Potential Higher Costs When Flying Out Of Montana Coming In New Year

Government Fees Hit Travelers Again In 2026

Another day, another way for the government to get a few more bucks out of you.

If you are someone who does a lot of flying, there is a good chance you're going to be paying more in 2026 than you did in 2025.

TSA Proposes Alternative Identity Verification Program

Flying, while convenient, is also pretty pricey. With all of us looking to save money, it's frustrating to learn expenses are rising.

Earlier this year the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) proposed a program allowing people who haven't gotten their REAL ID yet a way to pass through security thanks to the help of “a modernized alternative identity verification system.”

Yesterday the TSA announced they would be putting that program into action starting on February 1st, 2026. They also announced the fee will be higher than the initially proposed $18.

REAL ID vs. TSA Confirm.ID: Understanding the Difference

If you haven't gotten your REAL ID and you are needing to fly in 2026, you can pay $45 and use the TSA's modernized alternative identity verification system, otherwise known as TSA Confirm.ID.

This fee will allow the traveler to use the TSA Confirm.ID for 10 days.

While REAL IDs are optional, they do make traveling domestically much easier but cannot be used to cross borders.

If you aren't sure if your ID is a REAL ID, just look for the gold star in the top right-hand corner of your Montana ID. If it's there, you are compliant.

Next, make sure you don't accidentally pack something you're not supposed to by checking out the banned items in the gallery below.