LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — Ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday, and some of the busiest days at Kentucky airports, the Travel and Safety Administration is providing tips for those traveling this holiday. According to the TSA, more than 17 million people are expected to be screened in airport security from Tuesday, Nov. 25 to Tuesday, Dec. 2.

If you haven't flown since last Thanksgiving, the rules are different in 2025, from IDs to new restrictions on what can be in checked luggage.

Requiring REAL ID for traveling in and out of the U.S. has been a regulation that has been a long time coming. That's because the REAL ID Act was passed two decades ago in an effort to tighten airline security after 9/11.

More than 3 million travelers were screened on nine of the Top 10 highest volume days in TSA's history. Eight of the highest volume days have occurred in 2025 alone. TSA's current daily volume in 2025 is about 2.48 million, compared to 2.47 million in 2024. This represents a daily increase of about 14,000 travelers per day in 2025 over 2024.

The TSA intends to create a registration program for flyers who don't have a Real ID or an accepted alternative.

TRI-STATE AREA (PIX 11) — Air travelers who show up at airport security without proper identification could face a hit to their wallet. The TSA is rolling out a new program that charges a $18 fee for anyone without a valid ID at airport checkpoints, such as a passport or REAL ID. The charge falls […]

Want to bring Thanksgiving leftovers home? If you're flying, make sure you know which dishes can't be packed in your carry-on bag.