Why This May Now Cost You $45 More At The Airport
When it comes to booking travel, chances are you price shop around, right? Different websites, changing travel dates, comparing airline costs and such to find the best priced deal. Well, come early 2026, there will be a new fee associated with air travel, and there's only one way to avoid the extra cost.
Upcoming Airport Policy Will Impact Travelers Without This Item
The Transportation Security Administration, TSA, just announced today, December 1st that there will be a fee-based TSA 'Confirm.ID' payment option if a valid, acceptable ID is not presented at checkpoints at the airport.
Back in May, after many, many years of rollout, REAL ID became mandatory for domestic travel, with a number of options still being accepted as an alternate for those who do not meet the REAL ID requirements. As it stands now, those who are not currently compliant with a REAL ID must have have a state-issued Enhanced Driver's License or Enhanced ID, a U.S. passport/passport card, DHS trusted traveler card, U.S. Department of Defense ID, among other acceptable international options.
Reports indicate that more than 94% of air-travel passengers are using REAL ID or other acceptable forms of identification, and those who don't should make every effort to make an appointment to obtain one, or expect delays at the airport.
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$45 Fee Option For Those Without 'REAL ID'
Beginning February 1st, travelers will be able to pay a $45 fee that will give them a 10-day travel period via TSA Confirm.ID. This modernized alternative identity verification system, TSA Confirm.ID will establish identity at security checkpoints in airports through biometric or biographic systems.
Prior to entering the security line, any traveler who does not have a REAL ID-compliant state driver's license or ID will be referred to the optional designated TSA Confirm.ID area. As outlined in the official press release, the process itself for verification through TSA Confirm.ID will vary airport to airport, and the TSA is said to be 'working with private industry to offer online payment options prior to arrival at the airport.
