In a move that could impact countless Disney Park guests in the near future, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has proposed a new pre-flight fee for travelers. This fee may apply to those flying into Disney destinations, such as Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort, starting as early as December 2025.
A New Fee for Domestic Flights to Disney Parks
On Thursday, November 20, the TSA published a proposed rule in the Federal Register outlining an $18 fee for adults who attempt to pass through airport security without a REAL ID or a valid passport. This new rule is part of the government’s ongoing push to enforce the REAL ID Act, which requires all air travelers to have a valid ID for entry starting in May 2025. The fee will be applied to adults who do not meet the ID requirements but wish to go through additional identity verification to board their flight.
The REAL ID law has been in the works for more than 20 years. As of May 2025, all Disney (and other) travelers aged 18 and older are required to present either a REAL ID or a passport to board a flight. While the TSA has allowed some flexibility by letting travelers with non-compliant IDs undergo additional screening, the new proposed rule introduces a $18 fee for those who don’t meet the criteria.
TSA’s Plan to Enforce REAL ID Compliance
TSA spokespersons confirmed to ABC News that the new fee will apply to domestic flights for travelers who do not have the required REAL ID or passport at the time of their security screening. A TSA representative explained:
“This notice serves as a next step in the process in REAL ID compliance, which was signed into law more than 20 years ago and finally implemented by Secretary [Kristi] Noem as of May 2025. TSA is working with stakeholders and partners to ensure both security and efficiency at our checkpoints. Additional guidance will be announced in the coming days.”
Who Will Be Affected by the $18 Fee?
The new TSA rule will primarily affect adult travelers flying to the United States Disney parks (and other domestic destinations) without REAL IDs or passports. For those without the necessary documentation, the fee would allow them to undergo additional screening at the security checkpoint. The $18 fee would be valid for ten days, meaning it would cover the traveler’s round-trip flight as long as their Disney (or other) trip is shorter than that.
This fee will not apply to those with the necessary identification (REAL ID or passport) or for international flights, where travelers are already required to have a valid passport or other secure documentation. It is intended solely for those flying domestically within the U.S., whether to the Disney parks or other destinations.
When Will This Rule Go Into Effect?
Since the rule cannot take effect until at least 30 days after its publication in the Federal Register, it could be just in time for Christmas, one of the busiest times of year at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort. That means December 20, 2025, marks the earliest date for implementing this new fee, which could hit guests traveling to Disney parks during the busy holiday season with a $18 charge.
The TSA has not yet detailed how the fees will be charged, and whether they will be paid online or directly at the airport. More information on how the $18 fee will be handled and whether it will apply to all domestic flights is expected to be released soon.
Before Your Flight to Disney
Guests with a confirmed flight to a domestic Disney destination must ensure they have the correct identification—REAL ID or passport—or they may incur an additional $18 fee at the airport. As this change could take effect as early as December 2025, it may impact many families planning Disney Park vacations during the busy holiday season.
Before your next Disney trip, be sure to check your REAL ID status and ensure you’re ready to avoid any additional fees during your holiday travels.
Are you willing to pay $18 to avoid using a REAL ID or passport at TSA? Disney Fanatic would love to hear from you in the comments!
