The Transportation Security Administration recently went through a tech makeover, with several airports getting new kiosks with facial recognition software. There are also some automated baggage scanners now that allow you to get your bag checked without unpacking a thing.
Based on these new changes, the way you travel has undergone a major upgrade. With the systems getting more automated, there are some new rules that you must know if you are travelling in 2025.
1. REAL ID
The new TSA rule mandates REAL ID for everyone who wants to catch a domestic flight. The policy came into effect on May 7 across all of the United States. The rule also prompted chaos among Americans who are 18 years old or older to run to their nearest DMV facility. Although the Homeland Security briefly allowed people to travel without a REAL ID or a compliant document, since the rule came into effect, things have changed.
REAL ID enforcement begins TOMORROW.
If you’re flying within the U.S. & do not have a REAL ID or other acceptable form of ID (like a passport or military ID) you may be subject to additional screening. Plan ahead, arrive early, and arrive prepared.
🔗 https://t.co/6uWOP95HFj pic.twitter.com/nJtraAlM00
— TSA (@TSA) May 6, 2025
2. Facial Recognition Technology
Airports across the United States are getting second-generation Credential Authentication Technology (CAT-2) units. This device comes in handy in automatically verifying a person by comparing their real-time photo with the one in their government-issued ID. However, this process is mandatory, and passengers may opt out and go for the manual ID checking instead.
Friendly reminder that the facial recognition scan at TSA is optional and totally unnecessary when we already show our ID, our ticket and let them scan our body + bags. “I decline the photo” is all you have to say and you’ll be done with it. 😉 pic.twitter.com/YHtWalJmIy
— Robby Starbuck (@robbystarbuck) April 24, 2025
3. More Restrictions on Items in Checked Luggage
TSA has updated its list of prohibited items in checked baggage. Power banks and other electronic devices with lithium batteries are now banned from being carried in your baggage. Instead, they should be loaded in your carry-on. These new rules came into effect to mitigate fire risks after a battery malfunction-related incident took place.
4. More Screening Protocols for Carry-on Items
There are now new screening procedures for electronics, liquids, and footwear. The 3-1-1 liquids rule remains in effect, while during security checking, personal electronic devices that are larger than a cell phone, like laptops, tablets, and e-readers, should be put in a separate bin. Meanwhile, solid food items can generally be inside the carry-on bags, but you could be asked to separate them.
5. Firearms Rule
If you are carrying a firearm with you, it should be inside your checked baggage only and declared to the airline at check-in. It must be unloaded, packed and placed inside a locked container. If you fail to follow these rules, you might be subjected to a hefty civil penalty of up to $15,000 and the elimination of TSA PreCheck for five years.
Ever seen a pepper spray/pellet gun combo? Talk about packing a punch! Our officers found this spicy surprise in a carry-on at @Reagan_Airport. Reminder: Firearms, ammo, and self-defense sprays aren’t allowed in carry-on. When in doubt, pepper @AskTSA with your travel questions. pic.twitter.com/OqlunbYxVn
— TSA (@TSA) May 13, 2025
In addition to these new rules, the Transportation Security Administration also issued a warning against travelers with the enforcement of REAL ID. People must be careful about falling into the trap of offering to expedite applications. TSA emphasized that the document could only be issued through an in-person visit to any DMV facility.
