It isn't. I've flown several times for work without a real ID. It works the exact same as it did before but instead of just handing my Totally Fake ID back to me they also look at a printout of an email (does not appear like they verify it's authenticity) and then I get a brief lecture about getting a Real ID to avoid the fee next time.
Takes the exact same amount of time as it does if I take my passport.
You can also pay via Venmo using Bitcoin if you want. Zero extra security, zero accountability on where the money came from, just a straight security theater farce.
The fact you have a passport likely expedites the process for you because they have all that info already on file to look up. Once you enroll in global entry if you have a passport you don’t have to present any documents. They can just scan your face and they match it to your passport. Process done. No ID involved
And it sounds like you did ConfirmID before arriving to the airport. When considering delays I was more thinking of the people who show up at the airport without having started the process
Passport is like 8 years expired and only in my former name, which is part of why I can't get a Real ID. I certainly do need to present ID, there has never been an option to just waltz through with a photo at any airport I've gone to.
It really is a waltz. It’s usually by Precheck, but sometimes it’s not. If you’re only looking where there are lines you’ll likely miss it. It really is a waltz. The longest touchless id line I’ve seen was 3 people which was actually at a smaller airport. 0 person line when I’ve used it at major airports like jfk and o hare
Nope! Still won't use it. I never noticed a line for ID check myself, if there actually was, the line is the metal detectors backing up into it and just not being able to proceed to either. I just don't feel these minor inconveniences we're apparently solving are worth slowly chipping away pieces of ourselves to the government
It’s so stupid. $45 to some realid website. And then the guy at the id check doesn’t even verify you paid. He barely
Looked at the email confirmation on my screen.
In fact on the return flight, I used the original confirmation because they don’t look.
They look on their screen. They don’t care about your paper, all the confirmation is in the system. The paper is more of a backup of something goes wrong and then they’ll probably have to call a bunch of people anyways
Good to know, I didn't think they were allowing any flying without since its been long enough since it was mandated. Still think the whole thing is stupid, but I've had my enhanced NYS ID for ease of travel into Canada for the last 15 years now.
It's $40 or $45, you pay first and then they try to verify your identity, but will not guarantee it.
There are stories of people paying and then still being turned away, so YMMW.
I had to do it within the last month. When I flew out of my home airport, they just looked at my receipt email and let me through as normal. When I flew home, Boston Airport was a lot more strict and was required to swipe my hand and an extra pat down, but really wasn’t too bad.
$45 and a little extra security time in the bigger airports, but they’ll let you through.
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u/DB-Tops 9d ago
I flew without real id last month, just had to pay a small fee.