Are you up to speed on REAL ID? This relatively new form of government-issued ID comes with extra security features to guarantee the holder’s identity. And while signing up for REAL ID is currently optional, it’ll soon be a requirement for anyone planning to board a domestic flight in the United States. If you’re a frequent flyer and don’t have your REAL ID yet, take a closer look at what REAL ID is, and why and when you’ll need it to travel.

What Is REAL ID?

In 2005, Congress passed the REAL ID Act, establishing new security standards for any government-issued ID used to board an aircraft. While it is currently permitted to use a standard driver’s license to get onto a domestic flight, that will soon no longer be the case — you’ll need a REAL ID-compliant form of identification instead. 

A REAL ID is identifiable by a star or flag symbol (or both), along with the label “Enhanced.” This type of identification contains security features that make each document more difficult to counterfeit, such as unique barcodes. This ensures that the person holding the REAL ID is exactly who they say they are instead of someone using a false identity. REAL ID will also soon be required to enter certain federal facilities. That said, it’s important to note that you’ll still need a valid passport for international travel.

Some states, including New York, also offer Enhanced ID, which is even more secure than REAL ID. As an added benefit, Enhanced IDs allow people to cross over the U.S. border into Canada or Mexico without needing to show a passport.

When Is the Real ID Deadline?

Originally, the REAL ID rules were set to take effect as far back as 2008, but repeated delays in implementation have pushed the deadline back several times. Currently, these regulations are set to go into effect on May 7, 2025. However, the Transportation Security Administration announced in September 2024 a proposal for a phased-in approach, rather than full enforcement on that date as was originally planned.

Under the new proposal, agencies would have two years (until May 2027) to fully comply with the new REAL ID regulations. Travelers can continue to monitor the Department of Homeland Security website for a live countdown until these rules take effect and to see if the deadline gets pushed back any further. 

Are There Any Exceptions?

While it’s recommended that all Americans acquire a REAL ID-compliant form of identification if they haven’t done so already, there are a few exceptions when it comes to air travel. First, any airline passenger under 18 years of age won’t need to provide a REAL ID, as long as they’re traveling with an adult companion. You can also use certain documents instead of a REAL ID, such as a passport or Global Entry card, to board a flight.

How To Apply for REAL ID

The good news is that it’s simple to upgrade your existing driver’s license to be REAL ID-compatible. You’ll need to head to your local Department of Motor Vehicles with the required documents to verify who you are and where you live. These can include your Social Security Card, your current driver’s license, a valid passport, or a birth certificate. You should also fill out an application form before heading to the DMV that you can present when you arrive. Lastly, be aware that there’s a small fee as part of the application process. To learn more about what documents you’ll need to apply, consult your state’s DMV website or the DHS website for more information.

Who doesn’t love a travel souvenir? A 2018 YouGov survey found that 65% of Americans like to bring back souvenirs from vacation. From collectibles to clothes, we all have our favorite items to bring back from a trip. But that doesn’t mean anything goes when it comes to souvenirs, especially when traveling to another country. Whether they are protected or restricted items, or simply impractical, here’s what to avoid when you’re in the mood to splash some cash on a vacation abroad.

Fruit, Vegetables, and Other Natural Products

Many countries — including the U.S. — pay particular attention to the import of food products such as fruit and vegetables. Protecting the agricultural industry and the livelihoods of those employed is crucial, so every step must be taken to ensure diseases and pests aren’t introduced accidentally. According to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website, a Mediterranean fruit fly outbreak that began after a traveler brought back a single piece of fruit in 1980 cost approximately $100 million to rectify. It’s not just food, either. The CBP warns against importing certain animal hide drums for an even more concerning reason — they may pose a low risk for cutaneous anthrax transmission. 

Electronics

In some parts of the world, electronics retail for far less than they do in the U.S., but that doesn’t necessarily make purchasing them abroad a good idea. There are several reasons why that cheap deal may not be so cheap after all — not least the chance that you’d have to pay customs duties. Smaller details may become an obstacle, too. For example, laptop keyboards can differ from country to country, and user instructions might not be translated into English. Faulty goods will be almost impossible to return, and warranties may not be valid in your country of residence. Plus, electrical standards, voltage, frequency, and plug type vary considerably around the world, so what you buy may not be compatible when you arrive home. 

Restricted Antiques and Cultural Artifacts

A country’s art, antiquities, archaeological finds, and ethnological treasures form part of its cultural makeup, and visitors have a responsibility to ensure they don’t remove them and take them overseas, even unwittingly. Such items governed by strict import regulations include Indigenous artifacts from Canada and pre-Columbian archaeological objects from Guatemala, El Salvador, and Peru. When in doubt, we should leave them where they belong. An illustrated coffee table book or modern-day replica from a museum’s gift store would make a much more acceptable alternative.

