(Much of this article is helpful for U.S. domestic travelers. I also write specifically for Cru staff traveling to Milwaukee.)

Two things came across my radar this past week:

• Cru staff are reporting difficulty finding flights to attend Cru25.
• TSA has made some changes.

Here’s What You Need to Know

Airlines

The FAA is preparing for a busy travel season beginning Memorial Day weekend. Airlines have changed flights to smaller planes, making it harder to get seats. If you have summer travel plans, get your flights set up ASAP.

• Some Cru staff can’t find an affordable flight into Milwaukee. They’re flying into Chicago, Waukesha, Green Bay, Appleton, and Minneapolis.
• Check out Greyhound or shuttle services to make the connection to Milwaukee.
  • Greyhound is affordable and has routes from Chicago and Minneapolis.
• Take the Lake Express Ferry from Muskegon, Michigan, to Milwaukee. Sounds fun to me!
  • Choose from two or three crossing times. Arrive in 2 1/2 hours, disembarking near downtown.
• We’re using Amtrak for our arrival.
  • I remember only three arrival times for Amtrak.
  • Amtrak Milwaukee downtown (Intermodal) station is less than half a mile from our Cru25 venue.
• Can you find travel buddies to share a rental car to connect from another airport?

We will be with our daughter in Minneapolis and then take Amtrak for less than $80 each. We’re looking forward to a relaxed 5 to 6-hour trip with some friends. (Airfare was over $200 for this short hop.) We’ll arrive a day early.

TSA (Transportation Security Administration)

TSA changes will also cause delays for many of us.

REAL ID Begins May 7, 2025

Starting May 7, 2025, you need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or another recognized form of identification to board domestic flights. A REAL ID driver’s license has a star in the upper right corner. If you don’t have a star, visit your local DMV to upgrade your license. If you don’t have time before your trip, bring your passport. According to a Weather Channel video, many DMV offices are packed with people upgrading their driver’s licenses.

According to SophisticatedTravel.com TSA will phase in the REAL ID requirement. They write:

“Recognizing the potential for confusion and disruption, the TSA plans to implement a phased enforcement strategy. Initially, travelers without compliant identification may receive warnings and be allowed to board their flights after completing the identity verification process. This approach aims to inform the public and provide a grace period for compliance. However, this leniency is temporary. Eventually, the TSA will fully enforce the REAL ID requirements, and passengers lacking compliant identification will be denied boarding without exception.”

This phased enforcement also means your experience at different airports may vary.

Many of our fellow travelers will be unprepared. Those without a valid document will face extra scrutiny. This may slow the TSA lines for everyone.

Other Security Measures

Credential Authentication Technology (CAT)

Milwaukee and Orlando airports use CAT to scan your driver’s license and match it with your flight reservation. You may come across face-scanning when you start the TSA process.

TSA does not save your photo. You also have the right to refuse this. You will not lose your place in line. They will do a manual verification.

CT Scanners (Computed Tomography)

Your last step in your TSA process is to place your carry-on items on a belt for the X-ray machine, the CT Scanner.

Milwaukee and Orlando airports have CT scanners that provide a 3-D image of your carry-on bag’s contents. This is faster and is driving a future change in the policy on liquids. Not all airports have these scanners.

The last time we were in the Orlando airport, TSA had older scanners and CT scanners.

Your Carry-on Liquids

It will take until 2040 for all airports to have CT scanners and to be able to relax the 3-1-1 rule for liquids. CT Scanners will allow for larger liquids, so the rule may change over time.

For 2025, still pack your liquids in a clear, quart-sized bag according to the 3-1-1 rule.

See TSA’s current allowances for:

• Children (second dropdown)
• Medications

TSA PreCheck

If you don’t have TSA PreCheck, this may be a good year to invest in it. With TSA PreCheck, you won’t have to remove shoes, belts, or jackets. You will keep your laptop and liquids in your carry-on bag. Going through TSA may take 10 minutes instead of 20 to 30. Without TSA PreCheck, arrive 30 minutes ahead of your usual arrival at your airport.

TSA PreCheck costs $85 and is valid for five years. Renewal fees are around $70. Begin enrollment online. Then make an appointment with a local enrollment center. This will be at a AAA, Staples, or other facility.

If you’ve already purchased a flight, add your Known Traveler Number (KTN) to your reservation before traveling. This ensures you have a TSA PreCheck boarding pass.

If You Don’t Have Travel Plans This Summer

Be proactive. Get a REAL ID driver’s license in case you need to make an unplanned trip somewhere.

Spread the word. Friends don’t let friends travel without a REAL ID.

NOTES:

• For more details, read “REAL ID Deadline 2025: What U.S. Travelers Need to Know Before Boarding a Domestic Flight” (Sophisticated Travel).
• Follow along in the Workplace discussion on flights to find out what other Cru staff are doing to get to Cru25.
• Learn more about the problems of opening up more air space, particularly over Florida, in this Good Morning America video.
• The advice about booking early comes from Bill O’Reilly.com. Go to timestamp 2:00 to 2:45.
• People also need a REAL ID to enter certain federal facilities.
• The REAL ID stars image is from a Weather Channel video.
• Airport photo by Pim de Boer on Unsplash.