✈️ URGENT FOR RETREAT TRAVELERS: New TSA Rules Take Effect May 7, 2025
Hey Retreat Leaders—this is your friendly (but firm) reminder to update your pre-trip emails ASAP. There's a major travel policy shift coming, and it will affect your guests—even those flying domestically.
Starting May 7, 2025, the TSA will require all U.S. air travelers to present a REAL ID-compliant license or an acceptable alternative (like a valid passport) to pass through airport security—even for flights within the United States.
If your guests show up to the airport with a regular driver’s license that isn’t REAL ID-compliant, they could face extra screening, long delays, or even be denied access to the gate entirely. That's the kind of trip disruption none of us want.
🔗 Here’s what your guests need to know:
✅ A REAL ID (usually marked with a star) is required for domestic air travel starting May 7, 2025.
🌍 A passport is also acceptable and might be the easiest backup if they don’t want to deal with their state’s DMV.
🧾 Other forms of valid ID (like military ID or a DHS trusted traveler card) are listed at: tsa.gov/real-id
🛂 For passport info and renewals: travel.state.gov/passport
What you can do as a retreat leader:
Add a “REAL ID or Passport Required” line to your packing checklist or welcome emails.
Include a link to check ID status or passport renewal timelines (some renewals are taking 6–8 weeks).
Host a pre-trip Zoom call and bring it up live—especially if your group includes frequent domestic travelers who think they’re all set but may not be.
Let’s avoid those airport meltdowns and panicked texts from TSA checkpoints. A quick heads-up from you now could save a guest from a ruined trip later.
Safe travels,
Nick