FAQs on Using NY Driver's Licenses to Board Planes

We suspect that the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will not further extend the deadline beyond October 2016 for New Yorkers to use their standard Drivers Licenses to board domestic flights and will soon require passports or Enhanced Driver's Licenses. Below are some key points  the DMV and DHS have posted on their websites:

• Q: Enhanced Drivers Licenses: What Are They?
• A: The NYS DMV has been working with states to enhance their drivers licenses and identification documents to comply with post-9/11 travel rules under the 2009 Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI). Enhanced drivers licenses include a vicinity Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chip that will signal a secure system to pull up your biographic and biometric data for the CBP officer as you approach the border inspection booth, and a Machine Readable Zone (MRZ) or barcode that the CBP officer can read electronically. New York State has been granted an extension to the REAL ID Act through October 10, 2016. Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington are the only states that currently issue EDLs. For more information on EDLs, please click here 
• Q: When will I need to change how I travel domestically?
• A: Starting January 22, 2018, passengers who have driver's licenses issued by a state that is not yet compliant with REAL ID will need to show an alternative form of acceptable identification for domestic air travel. Please see TSA's website for a list of acceptable forms of identification. Passengers who have licenses issued by a state that is compliant with REAL ID requirements may continue to use their licenses as usual. Starting October 1, 2020, every air traveler will need to present a REAL ID-compliant license or another acceptable form of identification for domestic air travel. Travelers can check DHS's REAL ID webpage to learn if your state is compliant.
• Q: Does DMV produce an acceptable REAL ID document?
  A: Yes. New Yorkers can obtain enhanced identification cards at DMV offices. See details here 
• Q: Can I get an EDL through the DMV website?
  A: No. You must apply for an EDL at a DMV office and provide proof of your identity, U.S. citizenship, Social Security number, New York State residency, and date of birth.
• Q: Does an EDL cost more?
  A: There is an additional $30 fee for an EDL because they cost more to produce and require additional review during DMV processing.
• Q: How will this affect my teen applying for a first time driver license? Will minors need to have driver's licenses to fly domestically?
  A: Any driver, regardless of age and whether they were licensed before, can apply for an EDL. TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling with a companion within the United States as long as the companion presents acceptable identification.
• Q: Is a passport my only other option if my state is not compliant?
  A: No. TSA currently accepts several other forms of identity documents and will continue to do so. For more information on acceptable forms of identification for boarding aircraft, please see TSA's website

Additional Questions? Queries may be sent to the DHS Office of State Issued Identification Support at [email protected]

Which airports have the fastest and slowest
security checkpoints?

In its year-in-review post, the TSA touted the improved wait times at its security checkpoints. The organization said that only two percent of all travelers had to wait for more than 20 minutes at security. The sub-20-minute figure takes into account all travelers, including the two million who signed up for the TSA's PreCheck program. There are also other pre-clearance programs, and some airlines have policies that allow premium class passengers or loyalty program members to use special security checkpoints. The speed at which people pass through security depends a lot on which airports they use. J.D. Power and Associates surveyed fliers about security checkpoints at airports around the country and came up with  average wait times at each hub.  Among large airports, Tampa came in first with an average wait time of 11.4 minutes. Another Florida hub, Fort Lauderdale International, clocked in at 12.3 minutes, on average. The slowest airport in terms of checkpoint lines was New York JFK, which averaged 16.8 minutes. Newark and LAX also had waits that topped the 16 minute mark, on average. Other snail-paced checkpoint lines were located at Washington Dulles, Philadelphia, Chicago O'Hare, Seattle Tacoma and New York LaGuardia. Read the full article here

Air France launching JFK-ORY Daily Nonstop 

New York-Orly Flight begins June 6, 2016

• Easy connections through Paris' Domestic Hub!
• Over 75 daily shuttle flights to Nice, Marseille and Bordeaux
• Orly is 9 miles south of central Paris: quick access to via public transit or Air France buses
• Complimentary checked baggage
• Complimentary meals designed by top French chefs
• Complimentary wine, beer, champagne & spirits
• Personal on-demand entertainment

TECHNOLOGYCORNER

More of our favorite mobile apps 

LinkedIn: Just got a major makeover including completely new, easier to navigate UI with clearly labeled sections for your news feed, profile, messages, and contacts. It also has a much more powerful and relevant search. This is the LinkedIn app users have been wanting for years. Download LinkedIn Mobile App Weather Underground: Your iPhone already comes with a serviceable weather app, and Siri can answer queries, but there are reasons Weather Underground (free) is still a must-have app: it clearly presents a lot of hyper-local information in a simple and highly customizable interface; it is rich with information, from high and low temperatures, to the "feels like" temperature; plus, it's chockfull of graphs, numbers, radar maps, wind direction, and more. Better than any other weather app at giving you accurate and recently updated reports. Download Weather Underground App

THEGREATESCAPE

The Norwegian Edge introduces a higher standard of excellence that embraces the entire guest experience, from dining enhancements to world-class private resort destinations. The program starts with their ships: extensive revitalizations have already begun to elevate the entire fleet with the premium look and feel of the line's newest and most spectacular ships. They're investing $400 million to make sure a Norwegian vacation is up to the high standards our clients expect and deserve.
When you savor an array of international tastes and gourmet dishes from their new enhanced menus in renovated restaurants, you've tasted The Norwegian Edge. If you find yourself surrounded by natural beauty in Harvest Caye (pictured above), their premier resort-style island in Belize, you've found The Norwegian Edge. And finally, when you're sharing stories (and selfies) from your incredible vacation weeks after your cruise, you know you've felt The Norwegian Edge.  Contact your Protravel agent for details.