TSA introduces dedicated lanes for families to ease pressure during summer vacation travels
The US Department of Homeland Security has announced a new initiative, the Families on the Fly campaign, aimed at making it easier for families to navigate security screening when traveling together. This campaign comes just a few weeks after South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem announced a policy allowing travelers in domestic airports to keep their shoes on while passing through security screening [1].
The Families on the Fly campaign offers special lanes that accommodate strollers, diaper bags, and other family travel necessities, making the screening process smoother and less chaotic for parents and kids. Airports currently participating include Orlando International (MCO) and Charlotte-Douglas International (CLT), with plans to expand to others such as John Wayne Orange County (SNA) and Daniel K. Inouye International (HNL) [1][2][3][4].
In addition to the dedicated family lanes, families can also benefit from discounted TSA PreCheck fees. TSA PreCheck is an expedited security screening process available to members, with about 99% of TSA PreCheck passengers waiting less than 10 minutes [5]. With the Families on the Fly program, you'll receive a $15 discount off of those rates [1][3][5].
For military families and uniformed service members, TSA PreCheck access is enhanced with dedicated lanes and free PreCheck enrollment using DoD ID numbers. Children aged 12 and under can accompany adults in TSA PreCheck lanes without additional eligibility requirements, while teens (13–17) must be on the same reservation as a PreCheck-eligible adult [2][3].
Navigating airport security with your family can be a challenge, especially if you have young children. A little planning goes a long way. When traveling with older children, check their luggage before you head to the airport to ensure it complies with TSA rules, including the 3-1-1 liquids rule. It's also important to have a conversation with your kids about what the security process will be like before you arrive at the airport [6].
Airlines allow you to carry baby food, formula, and breast milk in your carry-on, but you should inform TSA about the presence of these liquids at the beginning of the screening process [7].
Together, these initiatives make the screening process faster and less stressful for families by combining the convenience of family-specific lanes that accommodate kids’ travel gear with the expedited benefits of TSA PreCheck, particularly benefitting military families with dedicated lanes and free enrollment options [1][2][3][4][5].
[1] - US Department of Homeland Security Press Release [2] - TSA Blog Post [3] - CNN Travel Article [4] - South Dakota Governor's Office Press Release [5] - TSA PreCheck Program Information [6] - TSA's Tips for Flying with Children [7] - TSA's Information on Carrying Baby Food and Formula
- The US Department of Homeland Security's Families on the Fly campaign includes special lanes for strollers, diaper bags, and other family travel necessities, offering a smoother screening process for families at airports like Orlando International and Charlotte-Douglas International.
- Airports that participate in the Families on the Fly campaign may also offer discounted TSA PreCheck fees, a program that allows members to wait less than 10 minutes at security, with a $15 discount for families enrolling with the program.
- TSA PreCheck access is further enhanced for military families and uniformed service members, with dedicated lanes and free PreCheck enrollment using DoD ID numbers.
- When traveling with children, it's important to have a conversation about the security process and check their luggage beforehand to ensure compliance with TSA rules.
- Airlines allow you to carry baby food, formula, and breast milk in your carry-on, but it's essential to inform TSA about the presence of these liquids at the beginning of the screening process.
