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The Hill
06-08-2025
- The Hill
Family-friendly TSA lanes debut at several US airports: How do they work?
(KTLA) – Select airports across the country are adding special security lanes to help make travel easier for families. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced in July its new ' Families on the Fly ' program, which aims to 'put families first and enhance their airport security screening experience during the busy summer travel season and beyond,' according to the agency. When asked, a representative for the TSA told Nexstar that the family-friendly security lanes work basically the same as the regular lanes, while providing families 'with their own space where they can move through security at their own pace, without feeling rushed or as though they're inconveniencing other travelers.' As part of the program, the TSA is also offering a $15 discount on PreCheck enrollment when two adults sign up together. Kids under 12 are generally allowed the same benefits when traveling with an enrolled adult; kids under 17 may also be eligible if they meet certain conditions. There are also plans to implement dedicated TSA PreCheck lanes for service members and their families, per TSA and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Dedicated family lanes are already operational at Orlando International Airport (MCO) in Florida and Charlotte-Douglas International Airport (CLT) in North Carolina, the TSA says. But Nexstar's KTLA reported that John Wayne Airport, in Orange County, Calif., debuted its lane in July. KTLA's Carlos Herrera visited John Wayne Airport on Tuesday to speak with families testing out the new lane. 'It's been very nice. Very short line,' one parent at the Southern California airport, just moments before she reached the front of the queue. In addition to the Orlando, Charlotte-Douglas and John Wayne facilities, dedicated family lanes are planned for the following airports, according to the TSA: Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu (HNL) Charleston International Airport (CHS) Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport (PVD) Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in Puerto Rico (SJU) Tampa International Airport (TPA) 'This program goes beyond convenience; it's about addressing the unique needs of traveling families to provide a smoother, more supportive experience at our security checkpoints,' Pete Garcia, the TSA federal security director for Orlando, was quoted as saying in a press release. 'We're dedicated to making travel smart, secure, and family friendly.'
Daily Mail
01-08-2025
- Daily Mail
TSA unveils new system that will cut down security wait times at airports... but only for certain passengers
Traveling with young kids just got a little easier for parents at select airports. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has launched a new program called Families on the Fly at Orlando International Airport and Charlotte-Douglas International Airport. It offers dedicated security lanes for families with children aged 12 and under, per Fox News Orlando. The goal? To reduce stress for parents traveling with little ones and ease congestion for everyone else. 'We understand that air travel can be challenging, especially for parents managing strollers, diaper bags, and young kids,' said TSA Federal Security Director for Orlando Pete Garcia, per the outlet. 'This program goes beyond convenience; it's about addressing the unique needs of traveling families to provide a smoother, more supportive experience at our security checkpoints.' The family-friendly initiative is part of a broader effort by the TSA to improve hospitality and streamline the airport experience amid growing travel demand. The program is already up and running in Orlando and Charlotte, with more airports set to join in the coming months, including Charleston, Jacksonville, and Rhode Island's T.F. Green. Traveling with young kids just got a little easier at select airports as TSA has launched a program that offers dedicated security lanes for families with children (stock image) Others include San Juan, Tampa, John Wayne Orange County, and Honolulu. Many traveling parents are ecstatic about the new lanes. 'It's extremely stressful. There's a lot of stuff, like all the iPads and all the teddies and all that kind of stuff,' said Adam Luper, who is currently visiting the UK from the United Kingdom. Another parent, Fanta Kaba, who was traveling from New York to Orlando, explained: 'It's very exhausting. Especially when [the child] is crying. 'You have to pick him up. You have to drag the bag. So when the line is shorter, it makes it easier for the parents. 'When the line is shorter, it makes it easier for the parents.' Michael Silata, the TSA's assistant federal security director in Orlando, added: 'This dedicated lane helps to ease the traveling public when they come through. And that same time, really add value when they travel through the airports.' While the new lanes are now available, it's still unclear when families will be able to access discounted TSA PreCheck fees or whether the program will expand nationwide. Officials haven't said how long the pilot phase will last or if feedback will be used to guide future rollouts, but the TSA confirmed that Families on the Fly is expected to reach even more airports soon. The TSA recently announced another lane-related update to select airports across the country. The administration shared earlier this month that it would be adding a new expedited lane and discounts 'to enhance the travel experience for members of the U.S. military community,' per PR Newswire. Gold Star families - those who have lost a loved one in military service - will also now have TSA PreCheck fees waived. Additionally, TSA will now offer a $25 discount on TSA PreCheck enrollment for spouses of military and uniformed service members. The new lanes will be implemented at 10 American airports in cities including: San Antonio, Texas, Anchorage, Alaska, Atlanta, Georgia, Austin, Texas, Colorado Springs, Colorado, El Paso, Texas, Fayetteville, North Carolina, Nashville, Tennessee, San Diego, California, and Seattle, Washington.
