Airport Connections And Your Identification: What's The Link?

Connecting flights can be a source of anxiety for many travellers, with concerns about missing a connection or not knowing the procedure. However, they are generally a straightforward process and often offer benefits such as lower fares or breaking up long-haul flights. When booking a connecting flight, it's important to leave enough time to comfortably travel between gates, especially if additional security clearance is required. While most connecting airports will have clear signage for transfers, knowing the procedure and allowing for potential delays can make the process smoother. In terms of identification, the requirements may vary depending on the country. For example, in the US, adult passengers are required to show valid identification, such as a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or a passport. It's important to check the specific ID requirements for your journey to ensure a smooth travel experience.

Identification requirements for connecting flights

For travellers boarding a flight in the United States, a valid photo ID accepted by the TSA, such as a driver's license or other government-issued ID, is required for domestic travel. For international travel, a valid passport or visa, as well as any necessary travel documents, is mandatory.

Adult passengers (18 and older) must produce valid identification at the airport checkpoint to be allowed to travel. This includes a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or other accepted ID, like a valid passport or U.S. military ID. Beginning on May 7, 2025, a REAL ID-compliant card will be mandatory to fly within the U.S. These cards generally have a star at the top.

Minors under the age of 18 are typically exempt from presenting identification for domestic U.S. travel. Airlines will accept identification from the responsible adult accompanying the minor(s). However, for international travel, minors must present the same travel documents as adults. Each airline has its own identification requirements for minors, so it is advisable to contact your airline well in advance to understand their specific policies.

In the event that a passenger arrives at the airport without acceptable identification, they may still be permitted to fly. The TSA officer may employ alternative methods, such as collecting additional information, to verify the individual's identity. However, if the identity cannot be confirmed, the passenger will not be allowed to proceed beyond the security checkpoint.

REAL ID compliance

For US citizens, a REAL ID-compliant form of identification will be required to board domestic flights from May 7, 2025. This deadline has been pushed back several times, most recently due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which made it difficult for people to get to their local DMV and obtain a REAL ID.

A REAL ID-compliant driver's license will have a star (and/or a flag) in the top right corner or will say "Enhanced". If you are unsure whether your ID is REAL ID compliant, check with your state department of motor vehicles.

If you do not have a REAL ID, you will need another acceptable form of identification to fly domestically. This could be a passport, a DHS trusted traveller card (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST), a permanent resident card, a border crossing card, a transportation worker identification credential, a veteran health identification card, or a foreign government-issued passport, among other forms of ID.

If you arrive at the airport without acceptable identification, you may still be allowed to fly. A TSA officer may ask you to complete an identity verification process, which includes providing information such as your name and current address. If your identity is confirmed, you will be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint, but you may be subject to additional screening, such as a pat-down and bag search.

TSA identity verification process

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has outlined a process for identity verification for passengers who arrive at the airport without acceptable identification. This could be due to a lost or stolen ID, a recent name change, or other reasons. Here is an overview of the TSA identity verification process:

• Notification: Passengers without acceptable identification should inform a TSA officer about their situation. It is important to remain calm and cooperative throughout the process.
• Information Collection: The TSA officer will initiate the identity verification process by collecting personal information from the passenger. This typically includes the passenger's name, current address, and other relevant details.
• Identity Confirmation: Using the information provided, the TSA officer will attempt to confirm the passenger's identity. This may involve additional screening measures, such as a pat-down and a bag search. The specific protocols may vary based on the technology available at the checkpoint and other intelligence-driven factors.
• Checkpoint Entry: If the passenger's identity is successfully confirmed, they will be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint. However, they may still be subject to further screening procedures.
• Digital ID Options: Passengers can now use digital forms of identification at select TSA checkpoints. This includes mobile driver's licenses or ID passes stored in digital wallets on smartphones (e.g., Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, Samsung Wallet). TSA-approved digital ID apps or state-issued apps may also be used.
• Biometric Technology: TSA officers may use biometric cameras and facial recognition technology to assist with identity verification. This is done on a voluntary basis, and passengers can choose to opt out of the photo-taking process. The TSA is committed to protecting passenger privacy and deleting all personal data collected during the verification process.
• Physical ID Requirement: It is important to note that, currently, all passengers must still carry a physical ID for verification. If the digital ID cannot be verified, a passenger must present an acceptable physical identity document, such as a driver's license or passport, to proceed through the identity verification process.
• Non-compliance: If a passenger declines to cooperate with the identity verification process, chooses not to provide acceptable identification, or if their identity cannot be confirmed, they will not be permitted to enter the security checkpoint.

