US air travelers without REAL IDs will be charged a $45 fee

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Unlocking Word Meanings

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

  1. screening / ˈskri nɪŋ / (n.) – the act of checking people or things to see if they are allowed or suitable for a particular purpose
    Example:

    Passengers with unusual items in their bags may need extra screening before entering the airport gate.


  2. compliant / kəmˈplaɪ ənt / (adj.) – following a rule, law, or requirement; doing what is asked or required
    Example:

    The company made sure its new safety helmet was compliant with national safety standards before selling it.


  3. enhanced / ɪnˈhɑnst / (adj.) – made better, stronger, or more effective than before
    Example:

    The phone has enhanced features to make it easier to use.


  4. aftermath / ˈæf tərˌmæθ / (n.) – the period of time after an important or bad event, often when people feel the effects or deal with the results
    Example:

    The company made new safety plans in the aftermath of the accident.


  5. non-refundable / ˌnɑn riˈfʌnd ə bəl / (adj.) – not able to be returned or paid back after it is paid for
    Example:

    The registration fee for the class is non-refundable, so make sure you can attend before you pay.


Article

Read the text below.

Air travelers in the U.S. without a REAL ID will be charged a $45 fee beginning in February, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced on December 1. The updated ID has been required since May, but passengers without it have so far been allowed to clear security with additional screening and a warning. The Department of Homeland Security says 94% of passengers are already compliant and that the new fee is intended to encourage travelers to obtain the ID.


REAL ID is a federally compliant state-issued license or identification card that meets enhanced requirements mandated in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Obtaining the ID—indicated by a white star in a yellow circle in most states—means taking more documents to the motor vehicle agency than most states require for regular IDs. It was supposed to be rolled out in 2008, but the implementation had been repeatedly delayed.


Beginning February 1, travelers 18 and older flying domestically without a REAL ID and who don’t have another accepted form of ID on them, such as a passport, will pay the non-refundable fee to verify their identity through TSA’s alternative “Confirm.ID” system. TSA officials said that paying the fee does not guarantee verification, and travelers whose identities cannot be verified may be turned away. If approved, however, the verification covers a 10-day travel period.


The fee can be paid online before arriving at the airport. Travelers can also pay online at the airport before entering the security line, but officials said the process may take up to 30 minutes.


The TSA initially proposed an $18 charge for passengers without a REAL ID, but officials said they raised it after realizing the alternative identification program would cost more than anticipated.


Other acceptable forms of ID include military IDs, permanent resident cards, and photo IDs from federally recognized tribal nations. TSA also accepts digital IDs through platforms such as Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, and Samsung Wallet at more than 250 airports in the U.S.


This article was provided by The Associated Press.


Viewpoint Discussion

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

  • The U.S. now requires a REAL ID for domestic air travel, and most passengers are already compliant. What do you think about the REAL ID system? Do you believe having a required ID for travel actually improves safety? Why or why not? What else could airports or the government do to improve security for travelers? Discuss.
  • The government added a $45 fee to encourage people without a REAL ID to get one. Do you think this fee will make people follow the rules? Why or why not? What other ways could the government help people get a REAL ID? Discuss.

Discussion B

  • People have different types of IDs, and some of them can now be stored on mobile phones as a digital ID. How do you feel about needing multiple IDs for different purposes, like driving, traveling, or work? Do you think it is necessary to have so many IDs? Why or why not? What IDs do you think are the most important? Discuss.
  • Would you feel comfortable using a digital ID instead of a physical card? Why or why not? What are the main advantages and disadvantages of digital IDs compared with physical IDs? Discuss.