Roberta Aguirre
As of May 7, 2025, all travelers must be REAL ID-compliant to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities in the US. This means that state-issued driver's licenses and IDs that are not REAL ID-compliant are no longer accepted as valid forms of identification at airports. Passengers can use an acceptable alternative form of ID, such as a passport, or enroll for a state-issued REAL ID through their state DMV offices. It's important to note that REAL ID cards are not accepted for border crossings or international travel, and a passport is still required for these purposes. Children under 18 traveling within the US are usually exempt from providing identification.
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What You'll Learn
Boarding pass and ID
When travelling, it is important to have your boarding pass and ID ready for inspection at the airport. Here is some information on what you need to know about these documents before you fly.
Firstly, a boarding pass is typically obtained when you check in for your flight. If you have checked in online, you can go straight to airport security without needing to visit the check-in desk. It is important to note that your gate number may not be available at the time of online check-in, so you should refer to the departure screens at the airport or listen out for gate announcements. Your gate number will also be printed on your boarding pass. It is important to keep your boarding pass safe and easily accessible as you will need to show it at various points in the airport.
In the past, travellers have had to show their boarding pass at security. However, at over 225 airports in the United States, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has installed Credential Authentication Technology (CAT), which allows TSA officers to confirm flight details without needing to see the passenger's boarding pass. This technology is not available at all stations, so it is still important to carry your boarding pass with you.
In addition to a boarding pass, adult passengers aged 18 and over must show valid identification at the airport. The list of acceptable IDs can vary, so it is important to check before travelling. Generally, a valid ID will be a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, a state-issued photo identity card, or a passport. It is worth noting that TSA PreCheck allows passengers to keep their shoes on and their liquids and laptops in their carry-on bags, saving time in security lines.
Overall, it is important to be prepared and organised when travelling through an airport. By keeping your boarding pass and ID easily accessible, you can ensure a smoother journey.
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Liquids in hand luggage
Liquids are permitted in hand luggage, but there are strict rules regarding how much liquid you can carry and how it should be packaged.
Firstly, it's important to note that liquids in containers larger than 100ml generally cannot go through security, even if the container is only partially full. All liquids must be placed into individual 100ml containers, and these containers must fit into a single, transparent, resealable plastic bag. The bag must be no bigger than 20cm x 20cm, and it must be able to close and seal. Only one plastic bag is allowed per passenger, and the maximum amount of liquid that can be carried in total is one litre.
There are some exemptions to the rules outlined above. If you are travelling with a baby, you can carry as much baby milk, sterilised water, and food as you need for the journey, even if it exceeds 100ml. Breast milk can also be carried in quantities greater than 100ml, even when not travelling with a baby, but it must not be frozen. Formula milk, baby juice, and other baby foods are not exempt from the 100ml rule. If you need to carry liquid medication with you, you can carry more than 100ml, but you must have a note from your doctor or a current prescription explaining why you need it.
It's important to note that some items that may not seem like liquids are still considered liquids by airport security. This includes cosmetics and toiletries such as creams, lotions, oils, perfumes, mascara, and lip gloss, as well as sprays, pastes, gels, and contact lens solution. Food items such as yoghurt, mayonnaise, peanut butter, and chocolate spread are also considered liquids and must be packaged accordingly.
Finally, it's worth mentioning that duty-free liquids purchased at the airport or on board a flight are allowed, as long as they are sealed in a security tamper-evident bag with the receipt inside. If you leave the airport and return for a connecting flight, you can take these items with you as long as the sealed bag remains unopened.
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Electrical items
When travelling with electrical items, it is important to be aware of the relevant procedures and restrictions. All hand luggage is screened at airport security, so it is advisable to be prepared to avoid delays. You should ensure that your electrical devices are easily accessible, as you will likely need to remove them from your bag. It is also important to make sure that all your devices are fully charged before you travel, as an uncharged device may be considered a security risk and you may be asked to power up a device to demonstrate that it is functional. If a device cannot be powered on, you may not be permitted to take it on board.
