Real ID and airport security

[mspink98]

This isn't exactly cruise related, but more of a general air travel question. I know that not all states are compliant with the Real ID program on drivers licenses, but FL is. We have a star on our licenses to indicate that we're US citizens, but that's all it indicates to the best of my knowledge. My question has to do with using a Real ID license at the TSA checkpoint. My father in law insists that a Real ID license has allowed him to go through the PreCheck line (shoes on, laptop in bag, etc.) at the airport several times recently, and I'm sure he's just gotten lucky and/or come across lazy agents who didn't care to direct him to the other line.

 

Does anyone have any knowledge of the Real ID indicator being a replacement for the PreCheck interview and fingerprinting process?

[slidergirl]

REAL ID is not a trusted traveler document, so it does not give you PreCheck line privileges. Your FIL was just lucky he was randomly selected to populate the line, along with those who paid and went through the background checks to actually get PreCheck eligibility.

Edited December 26, 2014 by slidergirl

[CruiserBruce]

A standard (non-enhanced) DL is fine for TSA. It doesn't affect your ability to use Pre-check.

[PaulMCO]

If it is Orlando. They tend to do this alot on the adjacent line to the TSA and Clear lines. If the Pre-Check lane is light and other lanes are overloaded they will send some people through the Pre-Check line.

[grandma*knows*best]

Considering the fact that a TSA agent did not recognize a license from Washington DC as a valid id, I seriously doubt that a lot of TSA agents even know what a Real id is. Your FIL's Real id had nothing to do with being selected for TSA Pre.

[alcpa1]

Is your FIL over 75? Some airports recognize the age factor for TSA Pre. I say some because there are some archaic airports that wouldn't recognize a male or female if their life depended on it.