Are you flying in 2020? Don’t put off this big step
In Arizona, the countdown to 2020 is ushering in another deadline — the deadline to get a travel-compliant ID that will get you past airport security.
I’ll say it again: Starting Oct. 1, 2020, your identification will have to comply with the federal Real ID Act in order for you to board domestic flights or enter some federal buildings.
For many people, that identification is their drivers license. I have no doubt many Arizonans will wait until the last moment to upgrade theirs.
We’ll hear stories about people unable to board a flight in an emergency or take advantage of a last-minute vacation opportunity. I cringe to think of the crowds at the Motor Vehicle Division offices in the days leading up to Oct. 1.
And I’m not offering judgment here. We put off addressing these small details because they’re not fun to deal with. But overlooked details can cause heartbreaking travel interruptions.
In the spirit of resolving to do things that make our lives better, here are three things that will make your travels more enjoyable in 2020.
Get your Arizona Real ID
Check your drivers license. Does it have a gold star in the upper right corner? If it does, you have a travelcompliant ID.
If you don’t, you have two options. The first is to make an appointment to get an upgraded drivers license. You’ll have to bring a variety of documentation, including proof of birth and residency. Make sure you have the exact documents specified or you’ll be turned away. Do this sooner rather than later to avoid the rush as we get closer to that Oct. 1 deadline.
Or, see if you have another form of acceptable identification, such as a U.S. passport or military ID. The Transportation Security Administration has a complete list of acceptable IDs at tsa.gov.
Check your expiration dates
From your passport to PreCheck to Global Entry, resolve to make sure these are not about to expire.
Reminder: Your passport actually expires six months before the date on it. Airlines may not let you fly because countries won’t let you in if your passport isn’t valid. You’ll pay much more if you have to rush
your renewal.
If you have multiple family members with passports expiring, you can spread out the renewals so you don’t get hit with all of the fees at once.
If you were an early adopter of PreCheck or Global Entry, check your dates.
Your acceptance is good for five years, and the first round of people who joined those line-skipping programs will need to renew. There has been a backlog in getting Global Entry approval and renewals, so give yourself plenty of time.
Know your credit card’s travel protections
Many travelers don’t realize that their credit card may offer some great protections in an emergency. Some offer basics like rental car insurance. Others offer trip interruption and cancellation insurance. These can be extraordinarily helpful if weather disrupts your flight and you need to book a hotel, or if an airline/tour company goes bankrupt.
But you need to book your trip with the card with the coverage to take advantage of its protection. Take a moment and read your credit card agreement to see what it covers. If it doesn’t match your needs and you travel frequently, consider researching and securing a credit card that provides better coverage.