Jessica Reed is a writer and editor with AIN. She joined the team in the fall of 2023 after two years covering the aviation industry at Avionics International. She earned her bachelor&#039;s degree in English (Writing &amp; Rhetoric) from Pepperdine University. Her hometown is St. Louis, Missouri, and she since has resided in Santa Barbara, California, and Brooklyn, New York, among others. She is currently based in Philadelphia.

Writer & Editor

Jessica Reed

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on Wednesday began enforcing Real ID compliance for all commercial air travelers, affecting some business aviation operators conducting Part 135 charter/nonscheduled commercial operations.&nbsp;This enforcement deadline marks the culmination of the Real ID Act, which established new standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards used for official federal purposes, including boarding federally regulated commercial aircraft.
According to a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.universalweather.com/blog/u-s-real-id-2025-deadline-what-business-aviation-operators-need-to-know/">blog published by Universal Weather &amp; Aviation</a>, operators conducting Part 135 charter operations under TSA security programs such as the Twelve Five Standard Security Program (TFSSP) must verify that passengers present either Real ID-compliant identification or an acceptable alternative document when traveling domestically.
Universal said commercial operators need to ensure that their crews, schedulers, and passengers understand the verification requirements. This includes establishing clear protocols for passenger identification verification, even in the absence of TSA personnel.
While the Real ID deadline introduces new compliance obligations, passengers still have multiple options for acceptable identification. The TSA continues to recognize several documents beyond Real ID-compliant driver’s licenses, including U.S. and foreign passports, U.S. passport cards, DHS Trusted Traveler Cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI), Department of Defense IDs, Permanent Resident Cards, Border Crossing Cards, and Enhanced Driver’s Licenses.
Operators should update their client communications to clearly articulate where Real ID compliance will be required, particularly for multi-leg itineraries or situations where flights might be rebooked from private to commercial operations. Universal Weather &amp; Aviation’s article noted that implementing verification checklists for flight crews could prove valuable, especially at smaller airports where TSA personnel may not be present to conduct additional screening.
Passports will remain the standard requirement for international travel, regardless of Real ID implementation.

News and issues concerning the aviation charter and fractional-ownership industries and markets, including company announcements, regulations, new developments and labor issues.

Real ID Mandate Impacts Part 135 Charter Operations

As of May 7, Part 135 charter flights/nonscheduled commercial operations must comply with Real ID

The U.S. DHS began enforcing Real ID compliance for all commercial air travelers on May 7, affecting charter flights and non-scheduled commercial operations.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

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News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

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News and issues concerning general aviation, specifically airplanes and helicopters powered by piston and alternative engines (i.e., non-turbine powered aircraft). Subjects include aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

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