Memorial Day Travel Chaos: REAL ID and Newark Delays Threaten Holiday Plans

As Memorial Day weekend ushers in the summer travel season, a record-breaking 45.1 million Americans are expected to journey at least 50 miles from home, with 3.61 million taking to the skies, according to AAA. This 2% uptick from last year signals a bustling holiday, surpassing pre-pandemic air travel numbers by 12%. Yet, travelers face a turbulent ride, with new hurdles threatening to ground their plans.

The recent enforcement of the REAL ID requirement, effective May 7, has sparked concerns about delays at security checkpoints. Flyers without the star-marked ID may face extra screening, slowing down the process. A TSA spokesperson emphasized the need for compliant IDs, urging passengers to arrive early—two hours for domestic flights, three for international—to avoid bottlenecks.

Popular destinations like Chicago, Seattle, Orlando, Denver, and New York are drawing crowds, but those heading to the Big Apple should brace for turbulence. Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) has been hit with back-to-back ground delays, frustrating travelers. Experts like Gary Leff, author of View From the Wing, advise avoiding New York airports for connections. Meanwhile, Brandon Blewett, author of How to Avoid Strangers on Airplanes, suggests opting for LaGuardia (LGA) or JFK until EWR’s runway and air traffic control issues stabilize. “You might dodge a delay but get stuck in traffic instead,” Blewett quipped.

With the FAA grappling to manage disruptions and staffing shortages, travelers are advised to plan meticulously. The skies may be crowded, but preparation could keep your holiday plans from crashing.