HANOVER TOWNSHIP, LEHIGH COUNTY, Pa. — Security lines at Lehigh Valley International Airport operated smoothly this week after REAL ID requirements took effect Wednesday, officials confirmed.
“Everything is going very smoothly,” TSA Assistant Federal Security Director Michael Kichline said in a phone call Friday morning.
“Literally, we had just a handful of people who didn’t have a REAL ID or an alternative. They were subject to additional screening and made their flight on time with no issues.”TSA Assistant Federal Security Director Michael Kichline
“There have been no wait times and no unexpected issues with REAL ID enforcement. We were expecting a very busy day and for it to be a little chaotic on Wednesday, but it was very smooth.
“As a matter of fact, with passengers here at ABE and at other local airports, the compliance rate has been extremely high."
Kichline said those traveling without REAL ID generally had acceptable alternatives, such as a passport.
"Those without the IDs were given courtesy papers informing them they would need a REAL ID or other federally accepted ID for air travel within the U.S. going forward," he said.
“Literally, we had just a handful of people who didn’t have a REAL ID or an alternative. They were subject to additional screening and made their flight on time with no issues.”
A phased rollout
Kichline said Lehigh Valley International Airport was in a phased rollout for REAL ID enforcement, of which travelers should be aware.
“It’s for folks who don’t have that REAL ID," he said. "They have acceptable ID but it’s not REAL ID compliant."
But that phased enforcement won’t last forever.
“When things are fully implemented, that will be the sad day when that person will come to the airport and they might be turned away,” Kichline said.
The date for the end of that phased enforcement will be set by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, he said, noting compliance “may come sooner rather than later.”
“My message would be for folks to get a REAL ID as soon as possible," he said. "We would hate to have them show up at the airport only to be turned away.”
REAL ID Days continue
The state Department of Transportation continues to hold REAL ID Days, with the next one from 8:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Monday, May 12, at 57 driver license centers for Pennsylvanians who want to apply for a REAL ID.
“The deadline applies to enforcement only — customers who want REAL IDs will continue being able to get one after enforcement begins,” PennDOT reminds visitors to its website.
Besides serving as one of the main forms of identification to fly domestically, people also need a REAL ID to access certain federal buildings and facilities going forward.
