U.S. Residents Have New Baggage & ID Requirements In Order To Fly Starting in May 2025

We’ve already covered the new travel restrictions/requirements if you’re heading to Europe and the UK this year (link below), but the USA have also strengthened their domestic travel requirements – and not just for flying either. Here is a breakdown of some of the new requirements for U.S. Residents. The most important one is REAL ID that starts May 7, 2025. According to TSA, the new travel requirement will be strictly enforced.

Baggage Rules

The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has introduced new air travel baggage rules, allowing passengers to carry only one (1) cabin bag in addition to a designated handbag – for domestic and international flights.

Carry-On Restrictions

The TSA has updated carry-on rules for 2025, which include stricter limits on the size and weight of carry-on luggage.

Passengers must ensure their carry-on bag does not exceed 22″ x 14″ x 9″ and the sum of the bag’s height, length, and width must be less than 45-inches
All liquids, gels, and aerosols must be in containers that are 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or smaller and packed into one transparent, re-sealable quart-sized (1L) bag

Refund Policies:

New federal regulations require airlines to make it easier for ticketed passengers to get their money back after flight cancellations or significant changes.

The Department of Transportation (DOT) has defined significant changes to include departure or arrival times that are changed by more than three hours (domestic) and six hours (international), changes in airport or the number of connections, cabin downgrades, or problems with accessibility for travelers with disabilities.

REAL ID

Starting May 7, 2025, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security will enforce the use of REAL ID at airports, entering secure federal facilities such as military bases, federal courthouses and other federal facilities – with the added bonus of a dreaded hours-long wait at the DMV.

U.S. travellers must be REAL ID compliant in order to board flights within the United States. Applying for a Real ID requires proof of identity, proof of residency and a trip to your local DMV. All U.S. states, the District of Columbia and five U.S. territories are issuing Real IDs.

Enhanced Driver’s Licenses issued by Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York and Vermont are considered acceptable alternatives to REAL ID-compliant cards, according to DHS, and will also be accepted for official REAL ID purposes.

How do you get Real ID?

If you haven’t gotten your Real ID yet, better get moving. It’s not that expensive — it’s reportedly only $30. Just book an appointment at the DMV where you get your driver’s license – be sure to check ahead of time what documents you need to provide. Unlike voting, you’ll need to give your full legal name, proof of lawful status (such as your passport, green card, or birth certificate), date of birth, social security number, two proofs of address (pay stubs or letters from the government etc.).

More information here: https://www.dhs.gov/real-id/real-id-faqs

FAQ

What happens to travelers who show up without a compliant license? Will TSA turn them away?

Travelers who do not present a REAL ID-compliant license or acceptable alternative beginning May 7, 2025 will not be permitted through the security checkpoint.

Can I use my REAL ID card to cross the border into Canada and Mexico and for international travel?

No. REAL ID cards cannot be used for border crossings into Canada, Mexico or other international travel.

Will minors need to have driver’s licenses/ identification cards to fly domestically?

No. TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling with a companion within the United States. The companion will need acceptable identification.

Does Real ID replace a passport?
The Real ID does not replace a passport for international travel, however it ensures that travelers can fly domestic within the U.S. and access secure federal locations without additional documentation, according to the DMV.

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Iain & Gail started blogging in order to inspire and motivate people to travel the world from their perspective – specializing in having the most fun while using the least amount of money…travelling on the cheap without sacrificing comfort.

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