UPDATE – Important Information About Traveling with REAL ID

Remember when your mom would call you by your full name? Whenever that happened to me, I knew I was in big trouble. But, if your friend called you by that same name, it was different. I knew I was in for some fun! Maybe that crazy nickname you got at the bus stop in elementary school stuck, and you still use it today. We all use and sign our names differently based on where we are and what we are doing – keeps it kind of interesting.

However, the way your name is used does matter when you travel. In fact, it can make a simple airline reservation turn into an unnecessary and costly hassle. The key is making the name on your government issued photo identification that you present at the airport match the name on your airline ticket. Most travelers use a driver’s license on another state-issued ID when traveling domestically. It is usually easier as that piece of identification is already in a wallet or purse. When traveling internationally, the name on your airline ticket must match your passport. These documents all have different formats for a name. For example, Roger A. Smith could be the name on a state-issued driver’s license, while Roger Allen Smith would be the name on the corresponding U.S. Passport. Unfortunately, if you show up to check-in for your flight with identification that does not match your ticket, there could be a delay when going through security, and an airline name change fee might be incurred.

Changes are also coming regarding state-issued identification. The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, enacted the 9/11 Commission’s recommendation that the Federal Government “set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver’s licenses.” Beginning October 1, 2020, the state of Indiana will implement the Real ID credential for boarding federally regulated commercial aircraft. Check your state regulations, and make sure you give yourself plenty of time before your next trip to obtain your new driver’s license or state ID with REAL ID credential. For details in the state of Indiana, visit https://www.in.gov/bmv/2577.htm.

In the meantime, once we have your proper name and all of the other required details, you can sit back and travel hassle free with Ambassadair. Just double check what’s on your traveling ID of choice, and use that for your reservation. If it’s your full name, use it… and, no, you’re not in trouble with Mom.

Interested in domestic or international travel? Ambassadair offers group tours and cruises to destinations all over the world. Group travel with Ambassadair is hassle free. Adventure alongside your peers with pre-determined itineraries and an Ambassadair Travel Director who is knowledgeable of each destination, and ensures that your trip runs smoothly. Explore our upcoming travel destinations here!