Airline passengers without REAL ID face paying fee
Some forgetful air travelers could be liable for a new $18 fee under a new government proposal.
Passengers who show up at security checkpoints without a valid ID could face a new ‘fine’
The fee is aiming to offset the cost of new biometric verification systems in line with stricter REAL ID standards.
The new electronic biometric system has received some backlash over perceived privacy concerns.
“This notice serves as a next step in the process in REAL ID compliance, which was signed into law more than 20 years ago and finally implemented as of May 2025,” a TSA spokesperson said.
“TSA is working with stakeholders and partners to ensure both security and efficiency at our checkpoints.”
The Transport Security Administration said further details will be disclosed ‘in the coming days.’
The fee would be payable for domestic travelers on US flights.
No launch date for the fee has been mentioned yet or the payment process.
The official Federal Register notice states the $18 non-refundable fee would be payable at TSA checkpoints.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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