Category: Airline

Get Ready for Real ID: Your Ticket to Seamless Travel

Starting May 7, 2025, travelers in the United States will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or another acceptable form of identification to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities (1). This new requirement is part of the REAL ID Act, which aims to enhance security by establishing minimum standards for state-issued IDs.

So, what exactly is a REAL ID? It’s a state-issued driver’s license or identification card that meets the enhanced security standards set by the federal government. You can easily identify a REAL ID by the star or flag symbol on the upper portion of the card (2). 

If you plan to fly within the U.S. or visit federal buildings, it’s crucial to ensure your ID is REAL ID-compliant. If not, you might face delays or even be denied boarding. To avoid any last-minute hassles, check your current ID and, if necessary, visit your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to upgrade to a REAL ID (3).

For those who prefer alternatives, a valid U.S. passport, passport card, or other TSA-approved identification can also be used for domestic travel (2). However, having a REAL ID can simplify your travel experience and provide peace of mind. 

Don’t wait until the last minute! Make sure you’re REAL ID-ready well before the May 7, 2025 deadline. Safe travels!

1: Homeland Security 2: TSA 3: TSA Press Release

Starting May 7, 2025, travelers in the United States will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or another acceptable form of identification to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities (1). This new requirement is part of the REAL ID Act, which aims to enhance security by establishing minimum standards for state-issued IDs.

So, what exactly is a REAL ID? It’s a state-issued driver’s license or identification card that meets the enhanced security standards set by the federal government. You can easily identify a REAL ID by the star or flag symbol on the upper portion of the card (2). 

If you plan to fly within the U.S. or visit federal buildings, it’s crucial to ensure your ID is REAL ID-compliant. If not, you might face delays or even be denied boarding. To avoid any last-minute hassles, check your current ID and, if necessary, visit your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to upgrade to a REAL ID (3).

For those who prefer alternatives, a valid U.S. passport, passport card, or other TSA-approved identification can also be used for domestic travel (2). However, having a REAL ID can simplify your travel experience and provide peace of mind. 

Don’t wait until the last minute! Make sure you’re REAL ID-ready well before the May 7, 2025 deadline. Safe travels!

1: Homeland Security 2: TSA 3: TSA Press Release

Photo credit: Michigan Secretary of State

Baggage Allowance and Fee Information

Baggage Allowance and Fee Information

Each airline has their own baggage allowance and fees for checked bags, oversized/overweight bags and instruments.  Click on the airlines below for more information.  Note these links will take you off the Witte Travel website.

Flying Over the Holidays – Can I Bring That on a Plane?

Are you flying over the holidays?

Are you bringing your signature Thanksgiving dish to share? Do you know if your dish is allowed on a plane?

Flying over the holidays is stressful. It can seem hard to keep up with changing flight regulations. But flying over the holidays doesn’t need to be difficult. As of the date of this post (11/18/2016), here are some common Thanksgiving dishes and TSA’s rules regarding bringing them on a plane.

flying over the holidays with a turkey
Photo by Steve Johnson
Easy Turkey Thanksgiving

Can I bring a turkey on a plane? (You have to search for meat.)

Cooked Meat, Seafood and Vegetable (No Liquid)

  • Carry On Bags: Yes
  • Checked Bags: Yes

“You may transport this item in carry-on or checked bags. For items you wish to carry on, you should check with the airline to ensure that the item will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the airplane.

TSA officers may instruct travelers to separate items from carry-on bags such as foods, powders, and any materials that can clutter bags and obstruct clear images on the X-ray machine. Travelers are encouraged to organize their carry-on bags and keep them uncluttered to ease the screening process and keep the lines moving.”

Fresh Meat and Seafood

  • Carry On Bags: Yes (Special Instructions)
  • Checked Bags: Yes

“Meat, seafood and other non-liquid food items are permitted in both carry-on and checked bags. If the food is packed with ice or ice packs in a cooler or other container, the ice or ice packs must be completely frozen when brought through screening. If the ice or ice packs are partially melted and have any liquid at the bottom of the container, they will not be permitted. You also can pack frozen perishables in your carry-on or checked bags in dry ice. The FAA limits you to five pounds of dry ice that is properly packaged (the package is vented) and marked.”

Can I carry on a pumpkin pie?

Pies and Cakes

  • Carry On Bags: Yes
  • Checked Bags: Yes

TSA officers may instruct travelers to separate items from carry-on bags such as foods, powders, and any materials that can clutter bags and obstruct clear images on the X-ray machine. Travelers are encouraged to organize their carry-on bags and keep them uncluttered to ease the screening process and keep the lines moving.

Flying over the holidays with bread
Mark Bonica
Beer Bread

Can I bring two loaves of homemade bread with me when flying home?

Bread

  • Carry On Bags: Yes
  • Checked Bags: Yes

“Solid food items (not liquids or gels) can be transported in either your carry-on or checked bags. Liquid or gel food items larger than 3.4 oz are not allowed in carry-on bags and should be placed in your checked bags if possible.

TSA officers may instruct travelers to separate items from carry-on bags such as foods, powders, and any materials that can clutter bags and obstruct clear images on the X-ray machine. Travelers are encouraged to organize their carry-on bags and keep them uncluttered to ease the screening process and keep the lines moving.”

Looking for another dish?  Or do you have questions on bringing knitting needles (yes), wrapped presents (no) or other items with you as you fly?

Check out TSA’s What Can I Bring tool. Here you’ll find up-to-date information on rules and regulations for flying over the holidays. If your item is not listed, you can send a question to AskTSA on Facebook Messenger or Twitter. Please remember TSA gate agents have the most up to date information and the final say on what is allowed through security.

Everyone at Witte Travel & Tours wishes you a terrific Thanksgiving.  Here is to happy and safe travels!

 

Post updated 11/21/2018 for accuracy. Quotes come directly from TSA.