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The TSA's New $45 Fee to Fly Without ID Is Illegal

frommers.com

21–30 of 780 posts

Re: The TSA's New $45 Fee to Fly Without ID Is Illegal

#21

I've flown without ID twice. Once because I lost my ID, once to prove to a friend that it could be done. This fee will fail for the same reason that flying without ID works at all - the law is quite clear on it.

So when TSA asked for your ID, what did you do and what did they then do?

Re: The TSA's New $45 Fee to Fly Without ID Is Illegal

#22
post #7

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Yep. It's important to highlight this is not about flying without ID. It's flying without the new federal ID and their attempt to coerce people into getting the federal ID.

“New” Real ID is 21yrs old at this point.

They've been pushing it back every year because states haven't implemented it uniformly. Washington gave me a non real-ID card in 2022. IIRC the only real-ID option at the time was an Enhanced ID which can be used to cross the border from Canada and costs $100.

Re: The TSA's New $45 Fee to Fly Without ID Is Illegal

#23
It's hilarious how transparent a money grab this entire thing is.

"You need to show a Real ID for security, otherwise how do we know you won't hijack the plane?"

"Well I don't have a Real ID."

"Ok then, give us $45 and you can go through."

So it was never about security at all then, was it?

And don't get me started with all the paid express security lanes. Because of course only poor people can weaponize shoes and laptops.

Re: The TSA's New $45 Fee to Fly Without ID Is Illegal

#24
post #19

I've flown without ID twice. Once because I lost my ID, once to prove to a friend that it could be done. This fee will fail for the same reason that flying without ID works at all - the law is quite clear on it.

Did you have to show the airline your ID when checking in? As far as I can tell, the TSA is one thing, while airline policy is another. The law says it’s not required for security, but airlines might be justified in carrying out their own policies? Honestly curious.

My brother did this once and if you print your boarding pass before arriving you don't have to check in (obviously this is for a domestic flight with no checked bags). The TSA will question you and swab everything in your suitcase though.

Re: The TSA's New $45 Fee to Fly Without ID Is Illegal

#25
post #23

It's hilarious how transparent a money grab this entire thing is. "You need to show a Real ID for security, otherwise how do we know you won't hijack the plane?" "Well I don't have a Real ID." "Ok then, give us $45 and you can go through." So it was never about security at all then, was it? And don't get me started with all the paid express security lanes. Because of course only poor people can weaponize shoes and la…

The $45 pays for extra checks and scrutiny.

Re: The TSA's New $45 Fee to Fly Without ID Is Illegal

#27
post #17

It's an interesting argument. Is there a highly-credible, authoritative source? Maybe someone like the EFF or ACLU? There are lots of ideas online about the law, of varying credibility, and I'd hesitate to risk a lawsuit over Internet advice.

The author has been qualified as an expert witness in several venues.

Re: The TSA's New $45 Fee to Fly Without ID Is Illegal

#28
post #2

If true, unlikely to help the working poor flying (or attempting to fly) because recourse to courts here is in the realms of the rich or benificent. So, Frommers should fund a test case.

How many of the “working poor” can afford to fly and don’t have a drivers license?

All 50 states and 5 US territories issue RealID compliant drivers license/ID

Re: The TSA's New $45 Fee to Fly Without ID Is Illegal

#29
post #22

Earlier quoted context omitted.

“New” Real ID is 21yrs old at this point.

They've been pushing it back every year because states haven't implemented it uniformly. Washington gave me a non real-ID card in 2022. IIRC the only real-ID option at the time was an Enhanced ID which can be used to cross the border from Canada and costs $100.

Washington gave me a non real-ID driver's license in November 2025. I don't plan on upgrading it unless forced to since I also have a passport.

Re: The TSA's New $45 Fee to Fly Without ID Is Illegal

#30
post #23

It's hilarious how transparent a money grab this entire thing is. "You need to show a Real ID for security, otherwise how do we know you won't hijack the plane?" "Well I don't have a Real ID." "Ok then, give us $45 and you can go through." So it was never about security at all then, was it? And don't get me started with all the paid express security lanes. Because of course only poor people can weaponize shoes and la…

The $45 pays for extra checks and scrutiny.

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