O'Hare airport sees smooth start to Real ID enforcement, officials say

Chicago travelers react to first day of Real ID requirement

TSA officials said the flying public is informed and that’s why the first day of Real ID enforcement is going well today at O’Hare Airport.

CHICAGO - TSA officials said Real ID enforcement got off to a smooth start Wednesday at O’Hare International Airport, crediting informed travelers and prepared security staff.

No passengers were turned away for lacking the required identification. Those without a Real ID or acceptable alternative—such as a passport or Global Entry card—underwent additional screening.

Many passengers said they were already compliant with the new ID requirements, though even frequent fliers admitted to occasional slip-ups.

"I was supposed to be very well-prepared, but I left behind my passport booklet and passport card. I’m very well-traveled, I’ve got nearly 2 million miles. What am I gonna do when I get to the security checkpoint this morning? I’m going to see what happens," Joe Roche said.

Joe Ciaccio, another traveler, said he supports the change.

"I travel for business all the time. It's been fine. I like that it has more security," he said.

At the Real ID "super site" on Clark Street, the line wrapped around the corner. Officials said they saw about 800 walk-ins Wednesday, down from 1,500 on Tuesday.

Staff spent the day correcting common misconceptions, reminding residents that a passport remains the gold standard for travel.

A Real ID is not required to fly domestically if travelers carry a valid passport. It is also not needed to drive in Illinois.

What You Should Do:

It’s been approved and talked about for 20 years and now Real ID is real, required for domestic flights, but there is a grace period.

When a passenger presents their ID at the security checkpoint, they’ll be told if they are not compliant. A traveler who doesn’t have Real ID will be directed to another line and will have to go through additional security. They should plan for delays.

What they're saying:

"O’Hare can be a challenging place with so much volume and so much activity. I can tell you we are very prepared and we were very confident going in and, truthfully, the results are what we expected them to be," Federal Security Director for TSA Jim Spriggs said.

Travelers Kathy Tracy and Jackie Redmond were compliant long ago.

"I made sure we all have our Real ID, so we’re good now," Tracy said.

Redmond said she double-checked her TSA pre-check status with the airline.

Business traveler Ambrosia Smith did not have Real ID, but she did have a plan.

"Well, I have my passport. I’m going to use that," Smith said.

Federal officials said this was a good day to launch Real ID, but the real test of patience will be when summer travel kicks in, Memorial Day weekend.