Major Airline & Airport Security Changes for 2026
Your complete guide to navigating new travel rules without overwhelm
REAL ID REQUIREMENTS & FEES
The Big Change: New $45 Fee for Alternative ID
What's Changing:
- Real ID requirement already in effect for air travel in the United States (2025)
- NEW (December 2025 to 2026): Passengers without Real ID will be charged a $45 fee to use alternative forms of identification
- Fee covers officer time away from normal security lines and technology costs
Real ID Exemptions & Alternatives
Age Exemption:
- Only required if you are 18 years and older
Alternative ID Options:
- Passport (even for domestic travel)
- Other approved forms of identification (check TSA Real ID website)
Important Detail:
- Once TSA verifies your alternative ID (after paying $45 fee), that pre-approved identification is valid for 10 days
TSA TECHNOLOGY UPGRADES & PROCEDURES
Advanced Identity Verification Systems
New Technology in Place:
- Modernized identity verification system
- Advanced imaging technology (tomography) in airports like Las Vegas
- Facial recognition technology at many checkpoints
Your Rights:
- You have every right as a free American citizen to decline facial recognition
- Be prepared for extra time in TSA line if declining
- Officer must be found to verify identity manually
- Some TSA officers may show frustration (experienced by author's cousin-in-law in Arizona)
- Remember: TSA officers are not paying for your vacation
Major Security Screening Improvements
Good News: Less to Remove from Bags
2025 Airport Technology Upgrades:
- Most airports have upgraded security screening technology
- New scanners can see liquids and technology without removing them from bags
- TSA officers want to see fewer things pulled out
Current Liquids Rule (Still Applies):
- One quart-sized bag per passenger
- Only containers 3.4 ounces or smaller
- BUT: Your liquids bag can now stay in your personal item bag most of the time
Best Practice:
- Always listen and watch while standing in security line
- Don't be caught off guard
- Follow specific instructions if given
Technology Rule:
- Usually must remove technology larger than a cell phone
- Keep smaller items in bag
TSA COMPANION PASS PROGRAM
Walking Non-Passengers to the Gate
Recent Update (Rumored):
- TSA may allow paying a fee to walk family members or friends through security to the gate
- Would allow staying with them until flight boards and takes off
Current Status:
- Author has asked TSA via "Ask TSA" Facebook Messenger
- Waiting for official confirmation or email from TSA
- Not implementing this information until officially verified
Contact TSA Directly:
- Ask TSA Facebook Messenger
- Call TSA (number on contact tab of TSA website)
- Sign up for TSA emails on their site
POWER BANK & PORTABLE CHARGER RESTRICTIONS
New International Airline Rules (2025)
What's Being Banned:
- Many Asian airlines and other international airlines are banning portable chargers (power banks)
- Concern: Lithium-ion battery size can combust
Where They're Banned:
- Some airlines: Not allowed in carry-on suitcase at all
- Other airlines: Not allowed to use in airplane cabin
The Safety Rationale:
- Question raised: Who charges their phone inside a carry-on suitcase?
- Airlines want charging done in front of passengers' eyes
- Safest way possible in airplane cabin where flight attendants are equipped to handle issues
- Not about controlling rights—it's about safety
Airline-Specific Examples:
- United Airlines: If charging cell phone, keep it in tray table or in your lap
- Southwest: Similar safety protocols
- Rules vary by airline
Important Clarification:
- Not all airlines banning chargers completely
- Some only restrict where/how you can use them
- Check specific airline policies
SHOE REMOVAL IN AIRPORT SECURITY
Inconsistent Application of Rules
General Rule:
- Shoes no longer have to come off in airport security
Real-World Experience:
- Author's mother (over 75) made to remove tennis shoes
- Worn through airports for at least 2 years without issue
- Guy in his 30s in Washington Dulles made to remove shoes
- Rules applied inconsistently
Best Approach:
- Be prepared for inconsistency
- Don't let it ruin your vacation
- "Let it roll off like duck feathers"
ESSENTIAL TRAVEL TIPS FOR 2025-2026
General Preparation
What to Pack:
- Couple of snacks (in case of flight delays)
- Empty bottle to fill with water after security
- Medication for a few extra days (in case of delays)
Airport Arrival Time:
- Arrive 2 hours before boarding time (boarding is approximately 30 minutes before takeoff)
Download Airline Apps:
- Knowledge is power
- Find extensive information in the app
- Airlines don't spam you just because you have the app
Connection & Timing Strategies
Domestic Connections:
- Allow 4 hours for connections, especially at major airports
- Newark Airport: Known for delays—extra buffer crucial
- Don't give yourself just 2-hour window
For Cruises or Major Trips:
- Arrive the day before
- Don't risk tight connections
Summer Travel Warning:
- Planes fly much more frequently in summer
- Increased mechanical issues and breakdowns
- More delays and cancellations expected
- Plan accordingly
Travel Insurance
More Important Than Ever:
- Highly recommended for all trips
- Author recommends: Travelers and [Visit - name unclear]
- Critical protection given increased delays and cancellations
MINDSET & PERSPECTIVE SHIFTS
Managing Expectations
Reality Check:
- Flying is a treat and privilege
- Author had tears leaving for Zurich—recognized it as special
- Yet we expect airlines to be perfect: comfortable seats, amazing free food
- That's not the reality on most airlines
Your Choice:
- Decide: Are you going to use an airplane to travel?
- Options exist: drive, sail in a boat
- If you choose to fly: "Put up with it"
Process:
- Learn what you can
- Take one step forward
- Adapt to next change
- Put new rules and processes in your head
Dealing with Negativity
Online Comments:
- Expect negative comments about TSA
- Author will hide those commenters forever
- Don't engage in arguments
- They're just doing clickbait
Remember:
- Commenters are not going on vacation with you
- Nobody wants to be around someone complaining about what you went through
- Get your mind and perspective right
Reframe:
- "This is a treat. I'm going on vacation."
- "I'm going to get through the mud and muck."
- "I can enjoy what my hard-earned labor has worked for."
- Don't compare yourself to others
Awareness & Behavior
Be Present:
- So many airline passengers are unaware of other people
- Unaware of signs right in front of them
- Take a breath
- Remember: This is your vacation
- You'll never see these people again
Stay Aware:
- Listen and watch
- Have your ID and ticket ready
- You're good to go
THREE KEY CHANGES FOR INFREQUENT FLYERS
If You Haven't Flown in Forever
Change #1: Shoes
- Generally no longer required to come off
- But inconsistent application (see above)
Change #2: Liquids Bag
- Most likely won't need to be pulled out for extra screening
- But always listen and watch for specific instructions
Change #3: Download Airline Apps
- Essential for up-to-date information
- Won't result in spam emails
FINAL REMINDERS
What TSA Wants:
- Fewer things pulled out of bags
- Keep everything in your bag unless specifically told otherwise
- Usually only need to remove technology larger than a cell phone
Practical Wisdom:
- Safety protocols aren't about controlling your rights
- They're about getting everyone home safely
- Perspective: "Wow, this is a treat"
- Gratitude over entitlement
Bottom Line:
- Changes are happening no matter what
- Don't be overwhelmed
- Focus on your vacation
- Don't let new rules or difficult people ruin your experience
Resources Mentioned:
- TSA Real ID website (for approved alternative IDs)
- Ask TSA Facebook Messenger
- TSA phone number (on contact tab of website)
- TSA email signup (on their website)
- Airline apps (download before travel)
- Travel insurance providers: Travelers and [Visit]