My Federal Compliant Real ID arrived April 30th; now I just needed my regalia to arrive.

May 2nd I came home to a white box with my name on it. My regalia had arrived! I breathed a huge sigh of relief, and then I started wondering about packing. I broke out the tape measure and discovered that my carry-on luggage no longer qualified as “carry-on.”

I refused to check my luggage, so I broke out my backpack from my Community College days. It had worked well enough for my business trip to Vegas in February, but I didn’t see it working for a four day trip with a cap and gown. I guess it was time to go shopping. I wanted to find the balance between cost-effective and multi-functional since I didn’t see more air travel anytime soon. Four stores later I settled on a collapsing duffel bag with wheels, time to start packing.

Less than a week to go for my trip and my anxiety was kicking in. I was traveling across the country alone someplace I had never been. I spent May 7th on the internet for hours scoping out places I where I could eat and things I could go see. Trying to find the balance between cramming everything I could into the trip and actually relaxing and enjoying the time off.

I sent out the emails I needed for work, reminding them I would be out of the office for two days and please plan their emergencies accordingly. I crammed as much work as possible into my four day work week, and then Thursday at 5:30, I left work.

I packed the night before, even put my bag in the car, you know, that always be prepared mentality. I spent the day reviewing all possible contingencies and things I could plan for, be prepared for, so when I got home I had a short list of additional items to pack, and I was ready to go. My son drove me to the airport, hugged me and wished me a great time. Having checked-in the night before, I skipped the self-serve kiosks. I headed straight for the security checkpoint; after all, I was ready with my boarding pass displayed on the browser that I had not touched since I checked in.

About ten people from the checkpoint I pull up the browser on my phone. The boarding pass was no longer displayed. I panicked. The line was moving quickly, and I couldn’t figure out how to get the boarding pass. I tried to go on the airline’s website and check in. The website wouldn’t let me enter my phone number or email to have it sent to me. By now I have stepped in a corner between the two lines, against the rope.

The TSA Agent calls out to me every few people, “Did you get it yet? Are you ready yet?” I just keep touching the screen cursing under my breath. One or two other travels seem to be facing similar panic, but I seem to be taking the longest. Finally, I download the app. Why not, I may never fly this airline again because I rarely fly, but why not add to the apps taking up space on my phone. It downloads and installs with little issue.

I fill in the requested information, and I have my boarding pass. The TSA Agent gets excited, she exclaims, “I can see it, I see a bar-code.” I stepped up to the podium boarding pass and Real ID in hand. She smiles and checks it over, cheerfully wishing me a happy birthday in a few days.

I step in the next line for security screening fighting back the panic I had been feeling for the longest five minutes of my life. I had learned on my last trip, don’t wear clothes with “bling” or you will get felt up. Do wear socks or you’ll end up walking on the airport floor barefoot. I sailed through the security scan.