Families on summer vacations can now expect a more relaxed journey through U.S. airports, thanks to a new initiative by the Transportation Security Administration. The TSA has launched its “Families on the Fly” campaign to support parents traveling with children, aiming to transform airport security into a more family-friendly experience.
Announced by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the campaign reflects an effort to modernize the travel process while reducing stress for families. From dedicated security lanes to upcoming PreCheck discounts, the initiative is part of TSA’s broader hospitality improvement strategy at airports across the country.
Dedicated Lanes and Streamlined Screening
Making Airport Security Easier for Families
The “Families on the Fly” campaign includes a range of tailored benefits designed to ease the burden of flying with children. Dedicated family lanes are now available at select airports, allowing families to pass through security with greater comfort and less chaos. These lanes accommodate strollers, baby carriers, diaper bags, and other travel necessities that often slow down standard screening lines.
Currently, Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Charlotte-Douglas International Airport (CLT) are among the first to implement these dedicated lanes. Upcoming locations will include John Wayne Orange County Airport (SNA) and Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL), with plans to expand further this year.
Special Support for Military Families
The campaign builds upon a summer initiative launched earlier by TSA titled “Serve with Honor, Travel with Ease.” That program gave military families and uniformed service members expedited access to TSA PreCheck lanes at select hubs, particularly near major military bases.
In addition to these privileges, service members and civilian Department of Defense (DOD) employees are eligible for free TSA PreCheck by using their DOD ID number as their Known Traveler Number. Children aged 12 and under can accompany them through TSA PreCheck lanes without any restrictions, while teens aged 13–17 must be listed on the same reservation as a PreCheck-eligible parent or guardian.
Expanding Nationwide
More Airports to Join the Program
More U.S. airports are preparing to implement “Families on the Fly” in the coming months. Confirmed additions include Charleston International Airport (CHS), Jacksonville International Airport (JAX), Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport (PVD), Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU), and Tampa International Airport (TPA).
This phased rollout allows TSA to refine logistics and ensure smooth implementation while preserving high levels of security. According to **Adam Stahl**, Senior Official Performing the Duties of Deputy TSA Administrator, “The Families on the Fly campaign…aims to mitigate the unique challenges families face when traveling and minimize stress while maintaining the highest level of security.”
Planned Airport Rollouts
| Airport | Location | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Orlando International Airport (MCO) | Orlando, FL | Active |
| Charlotte-Douglas International Airport (CLT) | Charlotte, NC | Active |
| John Wayne Orange County Airport (SNA) | Santa Ana, CA | Coming Soon |
| Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) | Honolulu, HI | Coming Soon |
| Charleston International Airport (CHS) | Charleston, SC | Planned |
| Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) | Jacksonville, FL | Planned |
| Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport (PVD) | Warwick, RI | Planned |
| Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) | San Juan, PR | Planned |
| Tampa International Airport (TPA) | Tampa, FL | Planned |
Preparing for a Smooth Journey
More Than Just Fast Lanes
While “Families on the Fly” emphasizes faster security processing, it also reflects TSA’s ongoing investment in hospitality and traveler dignity. Through its TSA Cares program, the agency provides dedicated assistance to veterans and wounded warriors, offering personal support through checkpoints to ensure a smoother, more respectful process.
For all travelers, TSA stresses the importance of preparation, particularly during peak travel seasons. The agency advises checking the TSA website for tips and rules about packing, prohibited items, and how to navigate the screening process more efficiently.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next?
With airport traffic surging to pre-pandemic levels and more families flying than ever before, initiatives like “Families on the Fly” signal a shift toward human-centered airport services. By targeting pain points and delivering real relief to parents and service members, TSA is attempting to make American air travel not only safer—but smarter and more compassionate.
For additional resources, travelers can visit tsa.gov/military or consult the TSA PreCheck program for family eligibility and updates.
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