REAL ID Takes Flight: Travelers React to New Airport Security Rules

As the REAL ID law finally kicked in on May 7, 2025, travelers at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson Airport shared their thoughts with WTFNewsRoom. Many praised the government’s efforts to spread the word about the new ID requirements, which aim to tighten security for domestic air travel.

"The feds did a solid job getting the message out. It’s a smart move—making sure everyone’s ID checks out keeps us safer," one traveler said, juggling a coffee and carry-on. Others echoed the sentiment, noting signs and alerts about REAL ID were hard to miss.

The REAL ID, mandated by a 2005 law post-9/11, sets stricter standards for driver’s licenses and other IDs. Only U.S. citizens or legal residents can get one, though passports remain a valid alternative. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) clarified that those without a REAL ID can still fly but will face extra screening.

Georgia travelers seemed particularly unfazed, with one saying, "The state’s been on this for years. It’s about time everyone else caught up." Yet, not all were impressed. One frequent flyer admitted, "I travel all the time and still didn’t know it was coming. They could’ve smoothed out the rollout."

Delays plagued the law’s enforcement—think pandemic chaos and DMV nightmares—leaving some states dragging their feet. Now, with the deadline here, the consensus is clear: heightened security is worth the hassle, even if the process wasn’t flawless.