TSA introduces brand new line for traveling families
On Friday, the United States Department of Homeland Security announced the launch of the 'Families on the Fly' campaign, aimed at reducing the stress associated with traveling as a family.
The initiative includes creating a dedicated family lane for TSA security, designed to reduce overall wait times and streamline the process.
'There will be expanded areas that will give them the benefit of recognizing that they have children with them and will help make sure that we have the ability to take care of them and their families as they go through this expedited process with their kiddos,' Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said at a press conference.
The campaign will also offer a discount for families interested in using TSA PreCheck, where the cost will be $85 per person instead of $100. Under the current regulations, children under 12 are permitted in the TSA Precheck line as long as they are traveling with someone who is enrolled in the program. Children between the ages of 13 and 17 must be booked under the same flight registration as their parents/guardians who are enrolled.
In addition to TSA family lanes, the campaign will also be offering a $15 discount for families looking to enroll in TSA PreCheck (Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)
The 'Families on the Fly' campaign is currently being implemented at the Orlando International and Charlotte-Douglas International airports, with planned expansions to John Wayne Orange County Airport and Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu.
In the coming months, the initiative will also be added to Charleston International Airport, Jacksonville International Airport, T.F. Green International Airport in Rhode Island, Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in Puerto Rico, and Tampa International Airport.
The news of the new TSA comes a few days after Noem revealed during a conference hosted by The Hill on Wednesday that she is questioning 'everything TSA does' and spoke of possible changes to the amount of liquids travelers can tote in their carry-on baggage.
'The liquids, I'm questioning. So that may be the next big announcement is what size your liquids need to be,' Noem said. 'We have put in place in TSA a multilayered screening process that allows us to change some of how we do security and screening so it's still as safe.'
She gave no details about precisely what those changes might be or how quickly travelers could expect to see them.
Under the Transportation and Security Administration's current guidance, travelers can carry liquids in travel-sized containers 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item in their carry-on bag. Those containers must be placed in a one-quart resealable plastic bag. Bigger containers must be placed in checked baggage, although there are exceptions for medications and baby formula.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
%3Amax_bytes(150000)%3Astrip_icc()%2FTAL-airplane-wing-clouds-BESTLOWCOSTAIRLINE0625-48e915901f3a43e893a06c2775e77c88.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
Travel + Leisure
3 hours ago
- Travel + Leisure
This Airline Was Named the Best Low-cost Carrier in North America
Scoring a cheap flight always feels like a win—at least until travel day arrives and you're stuck with cramped seats, rushed layovers, and service that leaves a lot to be desired. Striking the right balance between affordability and quality can be tricky. But according to the Skytrax World Airline Awards, one North American carrier has found the perfect balance. Allegiant Airlines was named the best low-cost airline in North America in the June awards ceremony, receiving the honor for the second time in two years. Additionally, Allegiant was named the best low-cost airline in the United States and came in at No. 15 in the worldwide rankings. 'As a leisure focused airline, our unique business model bridges the gap in connecting small-to-medium sized cities to premier vacation destinations. This accolade is a testament to the hard work of our team members and acknowledges Allegiant's long history of providing exceptional service at unbeatable value for our customers," Allegiant's Chief Executive Officer and President Gregory C. Anderson said in a statement following the awards, adding, "We strive to provide our customers with a seamless, comfortable and convenient travel experience, and this recognition validates our efforts.' The airline, headquartered in Las Vegas, specializes in connecting small- and medium-sized cities that are generally underserved, like Provo, Utah; Orange County, California; and Knoxville, Tennessee. Rates on Allegiant Airlines flights can start as low as $38. "Allegiant's back-to-back recognition as North America's best low-cost airline is a testament to its customer-focused approach," Edward Plaisted, the CEO of Skytrax, said in the statement. "Passengers have highlighted the airline's commitment to providing reliable, value-driven service tailored for leisure travelers." To determine the best low-cost airlines, Skytrax looked at more than 325 carriers around the world based on customer reviews. All reviews were completed on a voluntary basis with no payment or other reward offered in exchange for participation. The 2025 results were determined by 22.3 million surveys. Following Allegiant on the North America rankings for 2025 was Southwest Airlines at No. 2, Sun Country Airlines at No. 3, Air Canada Rouge at No. 4, Frontier Airlines at No. 5, and Spirit Airlines at No. 6. The top low-cost airline in the world was AirAsia, which is headquartered in Malaysia and operates throughout Asia, Oceana, Africa, and the Middle East. That was followed by Singapore-based carrier Scoot, India-based carrier IndiGo, German airline Eurowings, and Spanish carrier Vueling Airlines to round out the top five.
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Yahoo
TSA is giving parents their own security lanes to make family travel less stressful
From family-only security lanes to TSA PreCheck discounts, here's how the new campaign is transforming air travel for parents. 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. '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. Between 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. Solve the daily Crossword
CNN
4 hours ago
- CNN
Visiting the US will soon require a new $250 ‘visa integrity fee'
The United States will require international visitors to pay a new 'visa integrity fee' of at least $250, added to existing visa application costs, according to a provision in the Trump administration's recently enacted domestic policy bill. The fee will apply to all visitors who are required to obtain nonimmigrant visas to enter the United States. This includes many leisure and business travelers, international students and other temporary visitors. In fiscal year 2024, the US issued nearly 11 million nonimmigrant visas, according to State Department figures. Tourists and business travelers from countries that are part of the Visa Waiver Program, including Australia and many European countries, aren't required to obtain visas for stays of 90 days or less. Payment will be required at the time visas are issued, and there will be no fee waivers. Travelers who comply with their visa conditions can have their fees reimbursed after the trip is over, according to the provision. Immigration attorney Steven A. Brown, a partner at Houston-based Reddy Neumann Brown PC, characterized the fee as a 'refundable security deposit,' in a recent post about the new policy. The mechanism for obtaining a refund is still unclear, Brown pointed out. 'In terms of the purpose of the fee, it's hard to say,' Brown said in an email to CNN. 'Generally, immigration fees are to cover the expense of adjudication or issuance,' but he noted that the reimbursement provision could mean refunding all of the fees gained. 'In a perfect world, there would be no overstays or visa violations.' The Department of Homeland Security, the agency instituting the new fee, has not yet offered specifics about the refund process or any other aspects of the policy's rollout. 'The visa integrity fee requires cross-agency coordination before implementation,' a Department of Homeland Security spokesperson said in a statement to CNN. A State Department spokesperson said the fee was established 'to support the administration's priorities of strengthening immigration enforcement, deterring visa overstays, and funding border security.' Fees that aren't reimbursed will be 'deposited into the general fund of the Treasury,' the provision in the bill says. The initial fee, for fiscal year 2025, is outlined as the greater of either $250 or 'such amount as the Secretary of Homeland Security may establish, by rule.' Brown suggested that the rule is likely to be implemented through a rulemaking process involving its publication in the Federal Register. The fee is subject to annual adjustments for inflation. The State Department spokesperson said details related to the change, implemented by DHS, will be posted on the State Department's visa information page. The U.S. Travel Association, a national nonprofit organization aimed at increasing travel to and within the United States, praised other parts of the domestic policy bill that would invest in modernizing customs and air traffic control, but called the new visa fee 'a giant leap backwards.' 'This fee, which will be at least $250 and comes on top of existing visa fees, adds an unnecessary financial barrier for international visitors,' said Erik Hansen, senior vice president of government relations for the association, in a statement. According to U.S. Travel's calculation, the fee would boost the 'upfront costs' of visiting the US by 144%. 'Even if it is technically reimbursable, the added complexity and cost will discourage visitors,' Hansen said.