Pirated Music and Movies

Knock-off CDs, DVDs, and Blu-rays are a common sight in markets in some parts of the world. It’s not difficult to spot a fake — these items are typically low-quality in comparison to official merchandise — but it’s not just about the viewing experience. Piracy is theft, and counterfeiting isn’t a victimless crime. Artists and creators have a right to be paid for their work, so resist the temptation to buy bootleg souvenirs and opt for legal downloads or streaming services instead.   

Expensive Jewelry

If you’ve booked a trip overseas to celebrate a milestone birthday or important anniversary, you might be considering buying an expensive piece of jewelry to mark the occasion. When that’s the case, be sure that your research is thorough — reports suggest that these items could be significantly overpriced in some countries. Some establishments might sell gems at inflated prices to unsuspecting customers without mentioning that they have been fracture-filled (a practice of disguising flaws that must be disclosed), or some might sell items with fake certificates. Long story short: If you can’t be absolutely certain of a gem’s provenance, then take your money elsewhere.

Mass-Produced Items

At the opposite end of the spectrum are the items that somehow make their way into tourist shops all over the world. You know the stuff: T-shirts emblazoned with corny slogans, branded shot glasses and mugs in gaudy colors, or perhaps a poorly embroidered bag proudly displaying the name of your destination. The unfortunate reality is that most of these souvenirs start life far away from the places they promote and are typically mass-produced in factories. Instead, seek out quirky one-of-a-kind items or authentic artisan handicrafts to bring back something you’ll actually be proud to display.

Oversized or Breakable Souvenirs 

Sometimes, we forget to consider the bulk or fragility of a souvenir purchase. The fun you had haggling over that rug or ceramic pot quickly evaporates as you try to figure out how you’re going to transport it back to the U.S. Shipping an item might be a solution, though there’s no guarantee it will arrive in one piece — even if it’s enveloped in industrial quantities of bubble wrap. Or, if it’s too heavy, you may be faced with excess baggage fees. Moral of the story: You’ll probably want to think twice about purchasing anything that might cause a headache transporting it home.

A flight that’s severely delayed or, worse, canceled altogether is the situation most travelers dread. Unfortunately, such disruptions are common. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Statistics, less than 80% of domestic flights arrived on time in June 2024. Of the rest, most were impacted by factors such as inclement weather, airport congestion, and the late arrival of inbound aircraft. If you haven’t experienced a flight delay or cancellation recently, there’s a good chance you will at some point in the future. If that happens, avoid these five common mistakes travelers make when their flight is delayed or canceled.

Flying Off the Handle at Gate Staff

Customer service staff at the airport — particularly gate agents — tend to find themselves on the receiving end of passengers’ frustration, often because they are the most visible representatives of the airline. But losing your temper at the gate isn’t going to improve the situation — it’s not the agents’ fault you aren’t taking off at the scheduled time. Instead, remain polite as you find out what your options are, and agents will be more inclined to go the extra mile as they help you figure out a workable alternative. 

Failing To Act Quickly

If your flight has been canceled and you’re already at the gate, you’ll be one of a whole planeload of passengers who will need to be rebooked onto a later flight. Though agents work as quickly as possible, dealing with a high volume of customers takes time. While you wait in line, it’s also worth using that time to check the airline’s website or app or try to get in touch with the airline customer service desk on your cellphone. Even if you don’t get a resolution before you reach the front of the queue, multitasking in this way could secure you the last available seat to reach your destination that night.

Assuming All Airlines Are Equal

As of 2024, delayed or canceled passengers now enjoy certain rights under law for what the DOT defines as “significant” flight disruptions. For anything else, customer service commitments still vary from airline to airline. To help travelers see exactly which steps different airlines promise to take, the DOT has introduced a helpful dashboard. For the most part, though, if you’ve experienced a controllable delay or cancellation (such as late arriving crew or aircraft maintenance), U.S. carriers will rebook you free of charge — sometimes even with another carrier — and provide hotel vouchers. 

If you’re flying in Europe, under regulation EU 261, you’ll be entitled not only to a refund for a canceled or significantly delayed flight but also extra cash as compensation for your inconvenience. Note that the cause of the disruption can have an impact on what you’re entitled to, as some issues are considered to be outside the airline’s control.

Trying To Resolve It Through Social Media

If you’re getting nowhere fast with your attempts at rebooking a canceled flight or claiming compensation after an extended delay, it can be tempting to vent on social media platforms. Though doing so might make you feel better in the short term, it leaves you vulnerable to attention from spam accounts trying to harvest your personal data or even scam you out of money for phony rebooking or administration fees. Take care to ensure you are contacting the official account, and be especially wary if asked for details of a credit card or your frequent flyer account.

