What do you need to fly on a plane from state to state

As of 12:01am ET on June 12, 2022, the requirement for presenting proof of a negative viral test result before entering the U.S. is suspended. This decision may be adjusted if conditions warrant. Know the rules before you travel.

Table of Contents Show

Do you need a passport to fly in the US?
What form of ID do I need?
Upcoming changes to forms of ID
Do I need a passport to fly internationally?
How do I get a passport?
Remember: check your passport
For quick reference, you can check out the passport rules for these popular destinations:
Want to read more?
What documents do I need to fly inside the US?
What ID do I need to fly in the States?

Before booking your trip, check for international travel advisories and destination-specific COVID-19 risk. Refer to individual state, territorial, tribal, and local government websites for domestic travel advisories and information about quarantine or other restrictions.
The UNWTO-IATA Destination Tracker is a new, free online tool for travelers to get information on COVID-19 requirements for international travel and the measures in place at the destination.
Review CDC’s considerations for Travel During COVID-19 before you go to determine your personal risk.
Review airline policies regarding COVID-19 carefully. This includes questions on cancellation, middle seat use and in-flight meals and snacks. This may help inform your travel decisions.
CDC recommends getting COVID-19 testing prior to traveling to reduce the risk.
- Get tested with a viral test 1-3 days before you depart.
- For domestic travel, it is suggested to get tested 1-3 days after your return.
- Do not travel if your test result is positive; immediately isolate yourself, and follow public health recommendations.
- A negative test does not mean that you were not exposed or that you will not develop COVID-19. It is recommended you wear a mask, stay at least 6 feet from others, wash your hands, and watch your health for signs of illness while traveling.
- Keep a copy of your test results with you during travel. You may be asked for them.
Pack Smart! Pack Safe! Know what is in your carry-on and checked bags and make sure there are no prohibited items inside before arriving at the checkpoint. As a temporary exemption from the 3-1-1 rule, TSA is allowing one oversized liquid hand sanitizer container, up to 12 ounces per passenger, in carry-on bags. These will need to be placed in a bin during the screening process. Passengers may also bring hand wipes through checkpoints.
Unused COVID-19 test kits do not contain dangerous goods and are typically allowed in both carry-on and checked baggage.
COVID-19 test kits containing diagnostic samples (e.g., nasal swabs and vials of sputum) are not allowed in carry-on baggage. These samples must be properly packaged, handled, and identified as a UN3373 Category B Infectious Substance (PDF) during transportation. Passengers should check with their carrier before packing COVID-19 test kits containing diagnostic samples in checked baggage or shipping as cargo. Individual carriers and international requirements may be more restrictive than domestic regulations. Visit FAA’s Pack Safe site for more information.
CDC recommends wearing a mask throughout your travel experience.
For some international flights longer than four hours, it is recommended to change masks several times. Be sure to pack extra masks for yourself and your travel party in your carry-on.
Consider joining TSA PreCheck™. Members continue to be eligible for expedited screening procedures and have the shortest wait times. TSA PreCheck provides the most convenience and least amount of physical contact at the TSA checkpoint. Visit TSA PreCheck to enroll today.
Have a travel plan that does not rely on the U.S. government for assistance. Visit travel.state.gov for more information.
Make two copies of all your travel documents in case of emergency, and leave one with a trusted friend or relative.
Remember, if you are sick, stay home and do not travel! Contact your airline regarding their re-booking and cancellation policies. See CDC’s website for when and how long to delay your travel.

*All information developed in accordance with CDC guidelines.

Last updated: Monday, June 13, 2022

There’s a lot of confusion right now about REAL ID and whether residents of some states need a passport to fly on domestic flights. But don’t let all the misleading info out there tie you in knots — we’ve untangled this tricky web for you below.

Jump to: Do I need a passport to fly internationally?

