The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is rolling out significant changes designed to enhance your airport security experience. These updates aim to streamline the screening process, reduce wait times and improve overall efficiency.
In this article, we’ll explore six major changes and offer guidance on how to navigate them for a smoother journey through security.
1. REAL ID Enforcement Begins Soon
Starting May 7, all U.S. travelers aged 18 and older will be required to present a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or another acceptable form of identification (such as a passport) to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities. REAL ID-compliant licenses are typically marked with a star in the upper right corner.
To determine if your ID is compliant or to learn how to obtain one, visit our guide on the Atlas Travel website here.
2. Automated Screening Lanes
The introduction of automated screening lanes is designed to process passengers up to 40% faster than traditional lanes. These lanes feature multiple stations where travelers can load bins onto dual rails, leading to a more organized and efficient screening process.
How to Navigate Automated Screening Lanes:
- Head to any available station and grab a bin from under the table.
- Empty your pockets and place any electronics larger than a cell phone in the bin.
- Put liquids and shoes in the bin, ensuring that items are not stacked on top of each other.
- Proceed to the body scanner. Each bin’s RFID chip will be tracked for additional screening if needed.
3. TSA Self-Screening Lanes
TSA self-screening lanes are now being tested at several major airports and are expected to expand to more hubs in the coming year. These lanes allow passengers to verify their own identity and scan their documents using a touchscreen, helping to reduce processing times by about 30%.
4. Digital ID on Mobile Device
One of the most convenient updates is the introduction of Digital ID, which lets travelers store a digital version of their driver’s license or passport on their phone. Compatible with Apple Wallet and Google Wallet, Digital ID provides a secure and easy way to verify your identity at airport security.
Not all states currently offer digital driver’s licenses, but for those that do, a digital ID offers an added layer of convenience and security. Instead of presenting your full license, the digital version transmits only the data needed to verify your identity, keeping additional personal information private.
TSA is accepting digital IDs at select airports, including Los Angeles (LAX), Atlanta (ATL), Denver (DEN), Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), Phoenix (PHX) and Baltimore/Washington (BWI).
How to Set Up Your Digital Driver’s License:
- Download your state’s official DMV app
- Scan or enter your physical driver’s license
- Take a selfie-style photo if prompted
- Complete the identity verification steps
If your state offers Digital ID, it’s worth setting one up. In the event your physical wallet is lost or stolen, having a digital license could save you time and stress at the airport.
5. Facial Recognition Technology
TSA is also implementing facial recognition technology, which uses biometric data to match a passenger’s face with their passport or other travel documents. With a 97% accuracy rate, this technology is already being used at over 200 airports across the U.S., making identity verification quicker and more reliable.
6. New CT Scanners
The TSA is rolling out new CT scanners, which provide 3D images of bag contents. Eventually, these scanners will allow passengers to leave electronics and liquids in their bags during screening, though this technology is still being fully implemented. For now, passengers should still remove electronics and liquids when passing through general TSA screening lanes.
Staying informed about these TSA updates means less stress and fewer surprises at the airport. From Real ID requirements to cutting-edge screening technology, these changes are designed to enhance both security and convenience.
By understanding what’s new and how to prepare, you’ll move through security more smoothly and spend more time focused on your journey, not the checkpoint.
