Ready or Not, REAL ID Is Here: How Leading Airports’ Omnichannel Content Strategy Helped Passengers Prepare

Attention all passengers: this is the final boarding call for REAL ID. Starting today, May 7, 2025, passengers must present their REAL ID to fly. For infrequent fliers, this deadline may feel like a surprise. For anyone who’s taken a flight in the last few years, it’s probably old news. Leading airports and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) leveraged an omnichannel content strategy to help their passengers prepare for REAL ID enforcement.

TSA Real ID content as shown on ReadySeeGo on the left, and in close-up on the right.

Today’s blog highlights some of our clients' excellent work to educate and inform passengers ahead of the REAL ID deadline.

What is REAL ID?

REAL ID sets a higher standard for identification based on the 9/11 Commission’s recommendations.

Passengers who attempt to fly without a REAL ID will be subject to additional security screening before they can board.

LAS: Clearer Communication in the Security Checkpoint

Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) is driven by innovation. As a key participant in the TSA’s Innovation Task Force (ITF) and the home of the TSA’s Innovation Checkpoint, they’re often among the first to implement new solutions that streamline security and improve passenger experiences—including ReadySeeGo®.

Helpful Real ID reminders on ReadySeeGo at LAS.

Using Synect’s dynamic visual communication platform, LAS and TSA deliver real-time information throughout the Innovation Checkpoint and the checkpoint at Terminal 3. Wait time updates make lines feel shorter; clear, animated messages guide travelers through divestment and screening procedures to make lines move faster.

Thanks to custom content created by TSA and Synect, Harry Reid has been reminding the traveling public about Real ID for years.

Harry Reid’s omnichannel content strategy has been key in sharing reminders about the REAL ID at every step of the passenger journey—even before they enter the airport. As passengers prepared to fly, they saw press releases and social media posts about the change in procedure. At security, ReadySeeGo installations reminded them to check whether they're REAL ID ready.

ABE: A True Omnichannel Content Strategy

Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE) is committed to constantly improving passenger experiences. With ReadySeeGo, they created a friendlier, faster, more informative security checkpoint.

REAL ID content was introduced early and seamlessly integrated into ABE’s security-focused displays. Using attention-grabbing visuals and dynamic updates, ABE helps travelers know what to expect—and what to bring—before they reach the checkpoint.

ABE’s proactive communication extends well beyond the checkpoint. In April, airport and PennDOT leaders gathered to raise awareness about the REAL ID deadline while digital reminders rolled in the background.

Alongside reminders on ABE's website and social media, plus a special edition of their podcast and a feature in their newsletter, they made the message impossible to miss.

JFK T4: Clear Communication in Complex Spaces

Clear and consistent communication is essential for maintaining efficient operations. That’s why the JFKIAT team uses ReadySeeGo to power security checkpoint communication across JFK T4. 

TSA-vetted content reminds passengers about Real ID at JFK T4.

By placing ReadySeeGo installations at strategic points throughout security, JFKT4 ensures the right message reaches passengers at the right times.

Eye-catching content helps passengers prepare for screening, and REAL ID content reminds them of what documentation will be needed—and when it will be enforced. 

Coupled with reminders on the airport’s social media pages, updates from Port Authority, and dedicated press releases, travelers in and around have gotten plenty of notice about the

implementation of REAL ID. 

MCO: Airport-Wide Communication in Context  

With Passenger360® powering an award-winning visual ecosystem across over 2,000 screens at Orlando International Airport (MCO), integrating REAL ID messaging in the security checkpoint was seamless. 

Real ID reminders on the massive security checkpoint video wall at MCO's Terminal C.

As shown in the photo to the right, Terminal C passengers received timely information and reminders of the REAL ID deadline alongside clear queue guidance from the overhead video wall.  

Paired with consistent reminders on their website and consistent social media updates, MCO has ensured that millions of passengers received helpful reminders to upgrade their IDs before the deadline. 

Airport Communication Strategy That Scales 

You can’t reach today’s passengers with yesterday’s communication tools. 

REAL ID readiness is just one example of how airports can use omnichannel content strategy to deliver the right message at the right time. From public service campaigns to emergency alerts to day-to-day wayfinding, a smart content strategy ensures every screen works harder, faster, and smarter for passengers and staff. 

Want to build your airport’s content strategy for what comes next? Let’s talk about how Synect can help.