Does Your ID Fly? TSA REAL ID Deadline is May 7

Beginning May 7, 2025, every air traveler 18 years and older must present a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license with a gold star or another acceptable form of identification to pass through TSA security checkpoints at airports. A standard license will no longer be sufficient for domestic air travel.

Other TSA acceptable forms of ID include:

  • State-issued Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) or Enhanced ID (EID)
  • U.S. passport
  • U.S. passport card
  • DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
  • U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
  • Permanent resident card
  • A full list may be found here.

Don’t Have Your Acceptable ID?

Passengers who do not yet have their REAL ID or another TSA acceptable form of ID can expect to face delays, additional screening, and the possibility of not being allowed into the security checkpoint. This includes TSA PreCheck passengers.

Expired ID

TSA currently accepts expired ID up to two years after expiration, for the above listed forms of identification. 

Children

TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling within the United States. Contact the airline for questions regarding specific ID requirements for travelers under 18.

Names With Suffixes

TSA accepts variations on suffixes on boarding passes and ID. Suffixes are not required on boarding passes. If there is a suffix on the boarding pass, and there is not one on the ID or vice versa, that is considered an acceptable variation.

Find more information on REAL ID here. 

TSA PreCheck Enrollment 4/1 – 4/10

Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport will be hosting a TSA PreCheck® enrollment event in collaboration with IDEMIA, an authorized TSA PreCheck enrollment provider since 2013. Travelers will be able to enroll or renew their membership in-person from April 1 – 10, 2025. The TSA PreCheck Application Program is open to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, and lawful permanent residents.

The enrollment process is quick, convenient, and even faster when the application is completed online beforehand.  During the in-person appointment, applicants are required to provide identity and citizenship documents, fingerprints and a photo will be captured, and then pay for the application fee. IDEMIA offers TSA PreCheck enrollment for $76.75 and if approved, travelers get a five-year membership with the program.

Following the in-person enrollment appointment, most applicants receive their Known Traveler Number (KTN) in about three to five days. The KTN number must be added to flight reservations to enjoy TSA PreCheck benefits.

TSA PreCheck was created in October 2011 as a way to provide low-risk travelers with a smoother experience through airport security. It’s a great option for travelers looking to save time. Enrolled members have access to TSA PreCheck dedicated screening lanes at over 200 participating U.S. airports nationwide, and 99% of members wait 10 minutes or less in a screening lane. TSA PreCheck passengers travel with ease and keep their shoes, belts and light jackets on and keep laptops, 3-1-1 liquids and food items in their bags.

If you are unable to make the Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport enrollment event, but are still interested in enrolling in the TSA PreCheck Application Program, please complete the application online and schedule an appointment at one of IDEMIA’s 630+ enrollment centers nationwide. To get started visit: https://tsaenrollmentbyidemia.tsa.dhs.gov/. For more information on the TSA PreCheck program, visit tsa.gov/precheck.

 

 

 

 

 

 

3rd Annual MSGCAA Christmas Tree Display Unveiled

Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport is thrilled to partner with the Mississippi Gulf Coast Attractions Association to bring our passengers the most festive display of local attractions. Santa cut the ribbon on December 6 to officially open the 3rd annual Christmas tree display.

The seven participating attractions each decorated their trees to match the theme of their mission. This year’s display includes trees from Bananas Mini-Golf & Arcade, Dr. Wagner’s Honey Island Swamp Tours, Lynn Meadows Discovery Center, Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum, Mississippi Aquarium, Ohr O’Keefe Museum of Art and TrainTastic Interactive Model Railroad Museum.

TSA PreCheck® Enrollment Event 11/12-11/15!

Sign up now!

GPT and IDEMIA are hosting a TSA PreCheck enrollment event, ready to make your U.S. travel easier. If you’re not already part of the TSA PreCheck program, you can now pre-enroll and schedule your in-person appointment at Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport – 14035-L Airport Road, Gulfport MS 39503.

Appointments are available on a first come first served basis, so we recommend applying as soon as possible.

