Updated travel arrangement: TSA's Introduced Family Lanes for Stress-free Summer Vacations
The United States Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has launched a new initiative called "Families on the Fly" to make airport security screening more enjoyable and less stressful for families traveling with children. This campaign provides dedicated family-friendly security lanes at select airports, allowing families to move through security at their own pace without feeling rushed or inconveniencing other travelers [1][2][3][5].
Participating airports currently include Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Charlotte-Douglas International Airport (CLT). The campaign is set to expand to John Wayne Orange County Airport (SNA) in California, Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu, Charleston International Airport (CHS) - South Carolina, Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) - Florida, Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) - Puerto Rico, T. F. Green International Airport (PVD) - Rhode Island, and Tampa International Airport (TPA) - Florida [1][2][3][4]. Additional airports are expected to be added in the coming months, but specific timelines have not been disclosed [1][2][3][4][5].
Families who choose to sign up for TSA PreCheck will receive a $15 discount off their membership fees, which range from $76.75 to $85 for five years, depending on the provider [3]. When traveling with your family, children age 12 and under can join you in TSA PreCheck lanes, while children 13 to 17 can join you when you're on the same airline reservation and the TSA PreCheck indicator is on their boarding pass [2].
Navigating airport security with your family can be made easier with planning. Have a conversation with your kids about the security process, inform TSA about liquids, carefully select toys, and review your children's luggage to ensure compliance with TSA rules [5].
The TSA has also ended the shoes-off policy, which is predicted to shorten wait times and make security screening more efficient [1]. TSA PreCheck offers an expedited security screening process to members, with about 99% of TSA PreCheck passengers waiting less than 10 minutes [1]. Moreover, the TSA has expanded PreCheck benefits for military members and their loved ones [3].
Many travel credit cards cover some or all of the application fee for TSA PreCheck, so it's worth checking with your credit card provider to see if this is an option for you [5]. The US Department of Homeland Security has announced this new initiative, aiming to provide a more seamless and stress-free travel experience for families [1].
- This new initiative by the TSA, titled "Families on the Fly," aims to improve the lifestyle of families by making airport security screening less stressful, even when traveling with children, by introducing family-friendly security lanes at various airports.
- As part of the "Families on the Fly" campaign, families can enjoy a more relaxed travel experience by taking advantage of TSA PreCheck lanes, where children age 12 and under can join their parents, while 13 to 17-year-olds can join when on the same airline reservation.
- To further simplify family travel, parents can consider obtaining a TSA PreCheck membership, which comes with a $15 discount and provides a more efficient and expedited security screening process, helping families manage their time more effectively, especially during home-and-garden projects or while maintaining relationships and managing family-dynamics.
