore-Washington International Airport expected to help crowd the country's busiest air travel season this summer, Maryland officials are urging residents to plan ahead and get their Real-ID ahead of next year's deadline. The Transportation Security Administration expects a record 263 million people to pass through security checkpoints to board flights across the country through Sept. 3, the day after Labor Day. More than 250 million people went through airport checkpoints last summer.

TSA expects to screen 10 million more passengers than last summer and has already set a new record for the highest number of passengers and crew screened in a single day. The agency had its busiest day ever on May 24, 2019, the Friday before Memorial Day, screening roughly 2.792 million passengers and crew members.

This summer is a good time for Maryland residents to make an appointment to get a Real ID-compliant driver’s license, officials said at a press conference on June 25. Beginning Oct. 1, 2020, every air traveler age 18 and older will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or another acceptable form of ID to fly within the United States. Maryland REAL ID-compliant cards are marked with a star in the upper portion of the card.

“We are committed to working with our partners at TSA and BWI Marshall Airport to ensure all travelers understand what REAL ID is, and what they need to know to successfully reach their destinations after the October 1, 2020 deadline,” said MDOT MVA Administrator Chrissy Nizer. “It’s very important that all Maryland customers check the MDOT MVA website to determine if their license is REAL ID-compliant and if not, what steps they need to take.”

Residents who have ignored notices from the MVA can now have their Maryland driver's license confiscated if they're stopped by police. And if you plan to board an airplane next year, your license must be a Real ID credential or you will need another form of approved identification to board a flight or enter a secure federal facility.

For months Maryland officials have urged residents to gather up the documents they need for the new ID. Now the stakes have been raised, since the MVA has begun recalling drivers licenses. The Department of Transportation says drivers should have received five notices to ask that they come to an MVA office with documents to meet federal Real ID requirements.

If drivers haven't done so, their license is recalled, making it invalid. If these people are pulled over by law enforcement, officers will confiscate their driver's licenses. To remove the recall status from your license, visit the Real ID document guide: www.mva.maryland.gov/odg to collect required documentation and make an appointment to be seen at an MDOT MVA branch as soon as possible.

“As we approach the peak summer travel season, travelers should think ahead about how to ensure they’re fully compliant with REAL ID,” said Ricky Smith, Executive Director of BWI Marshall Airport. “REAL ID is an additional measure that provides safe and efficient travel for our customers.”

“REAL ID provides TSA with an important security enhancement,” Mishoe said. “The REAL ID-compliant card improves the reliability and accuracy of state-issued identification documents and most importantly prevents and deters terrorists’ ability to evade detection by using fraudulent identification.”

While the biggest arrival delays of the year happen in June for 30 out of 50 largest airports in the U.S., the rest of the summer is only marginally better. Some of the busiest days of the summer will be the days leading up to and immediately after the Fourth of July and Labor Day, but most summer days will seem like holiday time with the increase in passengers expected throughout the summer, officials say.

SEE ALSO: Real ID In Maryland Means Your Drivers License Could Be Recalled

To reduce wait times for Real ID, the Maryland Department of Transportation MVA extended service hours at seven branch offices starting May 7. Under the plan, the Maryland MVA will make more than 3,000 appointments available statewide each day. Check to see if you already have a Real ID credential.

Tips for navigating summer air travel

While things like flight delays and cancellations are out of our control, we can take a number of steps to alleviate air travel frustrations.

The TSA recommends:

• Arriving at the airport two hours before a domestic flight departs and three hours before an international flight departs.
• Checking in for a flight on your airline's website or mobile app ahead of time to give yourself more time to get through the security checkpoint.
• Packing carry-on bags so they can be easily screened without any prohibited items. Check what's allowed in carry-on and checked luggage here.
• Having your documents ready: When you enter the checkpoint line have an acceptable form of ID and boarding pass out of your wallet and ready to hand to the TSA officer.

More Tips To Eliminate Hassles

• Follow the 3-1-1 rule: When packing toiletries, have no more than 3.4 ounces of liquid in a 1-quart plastic bag, and no more than one bag for every person.
• Wear shoes that are easy to get on and off as you go through security screening.
• Empty your pockets before heading through the checkpoint screening equipment.
• Make sure you don't have any prohibited items, from oversize liquids to knives and guns.

Comparecards.com has some tips to minimize your chances of delaying your trip:

• Choose nonstop flights when possible. The more connecting flights you have, the more chances of delays you could face.
• Choose the first flight of the day. Flights can be delayed by arriving late from another location.
• Consider alternative airports. It's tempting to choose the airport closest to home. But you may want to consider an airport with better arrival times or nonstop flight options. Luckily Marylanders have a few choices: BWI Airport, Reagan National Airport, and Dulles International Airport.
• Use airlines' apps. The apps can be the first to tell you about delays. You can also see flight delays in real time at www.flightview.com.