Albuquerque Airport: Citizenship Checks And Their Impact

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has implemented security measures at airports across the US, including Albuquerque Sunport Airport, to ensure the safety of passengers and staff. These measures include the inspection of baggage and vehicles, restrictions on liquids and gels, and the mandatory removal of certain items such as shoes, jackets, and electronic devices, for separate screening. Additionally, the REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, has set standards for identification documents, requiring travellers to present compliant IDs or other acceptable forms of identification when flying domestically or accessing certain federal facilities. From May 7, 2025, anyone aged 18 or older must provide a REAL ID or an alternative approved form of identification.

TSA PreCheck

To enrol in TSA PreCheck®, individuals can start their application online or visit an enrolment centre. The cost for online enrolment is $58.75 for five years, while in-person enrolment costs $66.75 for five years. The application process includes fingerprinting, document and photo capture, and payment. Once approved, applicants receive a Known Traveller Number (KTN), which they can add to their airline reservations to access the benefits of TSA PreCheck®.

Children under 17 can join an adult with TSA PreCheck® when the indicator appears on their boarding pass. It is important to note that TSA uses unpredictable security measures, and all travellers will be screened. While TSA PreCheck® offers expedited screening, no individual is guaranteed to receive it every time.

Additionally, TSA PreCheck® can be bundled with CLEAR Plus, a service that provides quick identity verification at airport security. The bundle costs $199 for the first year, including five years of TSA PreCheck® and one year of CLEAR Plus.

REAL ID Act

The REAL ID Act was passed by the US Congress in 2005. It enacts the 9/11 Commission's recommendation that the Federal Government set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver's licenses and identification cards. The Act establishes minimum security standards for license issuance and production, and prohibits federal agencies from accepting non-compliant driver's licenses and identification cards for certain official purposes.

The official purposes covered by the Act are:

• Accessing certain federal facilities
• Boarding federally regulated commercial aircraft
• Entering nuclear power plants

From May 7, 2025, anyone aged 18 or over who plans to fly domestically or visit certain federal facilities will need a REAL ID or another acceptable form of identification. This does not apply to minors, who do not need to provide identification when travelling with a companion within the United States.

To obtain a REAL ID, individuals must provide documentation showing:

• Full Legal Name
• Date of Birth
• Social Security Number
• Two Proofs of Address of Principal Residence
• Lawful Status

REAL ID-compliant cards will have one of the following markings on the upper top portion of the card. If the card does not have one of these markings, it is not REAL ID-compliant and won't be accepted as proof of identity for boarding commercial aircraft.

The REAL ID Act is a national set of standards, not a national identification card. It does not create a federal database of driver's license information. Each jurisdiction continues to issue its own unique license, maintains its own records, and controls who gets access to those records and under what circumstances.

Baggage claim

The Albuquerque International Sunport Airport has three baggage claim areas located on the lower level of the main terminal. Baggage claim area A serves Concourse A, baggage claim area B serves Concourse B, and baggage claim area C serves both Concourse A and B. Passengers can easily locate their baggage claim area by checking the flight information display screens located throughout the airport.

If you are travelling to or from the airport, there are several transportation options available. Rental cars are available from several major providers, including Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, and National. The rental car facility is located just outside the terminal building, with signs to guide you. Taxis are also available outside the baggage claim area, with a drop-off area in front of the terminal building. The fare to downtown Albuquerque is approximately $20, and the ride takes about 15 minutes.

Ride-share services such as Uber and Lyft are available at the airport, with a pickup area outside the baggage claim area. There are no restrictions on where you can go, but the fare may vary depending on the time of day and demand.

If you prefer to use an airport shuttle, several companies provide this service, including Sandia Shuttle Express, ABQ Express Shuttle, and RoadRunner Shuttle. The pickup area is located outside the baggage claim area, and the fares vary depending on your destination.

For those looking for a more economical option, the ABQ Ride bus is available for $1 per ride. The bus stop is located outside the baggage claim area, but keep in mind that the bus may not be the most convenient option if you have a lot of luggage or are in a hurry.

Security checkpoints

The Albuquerque International Sunport Airport, also known as ABQ Airport, has security checkpoints located at each concourse. These security checkpoints are operated by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and are subject to the REAL ID Act passed by Congress in 2005.

• Passengers are allowed one carry-on suitcase and one personal item, such as a purse, laptop, or backpack.
• Liquids and gels must be in containers of 3.4 ounces or less, and all containers must be placed in a single, one-quart zip-top plastic bag.
• Metal objects, such as coins and keys, should be placed in your carry-on bag.
• Electronic devices, such as laptops, should be placed in a screening bin.
• Shoes, jackets, and belts must be removed and placed in screening bins.
• Firearms must be unloaded and transported in a locked hard-sided container as checked baggage. Ammunition must also be declared to the airline.
• TSA PreCheck is available at ABQ Airport, offering expedited security screening for approved passengers. This program allows passengers to keep their shoes, laptops, travel-sized liquids, belts, and light jackets on during the screening process.
• The general TSA checkpoint hours of operation are 4:00 a.m. to 11:45 p.m., but these hours are subject to change at TSA's discretion.

It is important to note that all baggage and vehicles are subject to search at any time, and unattended bags will be confiscated and may be destroyed. Passengers should also be aware of the prohibited items and comply with the security measures to ensure a smooth and efficient security checkpoint experience at ABQ Airport.

Carry-on items

Albuquerque International Sunport, also known as ABQ Airport, allows passengers to bring one carry-on suitcase and one personal item, such as a purse, laptop, or backpack. The carry-on size limit for many airlines is 22 x 14 x 9 inches, and most domestic airlines do not enforce a weight limit for carry-on bags. However, it is important to note that carry-on luggage sizes and weight limits can vary by airline and destination.

When passing through security checkpoints at ABQ Airport, passengers are required to follow certain procedures for their carry-on items. Liquids and gels must be in containers of 3.4 ounces or less, and these containers should be placed in a single, one-quart zip-top plastic bag. Metal objects, such as coins and keys, should be placed in your carry-on bag, while laptop computers and other electronic devices need to be placed in a separate screening bin. Additionally, passengers will be asked to remove their shoes, jackets, and belts and place them in the screening bins as well.

For those travelling with firearms, unloaded firearms must be transported in a locked hard-sided container as checked baggage only. It is important to declare the firearm and/or ammunition to the airline when checking your bag at the ticket counter. The container must completely secure the firearm, and locked cases that can be easily opened are not permitted.

It is always a good idea to check with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) or your specific airline for the most up-to-date and detailed information regarding carry-on items.

Frequently asked questions