Previously, if you didn't have your "Real ID" (which, is a terrible name IMO) or passport, you were just... denied. And presumably that would cost far more than $45.
This seems like an extra step to help you get through airports and prevent delays.
Also, $45 for 30 minutes of a TSA agent's time + their software seems very reasonable? That could even be operating at a loss.
I get it, the median person flies 0 times a year, the average person flies 1.5-2 times a year, there's a huge number of people who fly 0-2 times a year. Mistakes happen and they should result in seizing the whole system.
...but it's just insane to me that someone could go to an airport and not have an ID, let alone a passport. Come on.
Edit (didn't realize the article continued):
> American travelers were still permitted to fly without this updated form of ID with no penalties; they simply had to undergo additional screening, including handing over current addresses, per the TSA's website.
I'm speechless.