Not Staying Near the Gate 

If you’re still at home or in your hotel room when the notification of a flight delay comes through, it can be tempting to stay put. After all, there’s no point in traveling to the airport just to sit around for hours, right? Not exactly. Delays can often change at short notice, so you still need to be at the gate on time in case the flight does leave at its allotted time. For instance, the airline may have been able to source a standby crew unexpectedly or resolve a technical problem more quickly than it anticipated. If that’s the case, the plane won’t wait if you aren’t available to board.  

When it comes time to renew their passports, many travelers find it to be no easy feat. Getting a new passport the traditional way can take three months or longer, so starting the process early is essential. But what if you realize too late that your passport is too damaged to travel or that you simply forgot to check the expiration date? If your trip is weeks or even days away, there’s still hope. Here are a few helpful hacks to get a new passport at the last minute.

Know Your Options

The U.S. Department of State offers three standard methods of passport services: routine, expedited, and urgent. The wait time for each varies based on demand. Typically, it takes around six to eight weeks to process a routine passport, not including mailing time, which can add up to two weeks. That adds up to 12 weeks (or longer) to get a new passport. Fortunately, for travelers in a pinch, the State Department offers two faster options, and there are other hacks to try if these traditional methods don’t work.

Apply for an “Expedited” Passport

The first option for travelers is to apply for “expedited” passports that can be processed within two to three weeks, not including mail time. The service comes with an extra $60 fee, on top of the $165 price for a new passport book or the $130 fee for a passport book renewal. For travelers heading on vacation in a few weeks, this method could work, but consider paying for priority mail express (at a carrier of your choice) to get your application there within a few days. Also, remember to purchase one-to-two-day delivery at checkout with the State Department to receive your passport quickly. (This is also an extra fee of $21.36.)

Get an “Urgent” Passport

If an expedited passport isn’t fast enough, an “urgent” passport appointment can be requested within 14 days of travel — but not any sooner. To use this service, you must call and make an in-person appointment at an official passport agency (not a passport acceptance facility such as a post office). Keep in mind that there is no guarantee of getting an appointment because there are limited openings, and there aren’t passport agencies in every state. (In fact, there are only 26 locations around the country.) 

Travelers must also pay the same $60 fee as for expedited passports and show proof of travel within the next two weeks (such as an airline ticket or cruise receipt). There are no photo services at passport agencies, so bring your passport-ready photos and all required documentation, including proof of residency. After you call and make your appointment, these instructions, along with the required documents to fill out, will be emailed to you. Have everything filled out, printed, and ready for your appointment. If you can snag an appointment and all of your paperwork is approved, you could walk out with a new passport in as little as a few hours.

If last-minute travel is due to a serious family emergency, a second type of “urgent” appointment is available. This is called a life-or-death emergency appointment, but this is reserved for serious matters and shouldn’t be used by vacationers. 

Contact Your Congressional Representative 

If you’ve already submitted a passport request, but it’s taking longer than expected, there’s a surprising hack at your disposal: reaching out to your congressional representative. They can act as a liaison for their constituents dealing with federal agencies, and one of their duties is to assist with passports issued by the State Department.

Typically, your state congressperson will have a “help” section on their website offering federal agency resources, including for passport issues. After you submit your request, you’ll be contacted shortly (typically via email) — sometimes within the same day. The representative, or someone from their office, will reach out to the State Department and request an expedited approval. Sometimes, this can be done as soon as overnight if all the required paperwork is valid. 

One traveler shared their experience on Reddit of trying this hack after their passport took weeks longer than expected. After completing an online form, “an hour later, I got a response from my Congressman in an email saying he will contact the passport agency and update me as soon as possible.” Fortunately, the issue was resolved quickly. “The next morning, I got a call from his office from a woman who said she was working all of the passport inquiries for the day.” After the traveler sent over their itinerary, the representative emailed back, “saying she will get my passport completed immediately and ship it to me overnight. I got sent a tracking number one hour later!”

Use a Courier Company

If you’re down to the wire and the above methods don’t work, you might have to look to a private agency for help. Couriers, or “passport expeditors,” are private companies that are authorized to submit passport applications and pick up passports for customers. Though they do not operate as part of the State Department, these providers know the ins and outs of passport applications, renewals, and expediting — allowing you to get your new passport within days and sometimes even within 24 hours.

In order to avoid being scammed, the first step is to choose one of the 200-plus couriers registered with the State Department. Couriers have agents around the country who are experts at securing last-minute in-person appointments, speaking on your behalf to get you a passport fast. They utilize airline parcel services to fly your new passport same-day or overnight, sometimes across the country, allowing you to continue your travel plans without doing any additional legwork.

