Prepared or not, the deadline to get a Actual ID is right here, and airports all throughout the nation are bracing for the primary day of enforcement.
Channel 9’s Eli Model was at Charlotte Douglas Worldwide Airport, the place safety officers are making ready for longer strains.
Officers inform us that they’ll nonetheless allow you to by way of safety should you don’t have that Actual ID but, however you’ll want to be prepared for extra screening. They informed Model it may take an additional half-hour to get by way of the safety line.
The Actual ID Act dates again to 2005 after a advice from the 9/11 Fee to streamline how folks get IDs. It’s meant to make journey safer.
RELATED: Folks flock to DMVs forward of Actual ID deadline
As of Wednesday, the one option to keep away from additional safety screening should you don’t have a Actual ID is to carry a present passport.
For some passengers, they’re simply hoping they will get to their gates in a well timed method.
“It’s a bit annoying, I’ll say. We’ve had ample warning,” one passenger informed Model. “We’ve been informed the previous few years; I’ve had mine for 4 years. I’d say it’s ridiculous as a result of an ID is an ID it doesn’t matter what.”
There are nonetheless lengthy strains at DMVs throughout North Carolina as folks attempt to get Actual ID compliant. Some areas have prolonged hours, and the state is contemplating extending expiration dates for driver’s licenses to present folks extra time earlier than they should renew their Actual ID and ease the pressure on DMVs.
RELATED: NC may prolong driver’s license expiration dates as RealID deadline approaches
(VIDEO: Airport implements new elevator communication plan after traveler grievance)