We know that it may not be the best time to travel. But it’s still important that we provide our readers with updates and advice, not only about COVID-19, but also logistical travel questions. For example, what kind of identification — passport, driver’s license, or REAL ID — do you really need for domestic flights this year?

The good news is that American citizens do not need a passport to fly domestically. You will always need a passport to fly internationally though.

Read on for more info about the types of ID you can use while traveling domestically, upcoming changes to ID that will affect all US travelers, and how to get a passport.

Do you need a passport to fly in the US?

In a word: No. Not yet, anyway.

But just in case that wasn’t confusing enough, here’s another twist: Something called a REAL ID will be required for domestic flights from October 1, 2021.

What form of ID do I need?

The most common forms of ID to travel within the US are state-issued driving licenses or ID cards or a military ID. You’ll find a full list of acceptable IDs on the TSA website.

Upcoming changes to forms of ID

From October 1, 2021, you will need a REAL-ID-compliant license or another acceptable form of identification, such as a passport or military ID. This comes from congress passing an act that tightened up security standards for state driver’s licenses and ID cards.

The easiest way to spot if your state ID is a REAL ID, is if there’s a star in the top right-hand corner

The availability of REAL ID varies from state to state. We recommend contacting your local government for more information.

If you can, it makes sense to update your state driver’s license or ID card so that it meets REAL ID standards before October 1, 2021.

Do I need a passport to fly internationally?

At last, an easy question. Yes — when you’re crossing international borders, a passport will always be required.

How do I get a passport?

Applying for a passport is easy. If it’s your first passport you have to apply in person at a Passport Acceptance Facility. Currently, some of these offices are closed, so make sure to find your nearest one here and confirm they are open.

Otherwise, your passport application involves filling out some forms, showing proof of ID, providing two passport photos and paying the fees. Typically, it takes 6-8 weeks to receive your passport but you can also expedite the process if you need a passport urgently. Due to closed facilities expediting may not be an option.

Need to just renew your passport? That’s even easier. You can renew by mail, remembering to include your old passport along with the forms, photos and fees.

You can find all the info you need here.

Remember: check your passport

Make sure your passport hasn’t expired before you travel.

Also, be aware that some countries (such as China, Thailand, Singapore, Egypt and Turkey) require that your passport is valid for at least another six months from when you arrive. So if you’re planning to travel in August, and your passport expires in October, certain countries will consider your passport to be invalid and won’t let you in.

Some countries also require you to have a minimum of four blank pages in your passport.

Do you need a passport to go on a cruise?

For quick reference, you can check out the passport rules for these popular destinations:

Mexico
Hawaii
Canada
Puerto Rico

Now you’ve got your passport sorted, how about finding a sweet flight deal for when we can travel again? We’ve got tons of advice on how to find the best routes and prices:

Cheap flights under $50 to book now

Looking for cheap flights or want to enjoy a getaway last minute? We publish the best travel deals as soon as we come across them. Whether it’s a sunny beach or a budget weekend getaway you’re looking for, check out the best prices right here before you book.

Get the best flight prices with Skyscanner Price Alerts

Our useful flight price tracker will keep an eye on your chosen flight and let you know as soon as the price drops – or if it starts to rise.

The Skyscanner guide to finding a last-minute deal

Last-minute flights used to be the go-to for travelers looking for cheap flights. But in the age of budget airlines, are last-minute flight deals impossible to find today?

Expedia flight deals not to miss

Do you ever find yourself trapped in an endless hunt for the best flight deal on the web? Here we share the latest Expedia flight deals.

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What documents do I need to fly inside the US?

You must present an acceptable ID, such as a valid passport, state-issued enhanced driver's license or U.S. military ID, to fly within the U.S. You will not be allowed to fly if your identity cannot be verified.

What ID do I need to fly in the States?

Adult passengers 18 and older must show valid identification at the airport checkpoint in order to travel. Beginning May 3, 2023, if you plan to use your state-issued ID or license to fly within the U.S., make sure it is REAL ID compliant.