REAL ID, TSA, and the $45 Mistake That Could Cost You Your Trip
/What travelers need to know before Feb 1st and how to travel stress-free
By Love + Leisure Boutique Travel Agency
Imagine arriving at the airport excited for your trip… only to be pulled aside, delayed, questioned, charged, and possibly turned away.
That’s the reality for travelers who show up to TSA without a Real ID or an accepted alternative (like a passport) starting Feb 1, 2026.
And yes, it could cost you $45, extra time, and even your entire trip. Let’s make sure that doesn’t happen to you.
What’s Changing on Feb 1, 2026?
If you try to fly without a Real ID or another approved ID, TSA may send you through something called the:
TSA Identity Verification Process
This is their backup system when you don’t have proper ID.
Here’s what that really means:
It can take a long time
It is not guaranteed you’ll be allowed to fly
There is a $45 fee if they even attempt it
This process involves deep questioning, database checks, and heavy screening — and some travelers are still denied access to fly.
In other words: you could miss your flight even after paying the fee.
What Counts as an Accepted ID?
You can fly if you have:
✔️ A Real ID–compliant driver’s license or state ID
✔️ A valid passport
✔️ Global Entry, military ID, or other TSA-approved ID
No approved ID = you’re gambling your trip.
Why This Matters More Than You Think
At Love + Leisure Boutique Travel Agency, we plan trips for:
Honeymoons
Destination weddings
Group trips
Family vacations
Luxury getaways
These aren’t “wing it” trips. They’re once-in-a-lifetime memories. Showing up unprepared at TSA is one of the easiest ways to ruin a perfectly planned vacation. And the worst part? It’s 100% preventable.
How to Protect Your Trip
Here’s what we tell every client:
Check your license — does it have the Real ID star?
If not, book your DMV appointment now
Or always travel with your passport
Keep ID in your carry-on, not your checked bag
Travel should feel exciting and not stressful.
Always Check Official Sources
At Love + Leisure Boutique Travel Agency, we share travel education and reminders, but rules can change.
For the most accurate and up-to-date Real ID information, always refer to the official TSA website: https://www.tsa.gov/realid
The website includes:
What counts as a Real ID
Which IDs are accepted to fly
Deadlines and enforcement updates
What to do if you don’t have compliant ID
We help you stay informed, but TSA is the final authority at the airport.
The Bigger Picture: Travel Is More Than Booking a Flight
This is exactly why people work with Love + Leisure Boutique Travel Agency.
We don’t just book trips, we:
Prepare you
Protect your investment
Anticipate problems before they happen
Make sure your travel actually happens
From documents to destinations, we think through every detail so you don’t have to.
Ready to Travel the Right Way?
Whether you’re planning:
A romantic getaway
A group trip
A destination wedding
A luxury vacation
Or your next big life celebration
We’d love to help you do it smoothly, confidently, and beautifully.
Start planning with Love + Leisure Boutique Travel Agency
✔️ Visit: LoveLeisureTravel.com
✔️ Submit your travel request form
✔️ Let us handle the details, so you can enjoy the journey
Smart travel starts with smart planning.
And we’ve got you.
