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Airport deputy director urges travelers to plan ahead: arrive early and check Real ID rules
Summary
Patrick Manzo, deputy director of Albert J. Ellis Airport, advised passengers to arrive at least two hours before departure, warned that ticket counters close 45 minutes before departure, and explained the TSA Real ID verification option for travelers without a compliant ID.
Patrick Manzo, deputy director of Albert J. Ellis Airport, spoke about summer travel readiness and recommended arriving at least two hours before scheduled departure. "Make sure you arrive at least 2 hours prior to your scheduled departure time," Manzo said, and added that ticket counters typically close 45 minutes before departure for checked baggage.
Manzo also explained the TSA real-ID requirement for certain identifications and said there is a $45 TSA identity-verification workaround for travelers who lack a Real ID if they complete the process in advance. He recommended downloading carriers' apps for real-time flight updates and noted the advantage of using a regional airport to connect through major hubs without added screening once in the system.
The deputy director described the airport as an "ecosystem" of county staff, TSA, carriers and emergency personnel that together keep operations running and said teams worked through a recent TSA staffing challenge with no major delays. He directed listeners to the airport website and social channels for schedules and updates.
