Author: Harriet Baskas, Special to USA TODAY

The Real ID Act set new and higher minimum security standards for driver’s licenses and identification cards that will be accepted at airports.

Security issues and the pressure to generate revenue caused many airports to close this once-common feature. Here are some you can still visit.

The two-gate terminal feels more like a swank lounge than a regional airport, and offers great plane spotting thanks to the Boeing factory next door.

In 2018, the Transportation Security Administration found a record-setting 4,239 firearms in carry-on bags at 249 of airport checkpoints around the USA.

New terminals and upgrades are underway at Seattle, New York, Salt Lake City, San Francisco, New Orleans, Pittsburgh and many other airports.

New amenities and creative activities introduced by airports, airlines and in-terminal vendors are making airport dwell time more enjoyable.

Passengers at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport can now interact with baby alligators in the baggage claim area.

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport’s SEA Visitor Pass gives the public access to activities past the security checkpoints.

Some airport signs can not only provide information, they can also be fun.