Since full enforcement began on May 7, 2025, travellers need a REAL ID-compliant licence or another accepted ID to board domestic flights. This guide explains REAL ID for domestic flights, the TSA rules that trip people up, and how to get through security faster.
What is REAL ID?
REAL ID is a federal standard for state driver’s licences and ID cards. Compliant cards usually have a star in the upper corner. If yours does not, you will need another accepted ID, such as a passport, passport card, Global Entry card, military ID or permanent resident card.
How to get a REAL ID
Visit your state DMV with proof of identity (birth certificate or passport), proof of Social Security number, and two proofs of residency. Many states let you book an appointment online. Bring originals, not copies.
Travel tech we recommend
- Noise-cancelling headphones we tested VerdictFox
Block out engine drone and crying babies on cross-country flights. - Carry-on bags that fit airline sizers BuyrSkip
Skip checked-bag fees with a cabin-size spinner that fits US airline sizers. - Travel phones and smartwatches Buyzello
Phones with great cameras and wearables that track your hikes.
Partner links: these go to our sister review sites, which may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
What if you forget your ID?
TSA may let you fly after an identity verification process, which takes time and may include extra screening, and from 2026 TSA has proposed or introduced a fee for travellers without acceptable ID. Arrive early and check tsa.gov for the current rules.
TSA liquids and carry-on rules
- Liquids, gels and aerosols must be in containers of 3.4 oz (100 ml) or less, in one quart-size bag per passenger.
- Medications and baby formula are exempt but must be declared.
- Power banks and spare lithium batteries must go in carry-on bags, not checked luggage.
- Check your airline for carry-on size limits, especially on basic economy fares.
Speeding through security
- TSA PreCheck: keep shoes, belts and light jackets on, and leave laptops in bags; membership lasts five years.
- CLEAR: biometric identity check at many airports.
- Global Entry: includes PreCheck and speeds re-entry from international trips.
- Arrive 90 minutes to 2 hours before domestic flights at busy airports.
Packing for a smooth trip
Pack chargers and power banks in your carry-on, keep IDs and boarding passes handy, and wear easy-to-remove shoes if you do not have PreCheck. Our packing list has a complete checklist.
Easy city breaks to fly to
New York City
New York City packs world-famous museums, Broadway theatres, iconic skyline views and food from every corner of the globe into five boroughs. It rewards first-timers and repeat visitors alike, as long as you plan around neighbourhoods rather than trying to see everything at once. Read our New York City travel guide.
- Best time: April to June and September to early December
- Getting there: About 4 hours from Boston by train or car; 3 hours from Washington, DC on Amtrak Acela
- Don’t miss: Central Park, The Metropolitan Museum of Art and Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
- Mid-range hotels: $260–450 a night
Chicago
Chicago is a city of bold architecture, a sparkling lakefront, world-class museums and deep-dish pizza, with neighbourhoods full of blues clubs and restaurants. Read our Chicago travel guide.
- Best time: May to October
- Getting there: About 1.5 hours to Milwaukee; 5 hours to Detroit
- Don’t miss: Chicago Architecture Center river cruise, Millennium Park and Cloud Gate and Art Institute of Chicago
- Mid-range hotels: $180–300 a night
New Orleans
New Orleans is unlike any other American city: jazz drifting from doorways, Creole and Cajun cooking, historic architecture and festivals almost every week of the year. Read our New Orleans travel guide.
- Best time: February to May and October to November
- Getting there: About 1.5 hours from Baton Rouge
- Don’t miss: French Quarter, Frenchmen Street and Garden District
- Mid-range hotels: $180–300 a night
San Diego
San Diego has near-perfect weather year-round, laid-back beaches, a world-famous zoo and a lively food scene shaped by its location next to Mexico. Read our San Diego travel guide.
- Best time: year-round; September to November is ideal
- Getting there: About 2 hours from Los Angeles
- Don’t miss: San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park and La Jolla Cove
- Mid-range hotels: $180–300 a night
Seattle
Seattle sits between Puget Sound and the Cascade Mountains, with Pike Place Market, coffee culture, the Space Needle and quick access to Mount Rainier and Olympic National Park. Read our Seattle travel guide.
- Best time: June to September
- Getting there: About 3 hours to Vancouver; 3 hours to Portland
- Don’t miss: Pike Place Market, Space Needle and Chihuly Garden and Glass
- Mid-range hotels: $260–450 a night
Planning tips for your trip
- ID for flights: Domestic flights require a REAL ID-compliant licence or another accepted ID such as a passport. See our guide to REAL ID and TSA rules.
- Money: Sales tax is added at the register and varies by state and city; tipping 18–20% at sit-down restaurants is expected.
- Insurance: Your health plan may have limited out-of-network cover in another state, and trip-cancellation cover is worth having for expensive bookings, especially in hurricane season.
- Driving: Most visitors drive; rental cars are widely available, and a US licence is all you need. Gas prices vary widely by state; California and Hawaii are usually the most expensive.
- Saving money: our budget vacation and cheapest places to travel guides have dozens of practical ideas.
What a trip costs
Typical spending per person per day, excluding flights:
| Travel style | Per person per day | Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $120–$180 | motel or hostel, casual meals, self-drive or transit |
| Mid-range | $250–$400 | good hotel, sit-down meals, some tours |
| Luxury | $600–$1,200 | resort or boutique hotel, fine dining, private tours |
Prices rise in peak season and on holiday weekends, and fall sharply in the shoulder seasons.
Travelling responsibly
Follow Leave No Trace principles: stay on marked trails, pack out everything you bring in, and never feed wildlife. Support locally owned restaurants, guides and shops, and visit popular places early or late to spread out the crowds. In busy parks, use shuttles where they exist to cut traffic and parking pressure.
Safety basics
Carry water and layers on outdoor outings, check weather and road conditions before long drives, and tell someone your plans in remote areas, where mobile coverage can be patchy. In cities, use normal precautions with valuables at night. The emergency number is 911.
Stay charged, stay connected
- High-capacity power banks for road trips BuyrSkip
Navigation, photos and cold weather drain phones fast; a 20,000 mAh bank keeps you going. - How to choose a power bank for travel Buyzello
Understand capacity, airline limits and charging speed before you buy. - Best wireless earbuds for travel VerdictFox
Compact earbuds for flights, trains and long drives.
Partner links: these go to our sister review sites, which may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a REAL ID to fly domestically?
Yes, or another TSA-accepted ID such as a passport.
Can I use my passport instead?
Yes. A valid US passport or passport card is accepted.
Do children need ID?
TSA does not require ID for travellers under 18 on domestic flights, but airlines may have their own rules.
Can I bring a power bank?
Yes, in carry-on luggage only.
Is TSA PreCheck worth it?
For anyone who flies more than once or twice a year, yes.
Plan the rest of your trip
- Road Trip Packing List for the USA: The Complete Checklist
- How to Plan a Budget Vacation in the USA: 25 Money-Saving Tips
- Best US Cities for First-Time Visitors