New travel rules you need to know before flying

Changes in travel regulations, including REAL ID requirements, are set to impact travelers this year.

Changes in travel regulations, including REAL ID requirements, are set to impact travelers this year.

Booking *** flight, make sure you know these travel changes that could impact your itinerary. First, your regular driver's license won't cut it for airport security anymore starting May 7th. That's when the real ID requirement finally takes effect after years of delay. You'll need to be real ID compliant to board domestic flights, otherwise you'll have to use your passport. You can find the requirements where you live by. The Department of Homeland Security website DHS.gov/real ID. Next, if you're traveling to the UK, you'll need to apply for an electronic travel authorization. It acts as *** preclearance for travel and lasts 2 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. An application costs £10 roughly $13 and takes 3 working days to. You can learn how to apply on the UK government website gov.uk. Finally, is your flight canceled or delayed? Remember that Department of Transportation rules are now in effect, entitling you to automatic refunds if you choose not to take *** rebooked flight. The DOT defines significant delays as 3 hours for domestic flights and 6 hours for international flights. Refunds are also required for checked bag fees if your luggage is delayed or if you paid for Wi Fi and it doesn't work. Reporting in Washington, I'm Amy Lowe.

New travel rules you need to know before flying

Changes in travel regulations, including REAL ID requirements, are set to impact travelers this year.

Planning to fly soon? Be aware of new requirements that could affect your plans.REAL IDStarting May 7, 2025, a regular driver's license will no longer suffice for airport security as the REAL ID requirement takes effect. Travelers must be REAL ID compliant to board domestic flights or use a passport instead. If you still need a REAL ID, you can learn more about the requirements to obtain one by visiting the Department of Homeland Security website here.ETA to enter the UKFor those heading to the UK, an Electronic Travel Authorization is now necessary, serving as a preclearance that lasts two years or until your passport expires. The application costs approximately $13 and takes three working days to process. You can learn how to apply for one on the UK government website here.Know your rightsAs of now, Department of Transportation rules remain in effect ensuring automatic refunds for canceled or significantly delayed flights if you opt not to take a rebooked flight. Significant delays are defined as three hours for domestic flights and six hours for international flights. Refunds are also required if your baggage is significantly delayed and not delivered within 12 hours of a domestic flight arriving at the gate, or within 15-30 hours of an international flight arriving at the gate, depending on the length of the flight. You’re also entitled to a refund if you paid for Wi-Fi that didn’t work.

Planning to fly soon? Be aware of new requirements that could affect your plans.

REAL ID

Starting May 7, 2025, a regular driver's license will no longer suffice for airport security as the REAL ID requirement takes effect. Travelers must be REAL ID compliant to board domestic flights or use a passport instead. If you still need a REAL ID, you can learn more about the requirements to obtain one by visiting the Department of Homeland Security website .

ETA to enter the UK

For those heading to the UK, an Electronic Travel Authorization is now necessary, serving as a preclearance that lasts two years or until your passport expires. The application costs approximately $13 and takes three working days to process. You can learn how to apply for one on the UK government website .

Know your rights

As of now, Department of Transportation rules remain in effect ensuring automatic refunds for canceled or significantly delayed flights if you opt not to take a rebooked flight. Significant delays are defined as three hours for domestic flights and six hours for international flights.

Refunds are also required if your baggage is significantly delayed and not delivered within 12 hours of a domestic flight arriving at the gate, or within 15-30 hours of an international flight arriving at the gate, depending on the length of the flight. You’re also entitled to a refund if you paid for Wi-Fi that didn’t work.

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