What documents do I need to bring to airport?

Adult passengers 18 and older must show valid identification at the airport checkpoint in order to travel.
  • Driver's licenses or other state photo identity cards issued by Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent) ...
  • U.S. passport.
  • U.S. passport card.
  • DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)




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Identification
  • Driver's licenses or other state photo identity cards issued by Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent) ...
  • U.S. passport.
  • U.S. passport card.
  • DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
  • U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents.
  • Permanent resident card.


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Beginning May 7, 2025, every air traveler 18 years of age and older will need a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, state-issued enhanced driver's license, or another acceptable form of ID to fly within the United States.

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In the event you arrive at the airport without proper ID, because it is lost or at home, you may still be allowed to fly. By providing additional information, TSA has other ways to confirm your identity, like using publicly available databases, so you can reach your flight.

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Depending on the requirements of airport authorities, you will need to present a mobile boarding pass, a paper boarding pass printed out by you or a paper boarding pass picked up from the check-in desk.

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  1. Check-in for your flight.
  2. Hand over any luggage that would need to go into the aircraft hold, if you are travelling with luggage.
  3. Pass through the airport security gates to the departures hall.
  4. Find your boarding gate.
  5. Board the plane and fly to your destination.


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You shouldn't need to but it is wise to do so in case you have a problem with your phone at the airport. When you do save your boarding card to your phone, always ensure you have offline access to it on your home screen. Not only will you have immediate access but it may save you incurring data roaming charges.

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Best advice for first-time flyers
  • Check the airline's luggage requirements.
  • Pack essentials in your carry-on.
  • Arrive at the airport two hours early.
  • Keep your ID handy.
  • Wear easy-to-remove shoes.
  • Respect other passengers' space.
  • Have a backup plan ready.


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Are you travelling with hand luggage only? If you are, you may be able to check in online for free and print off your boarding pass, so all you need to do when you arrive at the airport is go straight through security.

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Yes, printed boarding passes are still available should you prefer to not utilize a mobile boarding pass.

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After purchasing your ticket online, download the file and print your ticket. Passengers can find their e-ticket files in the email sent to them. For domestic flights, passengers do not have to show their e-tickets at the security checkpoints.

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You'll need to bring your home printed boarding pass or confirmation of check-in document and your passport to show before you board the plane. When you check in online, you'll get boarding passes or Confirmation of Check In for both your outward and return flights.

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Generally speaking, most airlines advise that you arrive at the airport at least 2 hours prior to a domestic flight, and at least 3 hours prior to an international flight. That said, there are many factors to consider that will help you decide how much time you should budget for at the airport.

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Digital Identification Download a TSA approved digital ID app to your mobile device. Scan in your state-issued driver's license or state ID. At select TSA PreCheck® checkpoints, scan the app issued QR code. Your photo will be taken by the TSA reader at security to proceed to screening.

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Wear clothing and shoes without metal, and be ready to remove your belt if it has a metal buckle. Tuck large metal jewelry pieces into your carry-on bag before you go through the security checkpoint. Put change and keys into your carry-on or empty your pockets into a plastic bin when you arrive at the checkpoint.

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In the event you arrive at the airport without proper ID, because it is lost or at home, you may still be allowed to fly. By providing additional information, TSA has other ways to confirm your identity, like using publicly available databases, so you can reach your flight.

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You can usually board a flight with a federal or state-issued ID. However, if the photo ID is your expired passport, you can still bring it along. But you will need to back up your identity with other documents, leaving you at the mercy of the TSA.

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REAL ID Resources - U.S. Department of Homeland Security extended the REAL ID deadline an additional year to May 7, 2025. Current Illinois driver's licenses or ID cards will continue to be accepted at airports, military bases and secure federal facilities until May 7, 2025.

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Beginning May 3, 2023, all air travelers aged 18 and up will be required to have a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, a state-issued enhanced driver's license, or another acceptable form of identification to fly within the U.S. States.

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