The Dispatch: Sneaky Fees Ban, New ID Rule for Domestic Flights and a Modular EV Truck
Steven Van Elk via Unsplash
The Dispatch is your monthly dose of travel news from the editors of Wildsam. This month we dig into a ban on hidden fees, a new rule for passengers on domestic flights, a modular domestic EV truck and a rooftop camper.
Au Revoir, Hidden Fees: The Sneaky Charges Ban Is Here
Those sneaky fees tacked on to your bill by hotels, well, those are officially a thing of the past. A new rule established by the FTC, which went into effect May 12, has banned junk fees nationwide. Hotels now have to disclose all costs from the get go, no fine-print gymnastics or surprises allowed. And this isn't just for hotels or Airbnb, the rule applies to ticket platforms like Ticketmaster and StubHub too.
This shift toward transparency is a major win for consumers. No more guestimating what that final tab will be. Just clear prices, honest numbers.
— H. Drew Blackburn
TSA’s Real ID Rule Kicks In—Here’s What That Means
Some standard driver’s licenses or state IDs will no longer pass muster at airport security: if your ID isn’t emblazoned with a star or an American flag, it’s not "Real ID" compliant according to TSA. If the idea of heavy delays or extra screening isn’t enough to get you to brave it out at the DMV, travelers flying domestically can rest easy (or easier) knowing that a passport—or passport cards, green cards, and Global Entry—is still an acceptable form of identification. And after all the anticipatory noise about airport nightmare scenarios, May 7th seemed to come and go with fairly minimal pain in practice. But, it's something to keep in mind for busier ravel days. We can’t say the same about the blips in air traffic control oversight!
— Sam Alviani
An Affordable Electric Modular Truck Is On Its Way
Simple, unique, and affordable, the Slate electric pickup just might be the EV for the masses. The truck comes our way courtesy of a new startup backed by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, and has a starting price of just $20,000. But what truly sets it apart from the crowd is its insane customizability, allowing owners to select from thousands of modular add-ons to create the exact vehicle to fit their personal needs, including converting it into an SUV. To save money, the Slate truck only comes in gray, but a variety of wraps and decals can be applied to give it a distinct look. The vehicle has an estimated range of about 150 miles, although an optional battery upgrade adds 90 additional miles to that number. Preorders are available now with sales officially starting in Winter 2026. You can build your own at slate.auto.
— Kraig Becker
Don't Call it a Tent: Mammoth Overland's "Rooftop Camper"
If you enjoy the idea of camping in a rooftop tent, but would like a few additional amenities, Mammoth Overland may have what you’re looking for. While currently just a prototype, the company’s new SKL “rooftop camper” may offer a glimpse of the future of overlanding and off-road camping. The SKL eschews the canvas fabrics used on most other models in favor of an insulated aluminum shell built for four-season outings. It also comes with a king-size mattress, providing plenty of room for two adults plus gear. Two 104Ah solid-state batteries provide power for recharging mobile devices and powering built-in LED lights and an electric fan. A release date and price haven’t been revealed, but Mammoth promises regular updates throughout development at mammothoverland.com.
— Kraig Becker
