If you don’t have your REAL ID yet, travel might start getting expensive. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has proposed the idea for a new fee that some travelers may have to pay to get onto their flight.
What Are the Details of the Fee TSA Is Proposing?
According to a notice posted on November 20, TSA is proposing an $18 fee for anybody without a REAL ID. The new fee is hilariously referred to as an alternative option.
Without a REAL ID, you will need to be verified for your flight by “TSA’s modernized alternative identity verification program,” which apparently incurs so many costs that they need to charge people nearly $20 per person.
What Is a REAL ID?
A REAL ID isn’t too much different from the standard state-issued ID card you already (hopefully) have. REAL IDs are now required to board planes in the U.S., after years of deadlines being pushed back.
How Do I Know if I Have a REAL ID?
If you’re not sure whether your state identification card is a REAL ID or not, you can check the upper right corner for a star. They’re usually gold or blue; if you’ve got one, your ID is a REAL ID.
When Will This Begin?
So far, this is only a proposition by TSA. The proposal was published in the Federal Register on Thursday, and will be followed by a public comment period before the rule is set in stone. So while it isn’t currently enforced, it’s possible that the $18 fee will be coming to an airport near you soon. Bottom line: Now’s a good time to get a REAL ID if you don’t have one; make an appointment with your local DMV to do so.
More travel stories on Cheapism
- 15 Genius Ways to Travel Cheaply (Without Sacrificing the Fun) — Use these tricks to make your next adventure richer in experiences and lighter on your wallet.
- 12 Ways to Save Money on Flights by Traveling During ‘Shoulder Season’ — Flying during shoulder season is one of the smartest ways to stretch your travel budget.
- 13 Things That Totally Annoy TSA Agents — and What to Do Instead — Understanding what irritates airport workers and knowing how to avoid these missteps can lead to a much more enjoyable experience.
