Last updated: January 16, 2026

This post is an update to my earlier TSA checklist article from January 2025. inspired by this video:  NEW TSA Carry-On Rules You NEED to Know in 2025 from the Portable Professional.

Travel is still one of the best ways to explore, connect, and transform your relationships

but unexpected surprises at security can cause unwanted stress at the start of an exciting adventure. Use this traveler-friendly checklist to reduce delays, avoid confiscations, and move through the TSA checkpoint with calm.

Quick Table of Contents

• What Changed for 2026 (The Big Updates)
• Before You Go: Domestic Travel Checklist (2026)
• Liquids: The 3-1-1 Rule (Still Active)
• Shoes-On Policy (Yes, Really)
• Most Common TSA Checkpoint Issues Travelers Hit in 2025
• Before You Go: International Travel Notes
• Ask TSA (When You’re Not Sure)
• Sources

What Changed for 2026 (The Big Updates)

1) REAL ID is now fully enforced for domestic flights

As of May 7, 2025, TSA no longer accepts state-issued driver’s licenses/IDs that are not REAL ID compliant at airport checkpoints for domestic air travel. If you don’t have a REAL ID, you can also use other acceptable identification (like a passport). See TSA’s official guidance here: Acceptable Identification at the TSA Checkpoint (TSA) and REAL ID Full Enforcement Press Release (TSA).

2) New $45 “Confirm.ID” fee option begins Feb 1, 2026

If you arrive at the checkpoint without REAL ID or another acceptable ID, TSA is introducing a fee-based identity verification option starting February 1, 2026. TSA’s official Confirm.ID page and press release are here: TSA Confirm.ID (TSA) and $45 Fee Option Begins Feb 1 (TSA Press Release).

Practical takeaway: If you’re relying on Confirm.ID, build in extra time. The easiest “stress-free” move is still: bring a REAL ID or passport.

Before You Go: Domestic Travel Checklist (2026)

A) ID & documents (do this first)

• Bring a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or another acceptable ID (passport, etc.). See the official TSA list here: Acceptable IDs (TSA).
• If you arrive without acceptable ID, beginning February 1, 2026 the TSA will require you to pay a $45 non-refundable fee to use its Confirm.ID identity-verification process in order to complete security screening and proceed to your flight. This fee covers a 10-day travel period. See TSA’s Confirm.ID option (fee begins Feb 1, 2026): Confirm.ID (TSA).

B) Pack like a pro

• Liquids/gels/aerosols: pack them correctly (see 3-1-1 rule below).
• Medications: keep prescription labels when possible and plan extra time if you’re carrying medical liquids.
• Power banks & spare lithium batteries: keep them in your carry-on, not checked baggage (see FAA guidance): Airline Passengers and Batteries (FAA).
• Double-bag liquids in checked luggage to prevent leaks from pressure changes.

C) At the checkpoint

• Keep your ID and boarding pass accessible.
• Follow officer instructions—procedures can vary by airport and screening lane.
• If you’re unsure about an item, use Ask TSA before you fly.

Liquids: The 3-1-1 Rule (Still Active in 2026)

The TSA liquids rule is still the baseline nationwide. TSA’s official liquids rule page is here: Liquids, Aerosols, and Gels Rule (TSA).

• 3.4 oz / 100 ml max per container
• 1 quart-sized, clear, resealable bag
• 1 bag per traveler

Important: The limit is about the container size (even if it’s only half full).

Common exceptions (still allowed, but may require additional screening): medical liquids and infant/child nourishment. TSA rules and specifics can change by scenario—when in doubt, Ask TSA (below) or check TSA guidance.

Shoes-On Policy (Yes, Really)

One of the biggest traveler-experience changes: DHS/TSA ended the long-standing “shoes-off” policy in 2025. As of July 8, 2025, passengers can generally keep shoes on at TSA checkpoints (additional screening may still require removal). See: TSA Press Release: End “Shoes-Off” Policy and DHS Release: End “Shoes-Off” Policy.

Most Common TSA Checkpoint Issues Travelers Hit in 2025

Even as procedures improved, 2025 was full of predictable “gotchas.” Here are the issues that most commonly created delays (and will still matter in 2026):

1) ID problems (the #1 stress trigger)

• Arriving without REAL ID or an acceptable alternative ID, especially after May 7, 2025 enforcement began. (TSA ID rules)
• Not realizing your license is non-compliant until you’re in line.

2) Liquids packed incorrectly

• More than one liquids bag
• Oversized containers
• Forgetting that many gels/creams/pastes count as “liquids” under TSA rules (TSA 3-1-1 guidance)

3) Firearms & weapon-like items

TSA continues to intercept thousands of firearms each year, and bringing a firearm to the checkpoint can result in major delays, law enforcement involvement, and civil penalties. TSA publishes regular press releases and statistics; for example: TSA Firearms Intercept Report (2024 stats, released Jan 15, 2025) and TSA Firearm Discovery Rate Update (Jan 29, 2025).

If you travel with sporting firearms, review TSA/airline procedures for checked transport well in advance.

4) Batteries and power banks packed wrong

• Spare lithium batteries and power banks should be in your carry-on, not checked (fire risk). See FAA: FAA battery guidance.

5) “What can I bring?” confusion

When you’re uncertain (tools, razor types, cosmetics, unusual gifts), TSA’s database is the fastest official reference: What Can I Bring? (TSA).

Before You Go: International Travel Notes

• Rules vary by country—especially for medications and controlled substances.
• Some travelers find disposable clear bags are easier internationally than reusable liquid bags (screening expectations differ).
• Research the specific medication laws of your destination country before you travel. You can find a resource here for Travelers Carrying Medicines Containing Controlled Substances that includes links to more detailed information.

Ask TSA (Get an Official Answer Before You Fly)

If you’re unsure about an item, Ask TSA is a smart, low-stress way to confirm. TSA’s official contact options are listed here: Ask TSA (TSA).

Komoni Travel Tip

If you love traveling with simple, feel-good essentials: my shampoo bars are easy to pack and TSA-friendly. If you’re building a carry-on wellness routine, consider creating a small “ready-to-go” kit you can refill before each trip.

My hope for you is that by following these guidelines,

you can help ensure a smoother security experience at the airport. Consider signing up for TSA precheck if you are travelling often.

Sources

• TSA Confirm.ID
• TSA Press Release (Jan 15, 2026): $45 fee option begins Feb 1
• Acceptable Identification at the TSA Checkpoint (TSA)
• TSA Press Release (Apr 11, 2025): REAL ID full enforcement May 7
• Liquids, Aerosols, and Gels Rule (TSA)
• TSA Press Release (Jul 8, 2025): End “shoes-off” policy
• DHS Release (Jul 8, 2025): End “shoes-off” policy
• Airline Passengers and Batteries (FAA)
• What Can I Bring? (TSA)
• TSA Firearms Intercepts (2024 stats; released Jan 15, 2025)
• TSA Firearm Discovery Rate Update (Jan 29, 2025)
• Ask TSA (TSA)