Starting in 2025, travelers will be impacted by international travel updates, as well as by changes in domestic flight ID rules for U.S. flyers. Meanwhile, advantageous customer protections are finally being locked into place, and some airlines have announced welcome cabin overhauls.

REAL ID status for domestic air travel

Domestic air travel in the United States changes on May 7, 2025, with the long-heralded introduction of the REAL ID. After multiple delays since the act was first introduced in 2007, the new federal law concerning the use of drivers’ licenses and government-issued identification cards at airport security checks looks as though it will finally be implemented.

These days, most newly issued ID cards are REAL ID-compliant, but travelers with older documents will need to check with their issuing state agency.

More information about REAL ID in each state is available on the Department of Homeland Security website. The paperwork required to apply varies by state but will likely include proof of identity, status as a US resident or citizen, a Social Security number, and proof of a current address. Valid passports, of course, remain a legal form of identification for domestic and international travel.

Entering the UK with ETA

Further changes for U.S. citizens heading to the United Kingdom are happening with the expansion of the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) program. From January 8, 2025, ETA registration will be required by inbound travelers from the U.S. and Europe.

Modeled after the United States’ Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) system, the ETA allows UK authorities to screen visitors before arrival, the idea being to reduce security risks and streamline border entry. The ETA is not a visa, and it does not replace any existing visa requirements.

U.S. citizens planning to travel to the UK on or after January 8 should apply through the UK government’s official website or the ETA app. A United Kingdom ETA costs £10, or approximately $13. Once received, the ETA is valid for multiple entries into the UK over a two-year period.

How to navigate Europe’s new entry and exit requirements

Although no exact date has yet been announced, 30 European countries will start to enforce the European Union’s European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) in 2025. This new authorization process will require people from over 60 visa-exempt countries, including U.S. citizens, to have travel authorization when entering 30 European countries. Similar to the UK’s ETA program, the ETIAS does not replace any existing visa requirements, but looks to improve security in Europe’s Schengen Area.

Travelers who are granted ETIAS travel authorization can enjoy multiple entries to the participating countries for short-term stays, typically up to 90 days across a 180-day period. The ETIAS is valid for up to three years, and a new ETIAS travel authorization is required if a passport expires.

This will work in tandem with the new Entry/Exit System (EES), which will register biometric data at passport control to for both visa-free and visa-required travelers entering Europe for short stays. The EES does not require any action from travelers.

New consumer protections for U.S. air travel

The last elements of the ‘final rule’ from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) are being implemented. Announced in April 2024, the ’final rule’ no longer allows U.S. airline operators to decide when refunds might be appropriate after significant changes.

That term has now been defined for the first time and includes: departure or arrival times that are changed by more than three hours (domestic) and six hours (international); changes in airport or the number of connections; cabin downgrades; or problems with accessibility for travelers with disabilities. There are also new compensation rules for significantly delayed baggage or extra services ( like Wi-Fi that were paid for but not delivered.

The DOT has also worked with the Federal Trade Commission to ban hidden ‘junk fees’ for families that wish to be seated together.

The new online U.S. passport renewal system

Since September 2024, it has been possible for U.S. citizens to renew their passports online rather than in person. The system is now fully operational, as long as applicants fulfill some basic requirements.

For example, the holder must live in the United States and be over the age of 25. Their passport must have been valid for 10 years without any changes in name, gender, or date/place of birth.

Applicants should create an account at MyTravelGov and navigate to the process via the “Renew Your Passport” button. Updates via email on the status of applications are available after one week, and applicants will be notified about queries and approvals, as well as when the new passport is being dispatched.   

Airline news you should know about

There hasn’t been a specific date announced yet, but American Airlines will likely roll out its new Flagship Suites business class product in 2025. Improved amenities will include greater comfort, privacy doors, wireless charging, and Bluetooth capability.

Frontier Airlines will be offering a brand new first class cabin, due to be available in late 2025. Good news, too, for Delta customers, as the airline will be upgrading its cabins fleet-wide, starting with the Boeing 757 aircraft before the Airbus A350 models. JetBlue will open  branded lounges at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) Terminal 5 in late 2025 and at Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) Terminal C soon after.