It’s been a wild year for airport updates—and things are only getting hairier as the government shutdown continues to leave TSA and ATC workers without pay.
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That being said, many updates to air travel in 2025 have been positive. A handful of changes have been aimed at reducing stress inside airports by simplifying trips through security and streamlining identification processes.
The toughest part is keeping track of all the TSA updates from this year. If you need a little shortcut about what has changed and how it will affect your trips within and to/from the United States, start here.
These are the most important TSA updates in 2025 that are affecting how Americans travel.
Important TSA updates from 2025
Passengers must have a Real ID
Only passengers with passports or government IDs with the Real ID marking are able to board planes. This change occurred in May following widespread news coverage. The goal of using Real IDs is to standardize identification processes nationwide and make it easier for federal properties to quickly ID a person, similar to the EU’s new entry-exit system, which is aimed at foreign visitors.
There’s a new travel complaint system
In mid-August, the US Department of Transportation nixed plans to enact Fly Rights for American passengers. Instead, it launched a new travel complaint system called the Aviation Complaint, Enforcement, and Reporting System, aka ACERS. It’s a single digital platform where Americans can leave compliments or make complaints against airlines.
The goal of the platform is to centralize where complaints are made against airlines so that they can be distributed to the necessary entities, which, theoretically, streamlines resolutions for major complaints. Still, it’s voluntary for airlines to participate.
And new funding for Air Traffic Control systems
I was pretty shocked to hear that some Air Traffic Control systems are so antiquated that they actually use floppy disks—which were drifting out of use back in the mid-90s.
This year, a massive $12 billion in funding has been allocated to the ATC to make much-needed updates to its operational infrastructure. In theory, this could make it easier to attract ATC employees in the future, as they won’t be hamstrung by outdated technology that makes the already complicated job mind-numbing.
Some airports have family-only security lines
As mentioned in the introduction, most TSA updates in 2025 are aimed at making air travel easier—for passengers like me and you, for the TSA, and for other aviation authorities.
One way that families will feel that in 2026 is the emergence of family-only security lines. So far, they’re only live at select airports, including Orlando International Airport, Orange County Airport, and a few more.
Family-only security lines are part of the TSA’s new Families on the Fly program. Families are able to get through security faster or, if they choose, can join TSA PreCheck as a family for a discount.
The idea here is to let families take their time getting through security with little ones and heavy equipment, like strollers, without clogging the line for other passengers.
You can keep your shoes on
One of the most welcome TSA updates to take place in 2025 has been its new ‘shoes-off’ policy. Passengers, including those who aren’t part of TSA PreCheck, can now keep their shoes on when going through security. You are now free to wear your ugly socks at the airport.
Some security lines are automated now
If you use CLEAR, you can now get to your security screening without any human interactions. Just hand over some of your biometric data, like finger and facial scans, and you can skip the TSA agent line. To clarify, you still need to go through security like usual. The difference is that you don’t need to wait to have a TSA agent manually match your ID to your boarding pass.
Lithium batteries are a no-no
Not all TSA updates are good. This year, lithium-ion batteries have become one of the biggest threats to air travel. Lithium-ion batteries are ideal because they can store a hefty charge in their battery, making them useful for charging packs, cordless hair curlers, laptop batteries, and more.
Unfortunately, low-quality lithium-ion batteries or even damaged ones are prone to overheating. And not just general overheating, but a dangerous type of overheating that can generate smoke and, in severe cases, fire. TSA agents and airline officials are working around the clock to screen bags to prevent lithium-ion batteries from being checked into the cargo.
You can fly with them, but they should always be packed in your carry-on. That way, you’ll notice any overheating problems, which airline staff are specially trained to handle.
No more double-screenings for international arrivals—coming soon
I’ve saved the best TSA update for last—assuming it gets approved, that is. As an international traveler who often checks a bag when going to the US, I hate that I have to pick up my bag and then re-check it.
While it’s usually an expedited process (as in, the bag goes through another screening but not me), it’s stressful, at best. Other times, it’s made me nearly miss my connecting flight. The TSA announced a ‘One Stop Security’ program for select international flights.
Currently, the program is only available for specific airports and flights coming in from London Heathrow Airport. Hopefully, it expands in 2026.
