TSA is giving parents their own security lanes to make family travel less stressful
Traveling through airport security with kids just got easier. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announces the “Families on the Fly” campaign, a groundbreaking initiative designed to make air travel more accommodating for families.
Dedicated family lanes and personalized support
Launched by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and unveiled by Secretary Noem, “Families on the Fly” introduces dedicated security lanes for families at select airports. These family lanes are already operational at Orlando International (MCO) and Charlotte-Douglas International (CLT), with plans to expand to John Wayne Airport (SNA), Daniel K. Inouye International (HNL), and others in the coming months.
This latest initiative continues the agency's mission to bring the U.S. into the "Golden Age of Travel", emphasizing customer experience and hospitality while maintaining high security standards. The dedicated family lanes provide a streamlined process, where TSA officers are trained to work with children and parents in a more patient and supportive manner.
AdvertisementAdvertisement#_R_4lokr8lb2mav5ubsddbH1_ iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#_R_8lokr8lb2mav5ubsddbH1_ iframe“DHS and TSA are committed to making the airport security experience as smooth and stress-free as possible for traveling families,” said Adam Stahl, the Senior Official Performing the Duties of Deputy TSA Administrator. “This is about meeting families where they are and supporting them with smarter solutions.”
The TSA PreCheck discount: A smart move or strategic pivot?
Perhaps the most notable addition to the campaign is the upcoming discounted TSA PreCheck® fee for families. While full details on pricing and eligibility haven't been released, TSA confirmed that this offering will launch soon, likely in time to help families prepare for the holiday travel season.
This move appears to be more than just a goodwill gesture; it's a timely response to the lingering question: Is TSA PreCheck still a valuable option? After the agency revised its policy of requiring passengers to remove their shoes during security screenings nationwide, a policy rooted in the infamous 2001 “Shoe Bomber” incident, many travelers, especially parents, began reevaluating the benefits of enrolling in TSA PreCheck.
PreCheck allows approved travelers to bypass many of the standard screening hassles, such as removing shoes and liquids, which is also on the chopping block. For families, this means fewer meltdowns and faster processing through security checkpoints. The new discount could be the push many need to justify their decision to finally sign up, although children 17 and under can currently enjoy TSA PreCheck perks if traveling with an enrolled parent or guardian.
Why now?
The TSA has long walked a tightrope between security and convenience. But with mounting criticism from everyday travelers and public figures, the agency is clearly feeling the pressure to evolve.
AdvertisementAdvertisement#_R_5lokr8lb2mav5ubsddbH1_ iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#_R_9lokr8lb2mav5ubsddbH1_ iframeBetween the Families on the Fly campaign, upcoming TSA PreCheck discounts, and underutilized services like TSA Cares, it’s clear that the agency is making meaningful strides to accommodate families.
TSA no longer views its role as just a security enforcer, but as a hospitality partner.
As the program expands to more airports, including Tampa International (TPA), Charleston (CHS), Jacksonville (JAX), and San Juan’s Luis Muñoz Marín International (SJU), families across the country can expect a more humane and supportive travel experience. With summer in full swing and the holiday season just around the corner, these changes couldn’t have come at a better time.
Yahoo CreatorCaleb Harmon-MarshallCreator of Gate AccessTravel writer, creator, and flight rights advocate dedicated to empowering travelers with the knowledge they need to navigate travel challenges confidently and make informed decisions.Follow
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