TSA Shares No. 1 Tip for Travelers During Christmas Week
The days before and after Christmas are one of the busiest times of the year for American travelers. In the coming days, millions of people will hit the roads and the air to visit loved ones.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has plenty of advice for those who will be flying this week, including its "best tip," which the organization shared on X/Twitter Tuesday morning.
TSA's No. 1 airport travel tip for Christmas week
All travelers this week should make sure they have the proper identification when they get to the airport, TSA said Tuesday.
"If you're traveling this week, here's our best tip: Make sure to have an acceptable form of ID, and in a place that’s easily accessible, when you arrive at the checkpoint," TSA wrote.
If you're traveling this week, here's our best tip: Make sure to have an acceptable form of ID, and in a place that’s easily accessible, when you arrive at the checkpoint.
— TSA (@TSA) December 23, 2025
Check our full list of acceptable forms of ID list at: https://t.co/MKXemtLzLj pic.twitter.com/9WPhdCkknf
According to the official TSA website, the most acceptable form of ID is a state-issued REAL ID-compliant driver's license or identification card.
However, there are other viable options, including state-issued enhanced driver's licenses or enhanced ID cards, mobile driver's licenses that have been approved for federal use, U.S. passports or passport cards, foreign government-issued passports and U.S. Department of Defense identification cards.
Increased fee announced for non-REAL ID travelers
While you can still fly without a REAL ID or other approved option, it's going to cost you a solid fee, starting next year.
Earlier this month, TSA announced an upcoming $45 penalty for those traveling without REAL ID or an acceptable alternative. The fee will kick in on Feb. 1, 2026 and will allow non-REAL ID travelers the ability to use an alternative identity verification system, TSA ConfirmID, for a 10-day period.
“The vast majority of travelers present acceptable identification like REAL IDs and passports, but we must ensure everyone who flies is who they say they are. Beginning February 1, travelers who do not present an acceptable form of ID at our security checkpoints and still want to fly can pay a $45 fee and undergo the TSA Confirm.ID process,” said Senior Official Performing the Duties of Deputy Administrator for TSA Adam Stahl in a press release. “This fee ensures the cost to cover verification of an insufficient ID will come from the traveler, not the taxpayer. The security of the traveling public is our top priority, so we urge all travelers to get a REAL ID or other acceptable form of ID as soon as possible to avoid delays and potentially miss flights.”