If you’re anything like me, you check every little detail (maybe twice) before leaving for your vacation. Everything from looking up time zones, airline policies for carry-on sizes, the weather forecast, to what size zip-lock liquids can go in, a country’s tipping etiquette…the list goes on and on. In an attempt to ease your mind while preparing for your trip, we’ve collected some new regulations and other general updates in the travel industry that might affect your upcoming trip.
REAL IDs
If you’re flying domestically, it’s time to check what kind of ID you have. As of May 7th, 2025, all passengers flying domestically will need a REAL ID. You won’t be able to board a flight to and from any airport within the United States without one, unless you are able to show your passport in addition to your regular driver’s license.
Visit the Department of Homeland Security’s website to learn more about how you can acquire a REAL ID license or REAL ID in your home state.
Online Passport Renewal
If you’re flying internationally and you need to renew your passport, we’ve got some good news! Earlier this year, the US State Department officially opened its online renewal program to all eligible passport holders, which you can find here. If you’re in a rush or you’re looking to apply for your first passport, you’ll still need to complete your application by mail. The online renewal process will take about 4-6 weeks, so plan accordingly. And remember, many countries have a six-month passport validity rule, meaning they won’t accept passports that will expire within six months of your planned travel dates.
The following are the requirements from the application page:
“You can renew online if you meet all these requirements:
- The passport you are renewing is or was valid for 10 years, and you are age 25 or older.
- We issued the passport you are renewing between 2009 and 2015. The passport was issued over 9 years but less than 15 years from the date you plan to submit your application.
- You are not changing your name, gender, date of birth, or place of birth.
- You are not traveling for at least 6 weeks from the date you will submit your application. We will only offer routine service, and the time it takes to get a passport will be the same as renewing by mail.
- You are applying for a regular (tourist) passport. You cannot renew a special issuance (diplomatic, official, service) passport online.
- You live in the United States (either state or territory). You do not qualify to renew online if you live in a foreign country or have an Army Post Office (APO), Fleet Post Office (FPO), or Diplomatic Post Office (DPO) address.
- You have your passport with you, and it is not damaged or mutilated, and you have not reported it as lost or stolen. Keep your most recent passport and do not mail it to us.
- You can pay for your passport using a credit or debit card.
- You can upload a digital passport photo.
- You are aware that we will cancel the passport you are renewing after you submit your application. You cannot use it for international travel.
“If you do not qualify to renew online, you may be able to renew by mail or in person at a passport agency or center.”
Travel Visas Needed for Europe
If you’re headed to Europe next year, make sure that you’ve secured authorization from ETIAS, or, the European Travel Information and Authorization System. This will be an electronic authorization for travelers wanting to visit the EU for business, tourism, medical, or transit purposes, and goes in effect in 2025. You must apply online before arrival to the EU, and the cost is €7—free for travelers under 18-years-old or over 70-years-old.
Here is a list of Schengen Area, Non-Schengen, and Schengen Associate Countries that will require ETIAS:
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
Refunds from Airlines
The Department of Transportation has a new rule for airlines that’s officially gone into effect. Airlines must now refund travelers for cancelations, changes, and for other associated fees in this new regulation. Here’s a list of situations when travelers would be entitled to refunds. It also states when travelers wouldn’t be refunded, as well.
The main two reasons someone would receive a refund would be if your airline cancels your flight for any reason, or there’s a significant delay (which sounds like they’re all going to be determined by DOT on a case-by-case basis, by the way). However, if travelers have a personal issue or unsatisfactory service, the airline won’t be picking up the bill. If you are eligible for a refund, you’ll get it within 7 business days if you paid by credit card, and within 20 days if you paid by cash or check.
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