3 Easy Steps to TSA PreCheck

  1. Apply online: Submit an online application and schedule an appointment at Gulfport, MS – Pop-Up: GPT, 11/12-11/15
  2. Enroll in person: Come to Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport to complete the less than 10-minute enrollment which includes capturing your fingerprints and photo for the TSA background check. Be sure to bring documentation proving your identity and citizenship status.
  3. Get your Known Traveler Number (KTN): Most travelers get their KTN in three to five days.

What is TSA PreCheck?

TSA PreCheck was created to provide low-risk travelers with a smoother experience at the airport security passenger checkpoint. The program is open to U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents.

The TSA PreCheck program is a great option for frequent travelers looking to save time during the airport security process. There is a $78 enrollment application fee, which covers five years of participation, if approved.

Why Should I Enroll?

  • VIP experience: Exclusive access to dedicated screening lanes at 200+ U.S. airports.
  • Pack just once: No need to remove shoes, laptops, 3-1-1 liquids, belts, or light jackets.
  • Families welcome: Kids 17 and under tag along with enrolled parents/guardians for free.
  • Your time is valuable: Most TSA PreCheck passengers wait less than five minutes in line.

We hope you take advantage of this great service and look forward to seeing you soon!

TSA Introduces Explosives Detection K9 Program

Who Let the Dogs Out? TSA Did.

A Transportation Security Administration (TSA) K9 handler and his explosives detection canine demonstrated their teamwork keeping the public safe at the Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport (GPT) on August 15.

During this media event TSA demonstrated how the nose knows as this newly deployed K9 team screens travelers. The press briefing highlighted how the recently deployed TSA explosives detection teams serve as a critical layer of security at your local airport.

Canine teams are one of the most efficient means of detecting explosive substances. The teams are highly mobile and can be rapidly deployed in response to threats anywhere in the airport to provide reliable explosives detection capabilities.

The canine program exemplifies TSA’s commitment to focusing resources on the greatest threat to transportation systems and exists to deter and detect the introduction of explosive devices into any of the Nation’s transportation systems.

TSA-certified canine teams are single purpose trained only to detect explosive materials. The teams play a vital role in the overall security posture of the transportation modes to which they are deployed.

GPT Breaks Ground on New Fleet Maintenance Facility

The Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport leadership, team and partners broke ground on a new Fleet Maintenance Facility. The new facility will allow the airport maintenance department to consolidate to one central location closer to the terminal building in order to better serve airport partners and the flying public. It replaces an aging facility that can no longer accommodate the growing needs of the airport.

“The airport works diligently to undertake a variety of projects, such as our new Fleet Maintenance Facility, providing for a convenient flying experience while improving the overall infrastructure at GPT for safety and longevity,” said Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport Executive Director Clay Williams.

“We are fortunate to have a tremendous partner in the State of Mississippi and Governor Tate Reeves who make the resources available to implement these efforts,” Williams continued.

This is a $3.24 million dollar project funded by the RESTORE Act and is expected to be complete by the summer of 2025.

“The new Fleet Maintenance Facility at Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport is a vital project for our community. This $3.24 million investment, funded by the RESTORE Act, will streamline airport maintenance operations and create over 80 local jobs,” said Gulfport Mayor Billy Hewes.

“We look forward to its completion in summer 2025 and the positive impact it will have on our airport and region,” continued Mayor Hewes.

“This project resonates with how important the airport is to the coast. The airport is a main thoroughfare bringing tourists and business professionals to Biloxi and the Mississippi Coast,” said Biloxi Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich.

“Bringing these visitors to the coast indirectly benefits Biloxi by allowing visitors to fill hotel rooms and enjoy the amenities in the city. So improving the ability to service the airport is becoming more and more important with the number of travelers to the coast,” Mayor Gilich continued.

The Fleet Maintenance Facility project was designed by the team at Eley Guild Hardy Architects with J.W. Puckett & Co., Inc. handling the construction. The employment impact will be approximately 80 jobs ranging from engineering, construction, architectural and more.

