The new Real ID requirement for air travel has officially begun, leading to a surge in last-minute applications and some confusion among travelers. As airport operations adjust, officials in Tennessee have warned of potential delays in issuing permanent IDs amidst the rush. While the TSA has indicated that travelers without a Real ID will still be allowed to fly for now, many passengers are arriving unaware of the changes. Airports across the U.S. report a smooth rollout initially, but concerns over compliance and potential disruptions remain. With varying rates of readiness among states, experts continue to debate the security implications of the mandate.