(Lebanon, N.H. — April 7, 2026) — Most US travelers are well aware of REAL ID requirements, but fewer feel fully prepared for airlines’ stricter enforcement of carry-on size and weight limits, according to the Global Rescue Winter 2026 Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey. The findings highlight important differences in awareness, compliance strategies and real-world experience across gender and geography.

Awareness of Stricter Carry-On Enforcement Is Mixed

Airline carry-on size limits haven’t changed in general, but enforcement has. Gate agents are now measuring full exterior bag dimensions at the gate including; wheels, handles and protruding pockets, and if the bag doesn’t fit the sizer, it gets checked.

Overall, awareness of airlines’ stricter enforcement of carry-on size and weight limits is moderate. About 27% of travelers say they are not at all aware of the tighter rules, while 25% report being slightly aware. Another 27% say they are moderately aware and 19% say they are very aware.

Women demonstrate higher awareness than men. Nearly 35% of women say they are moderately aware of stricter carry-on enforcement, compared to 25% of men. Men are more likely to say they are not at all aware, at 29%, compared to 20% of women.

Geographically, non-US travelers show greater awareness. About 31% of non-US respondents say they are not at all aware, compared to 25% of US travelers, but US travelers cluster more in the moderate awareness category, reflecting more frequent exposure to domestic airline policy changes.

“Airlines are enforcing carry-on rules more aggressively, and many travelers are still catching up,” said Dan Richards, CEO of The Global Rescue Companies and a member of the US Travel and Tourism Advisory Board at the US Department of Commerce. “These policies may seem minor, but they can cause significant disruption if travelers are unprepared.”

How Travelers Plan to Comply with Carry-On Rules

When asked how they would comply if airlines strictly enforce carry-on limits, a majority of travelers (52%) say they would obtain or use luggage that meets airline requirements. About 23% say they would forgo a carry-on and check their bag, while 18% say they would pay additional fees if necessary.

Women are far more likely to adapt proactively. More than 68% of women say they would obtain compliant luggage, compared to 47% of men. A fifth of men are more willing to pay additional fees compared to 10% of women.

REAL ID Awareness Is Extremely High

Awareness of the fully enforced REAL ID requirement is nearly universal. Overall, 87% of travelers say they are very familiar with REAL ID rules, while fewer than 5% say they are not at all or only slightly familiar. Awareness is consistent between men and women.

“REAL ID messaging has clearly reached travelers,” Richards said. “The challenge now is ensuring travelers consistently carry compliant identification, especially as enforcement becomes routine.”

Few Travelers Personally Impacted, but Many Have Observed Issues

Actual disruption due to non-compliant identification remains limited. Only 2% of travelers say they personally experienced additional screening, and less than 1% report travel delays. Most travelers (68%) say the issue is not applicable because they always carry compliant identification.

Observation of problems among other travelers is more common. About 16% say they have seen another traveler undergo additional screening, 10% have observed delays and 4% have seen someone denied access to security or boarding. Nearly 74% say they have not observed any disruption.

“These issues may affect a small percentage of travelers, but the consequences can be severe when they occur,” Richards said. “Preparation remains the most effective way to avoid airport stress and missed flights.”

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About the Global Rescue Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey

Global Rescue, the leading travel risk and crisis response provider, surveyed more than 1,400 current and former members between January 13 – 17, 2026. Respondents shared their attitudes, behaviors and preferences related to travel safety, technology and global mobility.

About Global Rescue

Global Rescue is the world’s leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services to enterprises, governments and individuals. Founded in 2004, Global Rescue maintains exclusive relationships with the Johns Hopkins Emergency Medicine Division of Special Operations and Elite Medical Group. The company has provided medical and security support during every major global crisis over the past two decades. For more information, visit www.globalrescue.com.