DHS Announces Extension of REAL ID Full Enforcement Deadline
WASHINGTON – Today, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced its intent to extend the REAL ID full enforcement date by 24 months, from May 3, 2023 to May 7, 2025. Under the new regulations published to execute this change, states will now have additional time to ensure their residents have driver’s licenses and identification cards that meet the security standards established by the REAL ID Act. As required by the law, following the enforcement deadline, federal agencies, including the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), will be prohibited from accepting driver’s licenses and identification cards that do not meet these federal standards.
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Changes to Delta Sky Club Membership Prices, Restrict Access
Delta Air Lines is raising membership and entry fees for access to its Sky Club airport lounges in an effort to "preserve a best-in-class experience," the carrier announced Wednesday. The changes come after a year with a "record number of visits," that at some airports left customers standing in lines trying to get into clubs that had reached capacity, according to Delta.
The changes also follow Delta's announcement in October that some Medallion Qualification Dollars thresholds for elite tiers will increase for 2024 status, and the carrier's new time limit for Sky Club access—three hours prior to scheduled departure time—which started June 1. Connecting customers do not have that time limit. Delta 360 loyalty members and customers with a lifetime club membership also are exempt, according to the carrier.
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United Reveals Initial Plan for Electric Commuter Aircraft
Like a helicopter, the aircraft will do vertical takeoffs and landings. United hopes to launch the service in 2025.
Flights would take less than 10 minutes using the Midnight aircraft under development by California-based Archer Aviation. The two companies said Downtown Manhattan Heliport to Newark is the first air taxi route to be announced in the nascent industry of electric commuter aircraft.
The Midnight is being developed to fly four passengers up to 60 miles at speeds of up to 150 mph. Last year, United entered into an agreement to purchase up to 200 Archer electric commuter aircraft in partnership with regional airline Mesa. United announced a $10 million pre-payment to Archer in September.
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