Royal Airport Concierge – This Week in Air Travel: New TSA Rules, Passport Updates, and Security Alerts

As you plan your upcoming trips, we want to keep you updated with the latest air travel news. From new privacy concerns regarding TSA data-sharing to the implementation of the BABES Act for families, staying informed is the key to a seamless journey.

This week, we are tracking critical updates that every traveler should know: a looming Real ID deadline with a $45 non-compliance fee, a redesigned British passport, and serious warnings about airport cybersecurity. Here’s everything you need to know!

Royal Airport Concierge: Key Takeaways for the Modern Traveler

Privacy Alert: TSA is reportedly sharing full U.S. passenger lists with ICE, raising privacy concerns for travelers.
Family Travel: The BABES Act now standardizes TSA screening of breast milk and formula, ensuring gentler inspections.
Real ID Costs: Starting February 1, 2026, travelers flying without Real ID must pay a $45 fee for the TSA Confirm.ID process.
Global Updates: The U.K. is rolling out a redesigned British passport with enhanced security features.
Cybersecurity: TSA and Google warn travelers to avoid unverified airport Wi‑Fi networks to prevent data theft.

TSA & ICE Data Sharing: What Travelers Need to Know

Although most travelers assume their flight details stay between them and the airline, a recent New York Times investigation reveals that the TSA has been quietly sharing passenger lists with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This expansion of surveillance has raised serious privacy and civil liberties concerns.

The Scope: Reports indicate TSA has provided names of all U.S. air travelers to help ICE track individuals, not just specific suspects.
The Impact: If you are flying through major hubs like El Paso, this data sharing could affect how your movements are monitored.
The Advice: Factor this into your travel plans. Be mindful of the personal information you share and consider consulting a legal professional if you have specific immigration-related concerns.

Family Travel Update: How the BABES Act Improves Screening

While privacy headlines can make air travel feel stressful, the new BABES (Bottles and Breastfeeding Equipment Screening Enhancement) Act is a win for families. This law standardizes TSA screening procedures for breast milk, formula, and pumping gear, removing the inconsistency that often plagues parents at security checkpoints.

What this means for your next trip:

Clear Allowances: You can carry larger quantities of milk and formula without hassle.
Gentle Inspections: The law mandates methods that avoid direct contact with food supplies.
Consistency: Expect the same rules at every airport, reducing the need for repacking or arguments at the gate.

Real ID Deadline 2026: The New $45 Non-Compliance Fee

The Real ID deadline is approaching, and it will directly impact your travel budget. Starting February 1, 2026, you can still fly without a Real ID, but it will cost you. Travelers without compliant identification will be charged a $45 non-compliance fee at the TSA checkpoint to fund the Confirm.ID verification process.

Why it matters:
You aren’t buying a “fast pass”—you are paying for a manual identity check that takes extra time. If you travel frequently, these fees will add up immediately.

Action Item: Check your state ID today. If it isn’t Real ID-compliant (usually indicated by a star), schedule an upgrade now to avoid surprise costs and delays in 2026.

Global Travel: New British Passport Redesign Features

British travelers are seeing a major update this month with the rollout of a redesigned passport.

No Rush Needed: Your current passport remains valid until its expiration date.
Automatic Upgrade: When you do renew, you will receive the new design automatically with no extra fees.
Enhanced Security: The redesign features updated artwork and embedded technology specifically designed to prevent fraud and speed up border checks.

Airport Security Alert: Protecting Your Data on Public Wi-Fi

Connecting to “Free Airport Wi‑Fi” is convenient, but it is also a primary target for cybercriminals. The TSA and Google have issued warnings about “evil twin” networks—fake hotspots set up by scammers to look like official airport networks.

How to stay safe while connected:

Verify the Network: Always confirm the exact network name with airport staff or signage.
Use a VPN: Never access banking or sensitive emails on public Wi-Fi without a reputable Virtual Private Network.
Disable Auto-Connect: Ensure your phone doesn’t automatically jump onto open networks.

Conclusione

As you plan upcoming trips, stay ahead of these changes instead of reacting at the airport. Confirm your ID meets Real ID rules, know your rights and options when traveling with infants, and check your passport’s validity and design.

Protect your data by treating public Wi‑Fi as a risk, not a convenience. If you’re unsure about how any rule affects your status or privacy, talk with an immigration or security professional before you fly. If you are planing to travel soon don’t forget that at Royal Airport Concierge we are more than happy to assist you with our services.