Post-9/11 airport security measures could be delayed again after 20 years

Airport security measures put in place after the September 11 World Trade Center attacks to combat terrorism and identity theft could be delayed again until 2027.

The measure was set to go into effect next year and would require anyone over the age of 18 traveling domestically to show a federally compliant ID, known as a Real ID, at airport security checkpoints, according to Homeland Security..

Instead, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) proposed a phased implementation of the new law.

The Real ID card is like a driver’s license, but has a gold or black star in the upper right corner to signify its compliance with federal regulations. It also has a scannable strip that works like a passport because it contains personal information.

The TSA report explained that the phased approach would allow federal agencies to “initiate card-based enforcement in a manner that reduces the potential for disruption to operations, reduces negative impacts on public opinion, and supports a smooth transition to full card-based enforcement.”

Giving the example of agencies beginning enforcement by “issuing warnings” or “through graduated consequences,” the TSA added that this would “minimize the risk of immediate change.”

This would mean that passengers on U.S. flights who do not carry a federally compliant ID with them when going through airport security could be given a non-compliant ID that states their driver’s license needs to be updated, according to Frugal traveler.

The TSA warned that without a phased implementation of the new rule, federal agencies could face “serious risks of operational disruptions, negative impacts on the public, and potential security breaches.”

As of January 2024, about 56% of ID cards in circulation were compliant with federal requirements, according to the TSA report. The TSA explained that if the law were to take effect on the originally proposed May 7, 2025 date, there would be a “real risk of disruption” to travel.

Passengers can also use their passports, Global Entry Cards or enhanced driver’s licenses as federally compliant IDs if they do not have a Real ID card, or Star ID as it is sometimes called.

TSA also invited the public to share their thoughts on the extension proposal by submitting comments to the government website by October 15, 2024.

Newsweek contacted the TSA press office for comment.

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