Travelers passing through Salina Regional Airport are now seeing noticeable changes with the full implementation of Real ID requirements. Pieter Miller, executive director at Salina Regional Airport, said passengers will find added signage throughout the terminal reminding them that Real IDs are now necessary for air travel. For those without a Real ID, the airport has posted lists of alternate forms of identification that are still accepted, such as passports, military IDs, and permanent resident cards.

To streamline the process, Miller said TSA has temporarily added a third checkpoint line—one for Real ID holders, another for TSA PreCheck travelers, and one for those with alternate IDs. Eventually, he said the alternate ID line is expected to phase out as more travelers transition to Real IDs.

Airport officials say Real IDs help enhance security by verifying travelers’ identities more reliably. The new process is also making checkpoints more efficient, as most Kansas residents—over 85%—already carry a Real ID.

“We haven’t really had too many issues. Here at the Salina airport, the lines move through just like they should. Over 85% of the people in the state of Kansas have the real ID already, so it’s a small percentage that would be trying to go through without one. So far so good. The TSA has added more staff temporarily to help process the passengers and explain to them what forms of ID are important and what can get them through,” said Miller.

Meanwhile, construction of a new Amazon last-mile distribution center near the airport is moving quickly. The facility is set for occupancy by May 31 and is expected to be fully operational by mid-October. Airport staff say it’s one of the fastest projects they’ve seen.