My Panic Moment at Albuquerque Airport
I almost got stuck at the airport last week because nobody told me about New Mexico’s new ID rules. Seriously, why don’t they put this stuff in bigger letters? So here’s exactly what happened step by step so you don’t screw up like I did.
First off, I booked this cheap weekend trip from Dallas to Albuquerque. Grabbed my usual carry-on, printed boarding pass, totally normal. At security, I hand over my Texas driver’s license like always. TSA guy squints at it then goes “Sorry sir, this isn’t REAL ID compliant.”
My stomach dropped. Flight boards in 45 minutes and this dude says “You need passport or enhanced ID.” I’m standing there holding my coffee like an idiot thinking – since when does America need passports for domestic flights?
What saved my ass:
- My wife remembered we had passports in the carry-on from our Cancun trip
- Dug through dirty laundry pocket and found them
- Almost expired but still had 3 months left
The TSA supervisor confirmed these three things get adults through:
- REAL ID license (with that star in the corner)
- Valid U.S. passport (even expired ones won’t work!)
- Military ID
Funny thing? My buddy flew in from Denver same day with just his regular Colorado license. TSA waved him through! The guy at the checkpoint shrugged when I asked why – apparently enforcement’s still spotty depending on airport mood. Total BS if you ask me.
Now here’s the kicker. When we landed, the rental car counter asked for my passport again “for state records.” I told them to take a photo of my license instead. They gave me this whole speech about New Mexico needing “verified federal documentation.” Whatever – just wanted the damn keys.
Bottom line? Stuff that stupid passport in your bag even for quick hops. Almost missed my sister’s wedding because of this junk. Next time I’m driving.