Different countries and airlines may have varying restrictions, so it is recommended to check with your airline before travelling. Typically, batteries, including rechargeable lithium batteries and any spares, are not permitted in the hold. However, there may be exceptions for certain types of batteries, such as those in hair curlers with a fitted safety cover. For medical devices, you must carry proof that the device is necessary, and you may need a DC adaptor.
When packing, consider using an electronics organiser for your cables, chargers, and other small items. Keep your electronics towards the top of your bag to avoid accidentally damaging them when removing other items during security checks. Additionally, when going through security, you may need to take laptops out of their cases and place them separately in a bin.
It is also important to consider the risks associated with using public Wi-Fi networks at airports. Avoid connecting to any free public Wi-Fi networks that are not officially recommended by the airport, as this could compromise your personal information. Instead, use your device's airplane mode to conserve battery power and avoid potential interference with aircraft communication systems during takeoff and landing.
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Passport
A passport is your primary international identification document. It is required for all international travel, and you should ensure it is valid for at least six months after your trip ends. It is also required for checking into hotels, renting cars, and other similar activities.
You will need to show your passport at check-in, baggage claim, and when going through security. It is best to keep it on your person at all times while travelling. If you have checked in online and do not have a bag to drop off, you can go straight to airport security without your passport, as only your boarding pass is required.
Passengers aged 10 and over with a biometric ePassport from the UK, EU, and some other countries can use an eGate when entering the UK. To do so, remove your passport from its cover and have it open at the photo page. Put mobile phones or tablets away before you reach the eGate. Take off hats, headphones, sunglasses, and face coverings. Stand on the markings, hold the passport down firmly, and keep looking at the camera until it finishes processing.
In the US, a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or other state photo identity card issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent) can be used as an alternative form of ID. However, as of May 7, 2025, state-issued driver's licenses and IDs that are not REAL ID-compliant will no longer be accepted as valid forms of identification at airports.
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Luggage size and weight
When packing for a flight, it is important to be aware of the luggage size and weight restrictions imposed by your airline. These restrictions vary depending on the airline and your destination, so it is always a good idea to check the airline's website for specific information.
Carry-on luggage typically has its own set of rules and restrictions, including dimensions and, in some cases, weight. The standard carry-on luggage size limit is 22 x 14 x 9 inches (or 56 x 36 x 23 cm), which includes the handle and wheels. However, some airlines may have different requirements. For example, American Airlines adheres to the standard size, while Southwest allows a slightly larger carry-on of 24 x 16 x 10 inches. Some domestic airlines, such as Frontier Airlines and Southwest Airlines, permit even larger luggage, accommodating bags up to 24 inches. It's worth noting that these dimensions are crucial to ensuring your bag fits in the overhead bin, as intended.
While most major domestic airlines do not impose a weight limit on carry-on bags, several international airlines do have weight restrictions for carry-on luggage and personal items. For instance, Hawaiian Airlines enforces a carry-on weight limit of 25 pounds, whereas Frontier allows up to 35 pounds. Emirates has a different approach, allowing only one item on board, which must comply with their size limits, regardless of whether it's a carry-on bag or a personal item.
Some airlines, like easyJet, have specific policies for their standard fares, permitting customers to bring only one personal item, referred to as a "small cabin bag," at no extra cost. Additional carry-on bags may incur fees, which can vary depending on your destination and when you add the extra bag to your reservation.
To avoid any surprises at the airport, it is recommended to carefully review the luggage rules and size policies of your chosen airline. Understanding these restrictions will help you pack efficiently and ensure a smoother travel experience.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need a valid passport or REAL ID to enter the airport and board a domestic flight.
Make sure you have your boarding pass and remove any liquids from your bags. It's also a good idea to arrive at the airport a couple of hours before your departure time.
You'll need to go through security, where they will scan you and any bags you have. Then, you can head to your gate, which will be printed on your boarding pass.
