If you are flying out of El Paso International Airport next year, you better have one of these on you. Otherwise, it’s going to cost you …<\/p>\n
Airports all over the USA, including El Paso International, are starting a new policy in February of 2026<\/a> that will cost some people more money. Some more than once.<\/p>\n Long story short, if you don’t have a Real ID, you better get one.<\/a><\/p>\n The TSA announced new fees for travelers who don’t have a Real ID<\/a> that were expected to be around $18. Now, a double whammy … not only will the fee actually be $45, some peeps may have to pay it multiple times.<\/a><\/p>\n READ MORE: Need A Real ID? DON’T Go To The Texas DPS<\/a><\/p>\n On top of, (possibly), having to pay the fee more than once; some travelers may not be allowed beyond the checkpoint<\/a> after paying it.<\/p>\n Why The Fee?<\/p>\n TSA<\/a> says it’s to offset the cost of having to verify that people are really who they say they are, a vetting that Real ID holders have already gone through. Apparently, typing a name in a computer and waiting a couple of minutes costs the government almost $50.<\/p>\n Real ID’s are pretty easy to get, and you’ll wind up with one sooner or later anyway, (all DL\/ID renewals will be replaced with Real ID’s), so you should just get it over with before you travel next year. Not sure if you have a Real ID? Click here<\/a>. The new fees kick in this coming February.<\/p>\n Unfair To Families<\/p>\n The fees only get you a 10 day pass, then you have to pay again. Families really take a hit. Let’s say a family of 4 takes a 2 week vacation. $45 x4 to leave = $180. Coming back, they’re beyond the 10 day range so, yep … another $180 to come home.<\/p>\n That’s $360 to big guv. Imagine a bigger family or a group, like a wedding party, that’s even larger. BIG bucks for, really, doing nothing.<\/p>\n Is There Another Way?<\/p>\n