The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has announced a new policy for travelers who arrive at airport security checkpoints without acceptable identification such as a passport or a Real ID. According to the New York Post, the agency will impose a fee of $18 on these passengers.
This measure comes alongside the rollout of an “updated alternative program” designed to verify the identity of travelers who do not carry a passport or Real ID. In a notice, the agency stated that the program “provides an alternative that may allow these individuals to enter the sterile area of airports if the TSA is able to confirm their identity.”
The new fee will cover any “government administrative costs” and will be valid for 10 days.
ID Policy Uncertainty
However, it remains unclear whether travelers will still be permitted to board a plane without an ID. TSA’s notice specifies that “the program does not guarantee the verification of a person’s identity, nor does it guarantee access to the sterile area of the airport.”
A TSA spokesperson said in a statement that additional guidance will be announced in the coming days. He noted that the notice represents the next step in implementing the Real ID Act, which was signed into law more than 20 years ago and is finally being enforced by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem starting in May 2025.
He added, “The TSA is working with partners and stakeholders to ensure security and efficiency at airport checkpoints.”
These changes come as nearly 82 million Americans are expected to travel during the Thanksgiving holiday period, from November 25 to December 1, according to the American Automobile Association (AAA).
Among the millions traveling, six million are expected to fly domestically—a 2% increase from last year. The association also reported that the average price of a domestic round-trip flight is $700, which is not significantly different from last year.
Thanksgiving Day (Thursday) remains the cheapest day for air travel, while Sunday and Monday after the holiday are expected to be the busiest, according to AAA.