San Diego International Airport expects delays as REAL ID rules take effect

A Southwest visitor flight approaches San Diego International Airport Feb File photo by Mike Blake REUTERS After years of warnings the Transportation Safeguard Administration s REAL ID requirements will certainly take effect next week in San Diego and airports nationwide As a consequence San Diego International Airport is advising passengers to include an early arrival at the airport in their upcoming trip plans starting May when TSA begins to enforce the new rules From then on if passengers or older use a state-issued ID or license before boarding a U S commercial aircraft it must be REAL ID-compliant Otherwise passengers will need to use a passport or another acceptable form of identification such as a permanent resident card veteran wellness identification card or an ID issued by any federally recognized tribe Have a California driver s license Make sure it s REAL ID-compliant by looking for a golden bear with a star in the top right corner To help address traveler concerns the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority will have extra staff on duty in terminals on May Airport officers are advising travelers to arrive two hours before domestic flights and three hours ahead of international flights More than passengers depart from SAN each day and with the beginning of REAL ID enforcement we anticipate feasible delays mentioned Kimberly Becker president and CEO of the airport authority Californians can begin to apply for a REAL ID through the state Department of Motor Vehicles In order to obtain a REAL ID applicants must provide documentation showing at a minimum full legal name date of birth social safety number two proofs of address of principal residence and lawful status Once enforcement begins passengers who do not present a REAL ID or another form of identification approved by the TSA can expect to face delays additional screening and the possibility of not being allowed to pass through the protection checkpoint REAL ID called for by Congress was first supposed to take effect in but implementation was repeatedly delayed Signs reminding travelers of REAL ID requirements are posted in SAN Terminals and For more information and frequently requested questions on REAL ID see www tsa gov real-id