Here are all the changes to TSA policy at Wisconsin airports in 2025

If you’ve flown through Wisconsin this past year, you’ve likely noticed one of several changes to the airport security process: tighter identification requirements, new banned items and a reversal of the shoes-off policy.

All are part of several changes the Transportation Security Administration has made to airport security policy since the beginning of 2025.

As you gear up for end-of-year travel, here’s a rundown of all the TSA policy changes so far this year:

New items banned by TSA

So far this year, the TSA has implemented several new bans on certain types of items in checked bags.

Most recently, the TSA stopped allowing cordless hair tools in checked bags because they may contain hazardous materials, like gas cartridges and butane, which are already banned by the agency. The following types of hair tools are banned in checked bags, per the FAA:

• Curling irons or flat irons that contain lithium metal or lithium ion batteries

• Curling irons or flat irons that are gas- or butane-fueled

• Gas refills, or spare cartridges, for curling irons or flat irons.

You can still pack these items in your carry-on, but they must have a safety cover over the heated part. Hair tools with cords are allowed in either checked or carry-on bags.

Earlier this year, the FAA also banned additional items powered by lithium-ion batteries in checked bags because all such batteries can potentially overheat and cause a fire risk.

Items that commonly use lithium batteries include:

• Cellphone battery charging cases

• Rechargeable and non-rechargeable lithium batteries

TSA ends shoes-off policy

In July, the TSA also ended its longstanding shoes-off policy, meaning Wisconsin passengers no longer have to remove their shoes during regular security checks at the airport.

Passengers will still have to remove any electronic devices bigger than a cell phone from their bags, but don’t worry — the Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport is keeping its beloved Recombobulation Area despite the shoes-off policy change.

Real ID deadline kicks in

Finally, TSA’s biggest change of the year was the long-awaited Real ID deadline finally kicking in.

As of May 2025, travelers need a Real ID or another TSA-approved form of identification in order to fly domestically. Find more information here about how to get a Real ID in…