New $45 Airport Fee Starting February 1, 2026: What You Need to Know About REAL ID

If you’re planning to fly anywhere in the United States this year, you need to know about REAL ID. This isn’t new—the requirement has been in the works since 2005—but enforcement finally began in May 2025, and as of February 1, 2026, the rules are getting stricter and more expensive if you’re not prepared. Many …