the latest in air travel
If you’re traveling by air within the U.S. or internationally, stay up-to-date on the latest to avoid snags and long lines.
Real ID — for real this time!
After several delays, the federally mandated Real ID program will begin on May 7, 2025. Every adult (age 18+) who flies in the U.S. will be required to present a Real ID Card, a passport, a DHS Trusted Traveler Card (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST) or other federally approved ID.
It is predicted there will be a rush and delays to obtain this important ID before the deadline. To get a Real ID card, you must apply in-person at the DMV, and the cost is $30 plus the regular license renewal fee of $40. In addition to the fees, you must present multiple official documents (see sidebar). If you want to avoid it, the best thing to do is obtain or renew your passport, which can be used in lieu
of Real ID.
TSA PreCheck
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) PreCheck program lets pre-approved citizens breeze through airport checkpoints without removing shoes, laptops or liquids at more than 200 airports in the USA for domestic and international travel.
The Eugene Airport has a dedicated TSA PreCheck screening line. The cost is $78 per person for a five-year membership. Children age 12 and under can join their parents in the pre-check line for no cost. Youth ages 13 through 17 may receive PreCheck benefits if they are booked on the same flight reservation with a parent who has TSA PreCheck.
There is an enrollment office in downtown Eugene to make it easy to participate in the PreCheck program. Please note that TSA PreCheck does not qualify as Real ID.
Passports
To travel outside of the United States and its territories (U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands) U.S. citizens of all ages are required to carry a current passport.
Currently the cost is $165 for ages 16 and over (valid for 10 years) and $135 for under age 16 (valid for 5 years). Both parents are required to be present when applying for a passport for a minor. Right now it takes 6 to 8 weeks to receive a passport. You can pay an extra $60 (per person) to have your passport expedited to an estimated 2 to 3 weeks. Note that many countries require that your passport expiration date is at least 6 months after your return travel date.
Global Entry
If you plan to travel outside of the U.S. over the next five years, it’s worthwhile to apply for the Global Entry program instead of TSA PreCheck. The cost is $100 for five years of Global Entry, and it includes TSA PreCheck.
Global Entry membership (and fees) are required for all ages; children do not receive any benefits unless they have purchased their own Global Entry. To apply for Global Entry you must have a valid passport, create a Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) account, complete an application, pay the $100 fee and attend an in-person interview at the office in Portland. The entire process could take a few months, so begin early. Also note that the price will rise to $120 on Oct. 1.
Mobile Passport Control
For international travel, there is a new free program that makes re-entering the U.S. from another country so much easier. Mobile Passport Control allows eligible travelers to submit their passport, photo
and customs declaration information through a secure app on their smartphones.
The app can be downloaded from the Apple App store and Google Play for free. It’s simple to enter your information in the app, and then use upon arrival to your first point of entry in the U.S. at one of the participating airports or seaports. Look for the Mobile Passport Control area and either use a kiosk, or see a Customs and Border Patrol agent, to finalize inspection for re-entry to the U.S.
Currently this is available at 52 sites which include all major airports and four seaports. One person can submit for their family or group of up to 12 people. This program can save you from waiting in long lines.
If you have Global Entry, you do not need to do Mobile Passport Control as you already have expedited re-entry to the U.S.
REAL ID
documentation requirements
Proof of identity and lawful status
Social Security number
Two proofs of current
physical address
Proof of legal name changes
Beware of scam websites!
Scammers have sites with similar names, so make sure you are using only official websites. Also, rules change often, so check the official sites for the most current information.
Real ID: tsa.gov/real-id
Trusted Traveler Programs: ttp.cbp.dhs.gov
Passport info: travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports
Meet Vacation MOM
Vacation MOM is brought to you in partnership with Eugene Airport
Donnita Bassinger is a busy mom of three who lives in Eugene and is active in many local charities. She has been a travel agent in Oregon for 30 years and witnessed many changes to the Eugene Airport. As the owner of VIP Vacations, she is happy to chat with you about your travel plans.
Contact Donnita at 541-913-5272 or on facebook @VacationMOM
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