With the start of the new year, new rules and laws are taking effect that could change the way you travel in 2026, including fees for lacking a Real ID and stricter luggage regulations. Travelers without a Real ID or another required form of identification, such as a passport, will be charged $45 for additional security measures by the TSA.”Not really surprising, I feel like. I feel like anything they can do to like get people to pay more money especially with the Real ID thing,” said Saveria Panella, a traveler.”I think it’s good to have better security, I’m all for better security,” said Terry Medovich, another traveler.Ken Saunders, also a traveler, said, “Security is paramount in today’s world. We have to make sure people are adhering to the policies that are set forth because that makes everyone, every traveler safer.”This law goes into effect in February.”That’s been on the books for so long. If people don’t have that, they should pay 45 dollars,” said John Farrell, a traveler.”Security is important, but maybe the 45 dollars shouldn’t quite be 45,” said Gabe Manetta, another traveler.Some airlines are also enforcing stricter carry-on luggage rules regarding size and weight. Travelers should check with their airline to see if wheels and bag handles are included in the required dimensions, which are usually 22 by 14 by 9 inches. If not prepared, travelers may have to pay $100 or more to check a bag they expected to carry on the flight.”I don’t like it,” said Farrell. “I’ll have to get all new luggage and you can’t carry as much as you used to and I used to be able to go to China and for 10 days with this luggage.”Additionally, “Paul Miller’s Law” goes into effect in June of 2026 in Pennsylvania, making it illegal to hold a cell phone while driving.

PITTSBURGH —

With the start of the new year, new rules and laws are taking effect that could change the way you travel in 2026, including fees for lacking a Real ID and stricter luggage regulations.

Travelers without a Real ID or another required form of identification, such as a passport, will be charged $45 for additional security measures by the TSA.

“Not really surprising, I feel like. I feel like anything they can do to like get people to pay more money especially with the Real ID thing,” said Saveria Panella, a traveler.

“I think it’s good to have better security, I’m all for better security,” said Terry Medovich, another traveler.

Ken Saunders, also a traveler, said, “Security is paramount in today’s world. We have to make sure people are adhering to the policies that are set forth because that makes everyone, every traveler safer.”

This law goes into effect in February.

“That’s been on the books for so long. If people don’t have that, they should pay 45 dollars,” said John Farrell, a traveler.

“Security is important, but maybe the 45 dollars shouldn’t quite be 45,” said Gabe Manetta, another traveler.

Some airlines are also enforcing stricter carry-on luggage rules regarding size and weight. Travelers should check with their airline to see if wheels and bag handles are included in the required dimensions, which are usually 22 by 14 by 9 inches. If not prepared, travelers may have to pay $100 or more to check a bag they expected to carry on the flight.

“I don’t like it,” said Farrell. “I’ll have to get all new luggage and you can’t carry as much as you used to and I used to be able to go to China and for 10 days with this luggage.”

Additionally, “Paul Miller’s Law” goes into effect in June of 2026 in Pennsylvania, making it illegal to hold a cell phone while driving.