Sometimes, travelling with children can be the most stressful part of flying. The most stressful part can be especially when navigating through airport security. In order to streamline this process for parents, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has put a new initiative in place. This initiative is called “Families on the Fly” and it aims to create an easier and more child and family friendly security experience at selected airports throughout the United States.
Dedicated Family Screening Lanes
The main part of this initiative is the implementation of special security lanes that are designated for families. These lanes are created with a bit more space to allow families to get through the security screening, especially those with strollers, napkin bags and toddlers.
According to Adam Stahl, Senior Official Performing the Duties of Deputy TSA Administrator, this is part of an improved effort to reduce anxiety for those travelling with children. He highlighted that the program’s goal is to “mitigate the unique challenges families face when traveling and minimize stress while maintaining the highest level of security.”
TSA PreCheck Discounts for Families
The other major part of the “Families on the Fly” campaign is a limited-time discount on TSA PreCheck enrolment. PreCheck provides fast-track screening, allowing travellers to keep shoes, belts, and certain jewellery on and leave laptops in their bags. Families can save time at security checkpoints
From now up until 31st October 2025, families who are enrolling for the first time with provider IDEMIA can receive $15 discount off the second person’s application fee. Since PreCheck normally costs $76.75 per person for five years. According to TSA Even larger families stand to benefit, for example, a family of four would get $30 off the total amount. It’s important to note that the discount applies only to new enrolments and not renewals.
Which Airports Are Participating?
“Families on the Fly” is currently available at the following airports:
- Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) – North Carolina
- Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) – Honolulu, Hawaii
- Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) – Florida
- John Wayne Airport, Orange County (SNA) – California
- Will Rogers World Airport (OKC) – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
- Orlando International Airport (MCO) – Florida
- Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport (PVD)
In the next few months, the TSA has made announcements that they plan to extend the program to multiple airports. In order to avoid any confusion, travellers should check the TSA website in advance.
Part of a Broader Set of Traveler-Friendly Updates
The “Families on the Fly” campaign is just one of many recent TSA changes which is aimed at improving the screening experience for different passenger groups.
In the past few months, TSA announced:
- Free PreCheck enrolment for Gold Star families, which honours the relatives of fallen U.S. service members
- Expanded benefits for active-duty military members and their immediate families
- The removal of the long lasted “removal of shoes” requirement at many checkpoints starting in July
- Although no official changes have been made yet, Department of Homeland Security leadership has hinted that changes to the 3.4-ounce liquids rule may also be imminent.
The Future
TSA’s “Families on the Fly” initiative comes in at an important time. By combining specific family lanes with discounted access to fast screening, the agency aims to reduce the burden on family members while flying, all while trying to maintain efficient and effective security checks.
Parents planning trips should keep an eye out for the family lanes and consider enrolling in PreCheck while the discount lasts. As more airports begin to look into this program, mom’s and dad’s can seek comfort knowing that travelling with kids will become an easier experience.