New travel rules to know for 2026: TSA, airline, and international changes explained

This year brings a wave of changes that will directly affect how travelers move through airports and across borders. Christopherson travel experts are sharing key insights on new identification requirements, airline policy shifts, and international entry rules that organizations and travelers need to understand to avoid disruptions and travel with confidence.

What emerges from these updates is a clear message: travelers who stay informed and proactive will avoid delays, fees, and frustration, while those who don’t may find themselves paying the price—literally.

REAL ID enforcement tightens at TSA

After years of delays, REAL ID enforcement is no longer theoretical. Beginning February 1, 2026, travelers who arrive at TSA security checkpoints without a REAL ID–compliant driver’s license—or an acceptable alternative like a passport—will face a $45 noncompliance fee, according to Cameron.

“Real ID is a federal program that allows you to use your state-approved ID in lieu of a passport for domestic travel,” Cameron explained, noting the star symbol in the corner of compliant licenses.  

While travelers have technically been required to carry REAL ID for some time, TSA is now shifting from education to enforcement. What’s especially important for frequent travelers is the 10-day limitation on that fee. As Cameron clarified, the payment acts as a short-term exception, not a fix.  

“That $45 buys you a get-out-of-jail-free card for 10 days,” he said. Travelers taking a two-week trip without REAL ID would have to pay again on the return flight.

Minors traveling with adults who have REAL ID are exempt, but teenagers traveling alone must have compliant identification. For travelers without REAL ID, a passport remains a valid option for domestic flights—though Cameron acknowledged it’s not always the most convenient solution.

Lithium batteries face new scrutiny

Another area seeing increased enforcement is lithium battery safety. While spare lithium batteries have long been banned from checked luggage, airlines and regulators are now tightening rules around where batteries can be stored onboard.

Cameron shared that airlines are increasingly requiring battery packs to remain with passengers rather than in overhead bins.  

“They want you to keep it on your person,” he said, citing fire risk concerns.  

Paul Foster echoed that enforcement may vary by carrier, recalling a recent Air France flight where he was required to remove a charging block from his bag and hold it during the flight.

The takeaway: travelers should assume stricter enforcement and check airline-specific guidance before flying, especially on international carriers.

Shoes stay on—and some guests can go to the gate

Not all TSA changes are restrictive. One of the most traveler-friendly updates is that, as of 2025, most passengers no longer need to remove their shoes at security. While exceptions still apply for additional screening, the policy marks a long-awaited improvement to the checkpoint experience.

Even more surprising is TSA’s limited rollout of airport guest passes, allowing non-ticketed individuals to accompany travelers through security to the gate.  

“This could be really awesome if you’re dropping off younger children or assisting older parents,” Cameron said.

The program is currently being tested at select airports, including San Diego, Seattle, Orlando, Philadelphia, and San Francisco, among others. Guests must apply in advance and receive a digital pass via email.

Airlines get stricter—and more segmented

On the airline side, 2026 brings changes that reflect both operational pressures and evolving revenue strategies. Southwest Airlines, long known for its open seating model, is officially transitioning to assigned seating and numbered boarding groups beginning January 27, 2026.

But the most talked-about change may be Southwest’s new plus-size passenger policy, which requires travelers who cannot fit into a single seat to purchase a second seat at full price. Refunds may be issued only if the flight departs with empty seats.

“They are charging up front,” Cameron explained, calling the move a significant industry development that other airlines may soon follow.

Across carriers, travelers should also expect stricter enforcement of carry-on size limits and the potential for gate-check fees charged at the gate, a shift that could create confusion if travelers aren’t prepared.

Loyalty programs: Fewer miles, more math

Airline loyalty programs are also continuing a quiet transformation—one that often disadvantages travelers who don’t understand the fine print. Paul Foster walked through how major U.S. carriers now calculate rewards, emphasizing that fare paid matters more than distance flown.

“Delta simply gives you credit based on the fare paid,” Foster explained, adding that basic economy tickets earn no credit at all.  

American Airlines recently followed suit, eliminating mileage credit for basic economy fares. United still offers partial credit, while Southwest continues to lag in point value without offering fare class multipliers.

For travelers who care about maximizing rewards, Foster stressed the importance of choosing programs strategically and understanding which purchases actually earn points.

“Each carrier retains their own discretion about what they want to allow and not allow,” Foster said, noting that travelers should always verify policies directly with the airline—especially for international flights.

New entry rules for Europe  

International travelers, particularly those heading to Europe, will encounter some of the most significant procedural changes in decades. The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) will soon be required for visa-free travelers entering Schengen countries (see map above).

The authorization costs approximately $20 and is valid for three years but must be obtained before departure—a clarification reinforced during the webinar’s quiz segment.  

“I would not recommend applying for it the day you’re departing,” Foster cautioned. “You want to make sure you have that authorization before you leave the U.S.”

In parallel, Europe is rolling out its Entry/Exit System (EES), which replaces passport stamping with biometric screening, including facial recognition and fingerprinting. While no traveler action is required for EES, early reports suggest delays at some border crossings as infrastructure comes online.

What travel managers should do now

Foster emphasized that communication and proactive measures will be critical in 2026.  

“Travel managers should update internal travel pages, add messaging to itineraries and booking tools, and encourage travelers to verify requirements directly with carriers,” he said.

Travelers, meanwhile, should ensure profiles reflect legal names, update loyalty accounts, confirm ID compliance, and consider routing strategies that reduce weather-related disruptions.  

Bottom line

Travel rules in 2026 are becoming more digital, more enforced, and more fragmented across airlines and destinations, making preparation a critical part of every trip. By understanding new Real ID requirements, airline policy changes, and international entry rules—and by working closely with a trusted travel management partner—travelers and organizations can reduce disruptions, control costs, and navigate the year ahead with greater clarity and confidence.

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FAQs

Is REAL ID required to fly in 2026?

Yes. Beginning February 1, 2026, TSA will enforce Real ID requirements for domestic flights. Travelers without a Real ID–compliant license must present a passport or pay a noncompliance fee at the airport.

What is the REAL ID noncompliance fee?

The TSA noncompliance fee is $45 and is valid for 10 days. Travelers who continue flying without a Real ID after that period may be required to pay the fee again.

Do travelers still have to take their shoes off at TSA?

In most cases, no. As of 2025, travelers are no longer required to remove shoes at TSA checkpoints, except in certain secondary screening situations

Are lithium batteries allowed on flights in 2026?

Lithium batteries are allowed in carry-on bags but not in checked luggage. Some airlines now require battery packs to be kept on the traveler’s person rather than in overhead bins.

What airline loyalty changes affect travelers in 2026?

Many airlines now calculate loyalty earnings based on ticket price rather than distance flown. Basic economy tickets on several major carriers no longer earn loyalty credit.

What is ETIAS and when is it required?

ETIAS is a digital travel authorization required for visa-free travelers entering Schengen countries in Europe. Travelers must apply before departure, and the authorization is valid for three years.

Does ETIAS apply to travel to the UK?

No. The UK is not part of the Schengen Area and has its own electronic travel authorization system, which travelers must apply for separately.