If you’re flying to Walt Disney World this May, it might be worth taking one last look at your travel plans before you head out. A few airport and airline updates are now in effect, and while they don’t completely change the experience, they do introduce new factors to consider.
Everything still feels familiar at first. You’ll land at Orlando International Airport and head toward your Disney resort just like always. But behind the scenes, the process has shifted slightly, which could affect your timing and even your wallet.
Here’s what travelers need to know.
A February Change Still Affecting Travelers Today
The first update actually arrived earlier this year, but it’s still catching travelers off guard.
Beginning in February 2026, TSA introduced a $45 identity verification option for travelers without a REAL ID or another acceptable form of identification. This ConfirmID process allows you to continue through security, but it doesn’t guarantee success.
The 10-day validity window is where things get tricky. Many Disney trips fall right around that timeframe. If your vacation goes longer, you could face the same process again on your return flight.
For families, even one unexpected fee can disrupt a carefully planned budget. That’s why checking your ID before leaving home matters more than ever.
Touchless ID Offers a Faster Path Through Security
Security itself has also evolved, especially for TSA PreCheck travelers.
Orlando International Airport now offers TSA PreCheck Touchless ID, which uses facial recognition to verify identity for those who opt in. It’s a newer option that replaces the need to show your ID at the checkpoint.
Not everyone will use it, though. The system remains optional, and travelers who skip it will go through the standard process.
That creates two different experiences at security. Those using Touchless ID can move more quickly, while others may spend more time in line depending on the crowd.
For Disney visitors arriving during busy periods, that difference could be noticeable.
In-Flight Rules Are Changing Too
The final update takes place after you’ve already boarded your flight.
As of May 1, American Airlines introduced updated rules for portable chargers. Power banks must now stay within reach during the flight and cannot be stored in overhead bins or anywhere they aren’t easily accessible.
If you’re using one, it must remain visible as well. This helps crews react quickly if there’s an issue with the device.
Seatback pockets are still acceptable, but the overall goal is to keep chargers accessible at all times.
It’s a simple shift, but one that changes how you organize your carry-on items.
What Disney Travelers Should Keep in Mind
When you put these updates together, they start to reshape the travel experience in small but meaningful ways.
Disney trips already require planning, and now airport logistics are becoming part of that process. From making sure your ID is valid to deciding whether to use Touchless ID, these steps can affect how your day unfolds.
Even the charger rule matters, especially for travelers who rely on their devices throughout the trip.
A Little Preparation Goes a Long Way
None of these changes make travel harder—but they do reward preparation.
Checking your ID, reviewing your airline app, and understanding updated policies can save you time and stress. It’s a small investment that can make a big difference.
If you’re heading to Walt Disney World this May, getting familiar with these updates now could help you start your vacation on the right note.
