Snapshot 6:Fri, Nov 21, 2025 5:28:46 PM GMT last edited by Nick

TSA Proposes $18 Fee for Travelers Without REAL ID

Published 3 days ago

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Above: Air travelers without a REAL ID are given a red tag before secondary screening as they go through security at John Wayne Airport in Santa Ana, Calif, on May 7, 2025. Image credit: Jeff Gritchen/Orange County Register/Getty Images

The Spin

Charging $18 just because someone lacks a REAL ID feels punitive and unfair. This is an outrageous cash grab, slapping low-income and rural travelers with extra costs for a federal mandate delayed for decades due to bureaucratic failures. Already facing soaring ticket prices and DMV hassles, families shouldn't have to pay to exercise basic air travel rights. It exacerbates inequality, turning security into a paywall and ignoring that passports remain an option only for the privileged. TSA is essentially monetizing identity verification instead of improving access.

KATU

The TSA's new $18 fee for travelers without a REAL ID makes perfect sense after decades of delays and warnings. Americans have had over 20 years to get compliant identification, and this reasonable penalty finally incentivizes proper compliance and funds necessary security improvements. The modernized system provides a helpful backup option for forgetful travelers who would otherwise miss flights entirely. It's a fair incentive for responsibility, covers costs, reduces delays for everyone, and bolsters post-9/11 security without banning travel outright.

New York Post