The summer travel season is in full swing, and the TSA has launched its latest pilot program, “Families on the Fly,” to ease the journey for parents traveling with their children. What does this mean for your next family vacation? Here’s the full scoop.
What Is “Families on the Fly”?
• Dedicated family lanes at security checkpoints – To help families breeze through checkpoints with fewer delays, TSA is establishing separate lanes at select airports
• TSA PreCheck discounts for families – Travelers signing up for PreCheck as a family can save $15 on enrollment fees
• Smoother screening – These new lanes create a more supportive environment for juggling strollers, diaper bags, and energetic toddlers
This initiative is part of the broader “Serve with Honor, Travel with Ease” rollout, which also includes expanded perks for military families, such as free Gold Star-family PreCheck and discounted rates for military spouses.
Where and when is Families on the Fly in effect?
Current Airports:
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Orlando International (MCO)
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Charlotte-Douglas International (CLT)
Coming Soon:
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John Wayne Airport (SNA)
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Daniel K. Inouye International (HNL)
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Charleston (CHS)
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Jacksonville (JAX)
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Rhode Island T. F. Green (PVD)
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San Juan Luis Muñoz Marín (SJU)
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Tampa International (TPA)
Implementation began in July 2025, with nationwide expansion planned in phases
How It Benefits Families
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Less stress, more smiles:
A dedicated lane means fewer bottlenecks and less pressure while managing kids, snacks, and diaper bags—all without holding up other passengers -
Save some cash:
A $15 PreCheck discount adds up—especially for families of four or more -
Faster is better:
No need to remove liquids, electronics, or shoes once enrolled—so long as PreCheck is active on your boarding pass
Expert & Traveler Insights
Traffic engineers and parents applaud the change: separating families from general and PreCheck lanes reduces overall congestion and improves flow.
While some skeptics warn of creating new bottlenecks, the majority agree that smoothing the process for families will benefit everyone.
Other TSA Changes You Should Know About
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Kids ride free (kinda):
Typically, children under 12 can accompany parents who are enrolled in PreCheck for free. Teen travelers (13–17) may now also join—make sure your Known Traveler Number (KTN) is on all reservations. -
Shoes stay on:
TSA recently ended its shoe removal policy to speed screening -
Liquids still matter—but change may be coming:
While updates to the 3‑1‑1 liquids rule are under review, the current limit remains 3.4 oz per container
Takeaway
“Families on the Fly” marks a thoughtful and timely enhancement to airport travel for parents. The combination of dedicated lanes, PreCheck savings, and smoother screening sets the stage for less chaotic journeys and more quality travel time. If you're planning a getaway, especially with children, it’s worth enrolling in PreCheck—and keeping an eye on participating airports near your trip destination.
Bon voyage!
