Another reason for me not to fly within the US is the upcoming requirement to have some form of enhanced ID in order to board a plane. My current driver's license ($54) will no longer be valid for domestic air travel. I'll need either an enhanced driver's license ($108) or a passport ($110) or a passport card ($30).
I object to having to prove I'm a US citizen in order to fly within my own country and I object to the additional fees involved.
Quote:
Starting January 22, 2018, passengers with a driver’s license issued by a state that is still not compliant with the REAL ID Act (and has not been granted an extension) will need to show an alternative form of acceptable identification for domestic air travel to board their flight. To check whether your state is compliant or has an extension, click here. Passengers with driver’s licenses issued by a state that is compliant with REAL ID (or a state that has been issued an extension) will still be able to use their driver’s licenses or identification cards.
Starting October 1, 2020, every air traveler will need a REAL ID-compliant license, or another acceptable form of identification, for domestic air travel.
|
The culprit behind this is:
Quote:
|
The REAL ID Act of 2005, Pub.L. 109–13, 119 Stat. 302, enacted May 11, 2005, is an Act of Congress that modifies U.S. federal law pertaining to security, authentication, and issuance procedures standards for the state driver's licenses and identity documents, as well as various immigration issues pertaining to terrorism.
|