It is recommended that individuals who anticipate issues with their identification arrive at the airport at least three hours before their scheduled flight time to allow for these additional verification procedures.

International connecting flights

A connecting flight occurs when you fly on two or more planes before reaching your final destination. This means that you will need to leave the plane and board a different aircraft. For example, if you are flying from London Heathrow to Shenzhen, China, with a layover in Frankfurt, you will need to depart the aircraft in Frankfurt and board a new flight to reach your destination.

Booking and Luggage:

If you have booked all your flights on a single ticket, the connecting procedure is usually straightforward. Your baggage will likely be passed between flights automatically, and you won't need to do anything regarding your luggage. However, sometimes it is necessary to pick up and re-check your luggage, especially if your connecting flight is with a low-cost airline. It is recommended to confirm with the check-in agent if you need to collect your luggage at any point before your final destination.

If you have booked your connecting flights independently, the airline is not obliged to transfer your baggage, and you will need to collect and re-check your luggage before your connecting flight. In this case, it is crucial to allow ample time between connecting flights.

Identification and Security:

When it comes to identification, the requirements may vary depending on your origin and destination countries. Here are some general guidelines:

• For international travel from the US, you will need identification for TSA security and for the airline. A passport, visa, or other acceptable documents are typically required.
• For international travel in general, a passport is typically required. You may also need a visa or additional documentation, depending on the country.
• For domestic travel within the US, adult passengers aged 18 and older must show valid identification, such as a driver's license or a state-issued ID.
• For domestic travel outside the US, many countries have ID requirements similar to those in the US. Check with the appropriate authorities in the country you are visiting.

Tips for a Smooth Connection:

To ensure a smooth and stress-free connection, consider the following:

• Allow enough time for your baggage to be transferred between flights. The recommended minimum connecting time is 1 hour for domestic flights and 2 hours for international flights.
• Keep your travel documents, such as your passport and visa, easily accessible.
• Confirm the baggage transfer policy with your airline and check for any restrictions or fees, especially for international connections.
• Label your luggage with your name, contact information, and destination.
• If you have special assistance requirements, allow extra time at the connecting airport.
• If you are transferring between an international and a domestic flight, you will typically need to collect your checked baggage, clear customs and immigration, re-check your luggage, and go through security screening again.

By following these guidelines and staying informed about the specific requirements of your journey, you can confidently navigate your next international connecting flight.

Domestic connecting flights

For domestic connecting flights, it is important to know the requirements for both domestic and connecting flights.

Firstly, a domestic flight is one that departs and arrives within the same country, whereas an international flight involves travel between different countries. A connecting flight occurs when you fly on two or more planes before reaching your final destination. A connecting domestic flight is, therefore, a flight that stops at an intermediate airport within the same country before reaching its final destination. This allows passengers to transfer to another flight without going through customs and immigration.

When it comes to identification, adult passengers (18 and older) travelling on domestic flights within the US must show some form of acceptable identification to the TSA at the airport checkpoint. This can include a driver's license, state-issued ID, passport, or other official documentation. From May 7, 2025, a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or other accepted ID will be required to fly within the US. Children under 18 are not required to provide identification when travelling within the US, although it may be a good idea for them to carry some form of ID.

When travelling on a domestic connecting flight, it is important to leave enough time to comfortably travel between gates at the connecting airport. Even if no additional security clearance is required, the time it takes to deplane and get to your next gate can vary depending on the size of the airport. Most airport websites advise a minimum connection time, but choosing a longer connection time may be wise to account for potential delays.

In most cases, your baggage will be checked through to your final destination when flying on a single ticket. However, depending on the connecting country's laws, you may need to retrieve and re-check your bag during your layover. This will usually be advised by the check-in agent, and the connecting airport will have clear signage for re-checking.

Frequently asked questions