2025 Travel Trends

Key Points:

• Beginning May 7, 2025, the TSA will enforce Real ID requirements at airport security for domestic travel.

• Only Real ID-compliant licenses or approved alternatives like passports will be accepted at checkpoints.

• Millions of Americans still lack compliant IDs, raising concerns about delays and disruptions at airports.

After nearly two decades of delays, the long-anticipated Real ID enforcement deadline is finally approaching — and airline passengers who aren't prepared may find themselves grounded.

Starting May 7, travelers flying within the United States will need to present a Real ID-compliant driver’s license or another approved form of identification at Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints.

The requirement, passed by Congress in the wake of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, is intended to strengthen national security by standardizing the process for issuing state IDs.

Are you Real ID-Ready?

As of early 2024, only about 56% of IDs nationwide met Real ID standards, though TSA says about 80% of current travelers are presenting acceptable identification. That still leaves a significant number of people who may be turned away from security checkpoints if they attempt to fly without the right credentials.

“I do anticipate some disruption,” said Rich Davis, senior security adviser at International SOS. “It’s going to be a little bit of a stressful day or 10.”

To check whether your license is compliant, look for a star in the upper corner — often a black or gold star, or a star inside a circle or bear. If your license lacks this symbol, it won’t be accepted for air travel after May 7.

What counts as approved?

If you don’t have a Real ID, you’ll need to present another accepted form of identification, such as:

• A valid U.S. passport or passport card

• A DHS Trusted Traveler card (like Global Entry or Nexus)

• A Department of Defense or Veteran Health ID card

• Identification issued by a federally recognized tribal nation

• Enhanced driver’s licenses from certain states

• Foreign passports and permanent resident cards

A temporary paper license issued after applying for Real ID is not accepted, so travelers should apply at least two weeks in advance to allow time for processing and mailing.

Prepare for crowds at the DMV

State motor vehicle departments are already experiencing long lines and limited appointment availability as the deadline nears. While AAA branches in some states can process Real ID applications, not all do, and non-members may face additional fees.

“If you don’t have a trip coming up, consider waiting until after May 7 to avoid the rush,” said AAA spokeswoman Aixa Diaz.

Until then, TSA is urging Americans to double-check their ID before heading to the airport — or risk missing their flight entirely.

Key Points:

• A new Trump administration mandate requires all national parks to remain open, even amid deep staffing cuts and operational strain.

• The order prohibits local closures without top-level approval, prompting backlash from conservation groups and park officials.

• Critics warn the directive could jeopardize visitor safety and park preservation during what’s expected to be a record summer season.

The Trump administration has ordered that all national parks and historic sites remain open, regardless of staffing shortages or operational challenges — a move conservation leaders say puts both visitors and parklands at risk.

The directive, issued Thursday by Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, states that the goal is to keep parks “open and accessible for the benefit and enjoyment of the American people.” But it also requires that any changes to operating hours or closures be approved by top Interior officials, removing that authority from on-the-ground park managers.

The timing of the order is raising alarm. Last year, national parks drew a record 331 million visitors, and summer is expected to bring even higher foot traffic.

Meanwhile, the National Park Service (NPS) is grappling with severe staffing shortages after the administration cut about 1,000 jobs and hundreds more employees took buyouts.

Critics sound alarm

“This order is reckless and out of touch,” said Kristen Brengel, senior vice president at the National Parks Conservation Association. the Los Angeles Times reported. “It’s micromanagement at its worst, creating more red tape when park staff are already dangerously thin and dealing with peak visitation season.”

Brengel warned that stripping local officials of their authority to temporarily close parts of parks due to weather, maintenance, or safety concerns could leave visitors vulnerable and park resources unprotected.

The Association of National Park Rangers echoed those concerns. In a recent statement, president Rick Mossmans aid workers are “being systematically robbed of their abilities to meet their mission” and protect the land effectively.

Strain on beloved sites

From Yosemite to Joshua Tree, iconic national parks across the country — especially in California — are expected to face growing challenges. Reduced staffing levels could mean longer lines, fewer search and rescue resources, and less maintenance of restrooms and campsites during a season of intense visitor demand.

The new mandate, conservation groups argue, risks turning America’s most treasured public lands into overcrowded and under-supported destinations, undermining the very mission of the National Park Service.