Real ID or Enhanced Driver’s License chaos at US airports

The Real ID or Enhanced Drivers License will come into effect from October 01, 2020. From that date, persons will be denied boarding of a domestic aircraft if they do not have an acceptable means of identification. Besides the Real ID, a passport or a U.S. Military ID can be used at an airport check point. A driver license that is Real ID compliant will have a star located in the upper portion of the card.

Real ID Implementation

It has been 15 years since the Real ID legislation was passed by congress. Since, there has been several delays in its implementation. It has been postponed several times. To date, several states are still not Real ID compliant. First and foremost, the enforcement of the legislation will create numerous problems for travelers. As a matter of fact, the public is not ready for the October deadline. It is anticipated that there will be a chaotic situation at airports. In fact, it is estimated that about 57% of the population is unaware of the deadline. In addition, it is projected that 39% of the population does not have an acceptable means of identification. This will result, is approximately 500, 000 persons being denied at the airports weekly.

The American Society of Travel Advisors (A.S.T.A.) is in the fore front of bringing this critical situation to the public. As a result, A.S.T.A. held a legislative day on February 3^rd and 4th of this year. Travel advisors from across the US attended. I was the only attendee from New Mexico. The purpose of the conference was to lobby Capitol Hill with issues affecting the travel industry. A.S.T.A. identified two major issues. The definition of an Independent Contractor (I.C.) was the other issue..

Independent Contractors (IC)

The travel industry uses the services of independent contractors (I.C.). In fact, about 20% of agencies use the services of independent Contractors. Presently, there are 2 definitions of an I.C. The I.R.S. defines an I.C. using “The right Control” test.   The advisors were looking for support from Capitol Hill. We were in favor of the IRS interpretation of an I.C. The delegation was looking for one definition of an I.C.

We had a training session before our visit to Capitol Hill. There was discussion on the two issues. We discussed the negative impact the legislation would have on the travel industry. Most importantly, there would be a positive impact on the travel industry by being a lobbyist.

As a result, of the tremendous response by travel advisors. Groups were formed with states that was in proximity of each other. I was part of a NM and Arizona group. Our delegation met a total of four senators and four House of Representatives. It was an honor to be the spokesperson presenting to the NM Senators.

In summary, I consider our lobbying efforts a tremendous success. I am hoping our presentations will help mitigate the worst impact of the impending Real ID or enhanced Driver’s License deadline. Contact Tropical Destination Vacations for more information on Real ID or Enhanced Driver’s License.