Charter Partner Beau Rivage Celebrates 25 Years

Beau Rivage Resort & Casino opened its doors in Biloxi on March 15, 1999. In response to Beau Rivage’s arrival, the Coast casino market grew from $814 million in 1998 to top $1 billion for the first time in 1999 — a whopping 27 percent increase in a year. This year, the property celebrates 25 wildly successful years.

“Achieving the success Beau Rivage has experienced since 1999 has been a true collaboration of our employees, our guests and our community,” said Brandon Dardeau, Beau Rivage President and Chief Operating Officer.

The anniversary festivities have included a spectacular drone show, an employee celebration, a New Orleans-style second line parade throughout the resort, a packing party for local charity, and even the re-release of the original Biloxi Blonde beer in partnership with Chandeleur Brewing Company. Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport joined the celebration by offering a St. Patrick’s Day welcome, and hopefully a dose of luck, to Beau Rivage’s air charter guests on March 15.

Beau Rivage is the only resort in the Southeast with a scheduled charter flight program servicing more than 90 cities nationwide with over 500 flights per year.

“We’ve grown and we’ve grown our customer base. We run an air program called MGMAir, we’re bringing customers from all over the country,” said Dardeau.

The MGMAir team, along with partners Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport and Sun Country Airlines, works diligently to bring in guests from all over, showcasing the beautiful place we call home. The air program launched in 2009 and hit a huge milestone of 1,000,000 passengers served in 2022.

GPT Executive Director Clay Williams said “Beau Rivage has worked strategically over the years to exponentially grow its air charter program. With this effort to attract additional fly-in visitors, the Beau Rivage air program has grown to comprise approximately 25 percent of the air service at Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport.”

Cheers to Beau Rivage Resort & Casino on 25 years of unparalleled success and the many more certain to come. Thank you for flying GPT!

Inaugural Service to Las Vegas & Tampa Celebrated

Gulfport -Biloxi International Airport and Breeze Airways today inaugurated the newest service to Tampa and Las Vegas.

Fares on the new nonstops start as low as $44* one-way, if purchased by January 18, for travel by February 17.  Further, Breeze is currently offering 35-percent off** all roundtrip base fares on travel from January 15 through May 22 if the promo code ‘GETFRESH’ is used at checkout on the Breeze App or at flybreeze.com.  The promotion is available through January 12 (11:59pm ET) and includes every route in Breeze’s coast-to-coast network spanning 46 cities in 26 states.

From Gulfport, MS to:

  • Las Vegas, NV (Mon and Fri, starting January 12, 2024, Nice from $59* one way); and
  • Tampa, FL (Mon and Fri, starting January 12, 2024, Nice from $44* one way).

“As Breeze Airways continues to expand, we are thrilled they have chosen to begin service from Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport to the exciting cities of Las Vegas and Tampa,” said Clay Williams, Executive Director. “Having additional affordable nonstop options will also provide convenient access for visitors from Nevada and Florida to enjoy the many amenities of the Mississippi Gulf Coast.”

“Breeze looks to connect city pairs which currently have no nonstop service, and we’re starting things off in Gulfport-Biloxi with two high demand destinations in Tampa and Las Vegas,” said Breeze Airways’ President Tom Doxey. “Whether you want to take a quick trip to the Entertainment Capital of the World, or head down to Florida for the weekend, Breeze has you covered.”

Recognized by Travel + Leisure readers as one of the Top 5 Best U.S. Airlines for the second consecutive year, Breeze offers Guests both bundled and a la carte options known as Nice, Nicer and, on flights operated with the Airbus A220-300, Nicest. The Nicest bundle includes two checked bags, priority boarding and Breeze Ascent—the carrier’s premium inflight experience featuring 2×2 recliner-style seating and complimentary snacks and beverages, including alcohol.  

