Big travel update changes in airports and for flights in 2025 and into the year 2026.
New Fee for Non-REAL ID Travelers (Starting February 1, 2026)
- Travelers who are 18 years of age or older and do not present a REAL ID-compliant state-issued driver’s license or other acceptable form of identification (such as a passport) will be charged a $45 fee if they wish to proceed with an alternative identity verification process.
- This fee grants access to the modernized identity verification system, TSA Confirm.ID, for a 10-day travel period.
- The fee is designed to cover the cost of enhanced screening and identity confirmation for non-compliant travelers.
Mandatory REAL ID Enforcement Status
- The requirement for every air traveler 18 years of age and older to present a REAL ID-compliant license or another acceptable form of ID (like a U.S. Passport) to board domestic flights is already in effect as of May 7, 2025.
- Travelers without a compliant ID who refuse to use the fee-based Confirm.ID system may be denied entry at the security checkpoint.
Ongoing Technology Deployment
- The TSA continues to expand the use of advanced imaging technology (like Computed Tomography or CT scanners) at airport security checkpoints. These scanners can allow travelers to leave electronics and liquids in their carry-on bags, streamlining the screening process.
Power Banks Banned
- In many asian airlines, with numbers growing, you are banned from using your portable cell phone power bank to charge during a flight. The mistake is that many viewers think they cannot pack them.
- You can pack them only in carry-on bags, but since they are combustible, pack them in your personal item bag. My fear is for the cheaper brands.
- I highly recommend the Anker brand, but this power bank specifically monitors heat and will not allow your phone or battery to exceed a certain temperature; if it does, it stops charging.
- Virgin Australia has added a ban on the use and charging of power banks onboard their flights, starting December 1, 2025, and also restricted their storage, which is not permitted in overhead bins or lockers.
More Offerings
The best news is that airlines are flying to more places. Never have I ever thought that airline travel is normal for everyone to do. It is a treat still, every flight. I had tears taking off to Zurich on December 1st because it is such a gift to one, to afford to fly, and number two, to stay at hotels. But, somehow, I expect airlines to have really comfortable seats with amazing food, and that is not the case on most airlines.
Final Thoughts
So you have to decide in 2026, will you go on vacation via airplane? Will you complain about every part of your trip? We always have options.
You do not have to fly. Choose a less expensive way to travel. See parts of the world right in your back yard.
Do not compare yourself to others vacations, specifically mine. I am working and gathering tips for people.
But really take the time to decide if you want to take the risk because it is your vacation, and no one wants to listen or be around someone with a negative attitude or outlook. Either go with the flow or get off the pot.
No one likes change. But mentally I am educating you so the changes will not be overwhelming.
If you have not flown in forever there are 3 overall changes that happened in 2025.
- You can keep your shoes on through airport security – regardless of your age. However, my mom wore her tennis shoes that she’s always worn traveling, and the TSA officers escorted her back through to take them off to be screened by themselves in the bin. And she’s over 75. I saw this happen to another man in his 30s, maybe at another airport, 2 weeks ago.
- Your liquids bag most likely will not have to come out of your bags, but we always follow the Travel Tips by Laurie and that is to listen and watch as you are standing in line, and be ready in case the rules change hourly.
- If you have not flown in a long time, you must know that the airline’s app is the best way to stay up to date. Knowledge is power.
The TSA officers are not paying for your vacation so save stress by being ready and not bothered if they make shoes come off that day at that one airport out of the entire world.
It’s your vacation!
Travel insurance is a great avenue for you to feel protected if you get delayed and miss a trip as well as medical insurance. Do the research now. Travelers and Visitors come highly recommended.