TSA Introduces Dedicated Family-Friendly Security Lanes: “Families on the Fly”

Monday, July 21, 2025

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) now offers a service, “Families on the Fly.” The goal of the initiative is to simplify the security screening of travelers with young children. Fast, seamless airport travel will become reality for more travelers this fall as new automated screening lanes are added at airports.

What is “Families on the Fly”?
“Families on the Fly” provides separate security lanes specifically for families. These lanes are apart from the general security and TSA PreCheck lanes. Families traveling with infants and young children can now move through security checkpoints more quickly and efficiently.

The TSA introduced this service to address common concerns families have about long waiting times at airports. The initiative significantly reduces stress by offering a tailored screening process for travelers with children.

Official Statement and Objectives
According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the goal is straightforward: improve family travel experiences without compromising security standards. TSA emphasizes that family-friendly measures are a critical part of ensuring comfort during airport screenings.

“Families on the Fly” underscores the TSA’s commitment to passenger well-being. Officials highlighted the importance of hospitality and convenience, especially for parents managing young children in busy airports.

Airports Implementing the New Family Lane
The dedicated family lanes have first been introduced at select major airports:

• Orlando International Airport (MCO)
• Charlotte-Douglas International Airport (CLT)
• Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) in Honolulu
• John Wayne Airport (SNA), Orange County

Additional airports set to adopt the program soon include:

• Charleston International Airport (CHS)
• Jacksonville International Airport (JAX)
• Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU), San Juan
• T.F. Green Airport (PVD), Providence
• Tampa International Airport (TPA)

The TSA will expand “Families on the Fly” to more airports based on its initial success and traveler feedback.

TSA PreCheck Discounts for Families
Alongside these dedicated lanes, the TSA offers families discounted enrollment in TSA PreCheck. Families can save $15 off the standard enrollment cost, reducing it from $100 to $85 per applicant.

This discounted TSA PreCheck complements the family lane program, ensuring a faster overall screening experience. TSA PreCheck significantly speeds up security screening, allowing passengers to keep shoes, belts, and jackets on and electronics inside their bags.

Guidelines for Children Traveling with Adults
TSA rules clarify how PreCheck works for children. Children aged 12 and under can automatically accompany an adult through the TSA PreCheck lane without their own PreCheck enrollment.

For children aged 13 to 17, the TSA PreCheck indicator must appear on their boarding pass. They must share a reservation with an enrolled adult for the benefit to apply.

Additional TSA Policies Supporting Families
Beyond dedicated family lanes, TSA introduced other policies to streamline family travel. Notably, the TSA has relaxed certain security protocols. This includes reducing restrictions on liquids and reconsidering shoe removal procedures at checkpoints.

These relaxed policies aim to simplify screening processes and reduce inconvenience, particularly beneficial to families with young children.

Special Services for Military Families
The TSA also announced expansions to its “Honor Lane” program, dedicated to military personnel and their families. This special lane exists at multiple airports and will soon extend nationwide.

Other military-focused benefits include:

• Complimentary TSA PreCheck enrollment for Gold Star families.
• Discounted TSA PreCheck rates for military spouses.
• Free TSA PreCheck for qualifying disabled veterans in cooperation with the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Traveler Tips for Families Using “Families on the Fly”
Families traveling soon should consider these helpful tips:

• Enroll Early: Take advantage of the TSA PreCheck discount to access streamlined security.
• Check Reservations: Ensure children aged 13–17 share your reservation to use PreCheck lanes effectively.
• Arrive Early: Allow additional time (at least 15–30 minutes) to access dedicated lanes without stress.
• Stay Informed: Familiarize yourself with current TSA guidelines on liquids, electronics, and shoes, as these vary based on lane type.
• Carry Proper Documentation: Military families should bring necessary IDs or paperwork to verify status for special benefits.

Impact on Airport Operations
The new family lanes are expected to positively impact airport operations. By separating families from general security lines, TSA anticipates shorter waiting times overall. Airport efficiency will improve as TSA can better distribute passengers and manage resources effectively.

Broader Context of TSA Improvements
“Families on the Fly” is part of a wider TSA initiative aimed at improving passenger experience and operational efficiency. Recent initiatives target various traveler groups, including families, veterans, and frequent travelers.

These measures underline TSA’s effort to balance passenger convenience and strict security regulations.

Future Plans and Expansion
The TSA will closely monitor the family lane initiative. Success will determine additional expansions, and TSA may adjust policies further to support traveler convenience.

Future policy reviews might include further relaxing security restrictions, like liquids and electronic-device screenings, as part of TSA’s broader modernization strategy.

Conclusion
With “Families on the Fly,” the TSA addresses significant challenges faced by families at airports. The dedicated lanes, coupled with TSA PreCheck discounts, aim to deliver a smoother, faster security process. Families are encouraged to utilize these new benefits and arrive prepared for a more convenient travel experience.