Breeze doesn’t charge change or cancellation fees up to 15 minutes prior to departure and offers other benefits such as free family seating and a la carte pricing. With seamless booking, no change or cancellation fees, up to 24-months of reusable flight credit and customized flight features delivered via a sleek and simple app, Breeze makes it easy to buy and easy to fly. Learn more about Breeze’s flight offerings via our site or the app.

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*Nice promotion is available only when booking a new reservation for travel between January 18 and February 17, 2024. Promotion must be purchased by January 18, 2024 (11:59 pm ET).  Price displayed includes taxes and government fees. Fare prices, fare classes, rules, routes, and schedules are subject to change or exemption without notice. Any changes or modifications to qualifying promotional reservations will be subject to fare repricing. A difference in airfare at the current fare price may apply. Other restrictions and blackout dates may apply.

**35% base fare discount applies only to new reservations for roundtrip flights with promo code GETFRESH. Supply is limited, and no advance purchase requirement applies. Promotion must be purchased at flybreeze.com or on the Breeze app from January 8, 2024, through January 12, 2024 (11:59 pm ET), for travel from January 15, 2024, through May 22, 2024. Travel must be flown on qualifying travel dates for discount to be applied in full. Discount will apply only to flights on qualifying travel dates. All fare rules will apply. Certain flights and/or days of travel may be unavailable. Fare prices, fare classes, rules, routes, and schedules are subject to change or exemption without notice. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Any changes or modifications to qualifying promotional reservations will be subject to fare repricing. A difference in airfare at the current fare price may apply. Other restrictions and blackout dates may apply.

About Breeze Airways  
Breeze Airways began service in May 2021 and has been ranked as one of the U.S.’ best domestic airlines for the last two years by Travel + Leisure magazine’s World’s Best Awards (#2 in 2022 and #4 in 2023).  Breeze offers a mix of more than 150 year-round and seasonal nonstop routes between 46 cities in 27 states.  Founded by aviation entrepreneur David Neeleman, Breeze operates a fleet of Embraer 190/195 and Airbus A220-300 aircraft, with a focus on providing efficient and affordable flights between secondary airports, bypassing hubs for shorter travel times. With seamless booking, no change or cancellation fees, up to 24-months of reusable flight credit and customized flight features – including complimentary family seating – delivered via a sleek and simple app, Breeze makes it easy to buy and easy to fly. Learn more about Breeze’s flight offerings via our site or the app. 

2023 Attractions Christmas Tree Display

Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport is pleased to bring passengers the most festive display of the Coast’s amazing attractions. On Monday, December 4, Santa cut the ribbon to officially open the Mississippi Gulf Coast Attractions Association Airport Christmas Tree Display. This is the second year the airport and association have partnered on this holiday display. The seven participating attractions each decorated their trees to match the theme of their mission.

This year’s display includes trees from Bananas Mini-Golf & Arcade, Dr. Wagner’s Honey Island Swamp Tours, Faery Court Masquerade Ball, Hilton Garden Inn Gulfport Airport, Lynn Meadows Discovery Center, Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum, Ohr O’Keefe Museum of Art, and TrainTastic Interactive Model Railroad Museum.

GPT Announces New Director of Planning and Development

Shelby Fox Director of Planning and Development

 Shelby Fox has recently joined Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport as the Director of Planning and Development. She is responsible for managing leases and contracts and planning for future developments. 

Fox received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Finance from the University of Memphis. She most recently served as Vice President of Strategy and Development for Goodwill Industries of South Mississippi, Inc., and was Director and Operations Manager for the Gulf Coast Nonprofit Center, Inc. Prior to these roles, Fox served in Project Manager roles for Suntrust Subsidiaries in Memphis, TN. 

Her community involvement has ranged from serving in Board and Committee capacities for Make a Wish of South MS, Goodwill Industries of South MS, and the United Way of South MS. In this new position, Fox aims to aid in optimizing operations, enhancing, and fostering collaborative partnerships at the airport. She is a graduate of Leadership Gulf Coast and Gulf Coast Business Council Master’s Program and is also a member of First Baptist Church of Gulfport.