Using an expeditor can be worthwhile if you’ve exhausted all other possibilities, but it comes at a steep price. It costs a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, depending on the lengths needed for the last-minute request. For example, a one-week turnaround might cost around $400 (on top of the normal passport fee), while a 24-hour turnaround can cost $2,000 or more.

At the end of the day, travelers should weigh their options and decide if the trip can be moved to a more convenient time to avoid the high cost and stress of last-minute passport problems. However, if the trip is too important to be moved — imagine this scenario playing out while preparing for a destination wedding, for example — these hacks give you a great shot at getting a new passport in the nick of time. 

Who doesn’t like getting perks while traveling? While some of the most exclusive travel benefits are reserved for top-paying customers in airline and hotel elite loyalty programs or folks with a premium credit card, there are a host of other perks that are available to all types of travelers — and that don’t require you to shell out anything extra. Here are seven of the best free travel perks anyone can ask for. 

Free Pooling of Frequent Flyer Miles 

Saving up frequent-flyer miles to redeem them for a free vacation? It can take a while. But if you participate in an airline program that offers free pooling with family or friends, those points can add up much more quickly. Say you’re sitting on a stash of 50,000 miles, but you’re eyeing a ticket to Cancun that costs 75,000 miles. With this handy perk, you’d be able to combine points with other members of your family to top off your account and secure an award ticket faster. While restrictions vary from program to program, JetBlue’s TrueBlue points pooling is among the most generous — any member over 21 years old can create a pool to share points with up to seven family members or friends for free.

Free Wi-Fi by Signing Up for a Loyalty Program

Getting online is a priority for many travelers, but many airlines have been slow to roll out reliable onboard Wi-Fi. When they do offer it, it often comes at a steep cost and can be painfully slow. Ground-based hotel Wi-Fi is a better bet, but it often isn’t free, either. However, many hotel chains — such as Marriott — will offer guests free basic in-room Wi-Fi simply for being a member of their free loyalty program. And in the sky, Delta Air Lines recently announced it was installing faster satellite-based Wi-Fi throughout its fleet — and all you have to do to access it completely free is be a member of its SkyMiles frequent flyer program.

Free Hotel Happy Hours

Sure, you’ve probably seen the free pot of coffee sitting in the hotel lobby in the morning, but did you know some hotels go above and beyond when it comes to free beverages? Kimpton Hotels, in particular, are known for hosting complimentary wine hours for guests each evening, so if you’re a wine lover, it could be worth going out of your way to book a stay with them. If you’re not interested in wine, just ask the front desk what other free amenities they might be able to provide, such as a personal hygiene kit if you forgot your toothbrush or a complimentary bike rental. 

Free Access to a Faster Airport Security Line

The airport security line is seemingly never easy to navigate, with queues that can often snake around terminals and force travelers to show up to the airport earlier than they’d like. Enter: RESERVE, a program offered by biometrics company CLEAR. With RESERVE, any traveler can make a free reservation at the security checkpoint for select airports. There are dedicated lanes for appointment holders at airports where the service is offered, which means the lines typically move faster and the experience is more predictable. To find participating locations and to make a free appointment, visit the RESERVE website.

Free Airline Perks for Families 

It’s no secret that flying with young children comes with challenges, but many airlines offer family-friendly amenities onboard if you simply ask a flight attendant. For example, United Airlines offers a “Children’s Travel Kit,” designed by the people behind Sesame Street, which includes crayons, an activity book, a puzzle, and a sensory strip to calm anxiety in young ones. Meanwhile, Delta Air Lines has a secret trading card program, in which passengers can collect card designs featuring different aircraft in the airline’s fleet. All you have to do is ask your pilot if they’re available — and they’re just as fun for adults as they are for kids.

Free Meals or Hotels for Flight Delays

Flight delays and cancellations can happen to anyone — and sometimes they result in an unexpected overnight layover if you miss a connecting flight. But if the delay wasn’t due to weather and falls within the airline’s control, you shouldn’t have to pay out of pocket for meals and accommodations. Be sure to ask customer service staff not only to cover your hotel stay but also for a meal voucher to be used at airport restaurants. Some airlines even offer a portal where you can choose a hotel and receive free ground transportation to and from, without having to pay out of pocket. Rules vary by airline, so read up and prepare yourself in case you encounter any travel disruptions. 

Free City Tours on Long Layovers

Have a long layover between international flights? Sitting at the airport and twiddling your thumbs for hours isn’t your only option. Some cities, in partnership with local tourism boards, offer travelers free city tours during a longer layover. For example, if you’re flying Turkish Airlines through Istanbul and have longer than six hours before your connecting flight, you can sign up for a guided tour of some of the city’s most famous sights, such as the Blue Mosque or the Grand Bazaar. Other airports offer free hotel stays for overnight layovers, making them an attractive option for your next long-haul layover.