New TSA Screening Lanes Just for Families Should Make Family Travel Easier

Updated: July 19, 2025, 3:46pm CDT

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DHS Rolls Out “Families on the Fly” Program
Final Thoughts

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The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the “Families on the Fly” initiative, designed to enhance the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) security screening experience for families.

“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.

Here’s what you need to know.

DHS Rolls Out “Families on the Fly” Program

Navigating the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) security line can be stressful enough as a solo traveler, let alone with small children. The agency, along with DHS, is making it a little bit easier with its new “Families on the Fly” initiative.

The program, available for families, includes dedicated family lanes at select airports nationwide, discounted TSA PreCheck fees for families (coming soon), and dedicated TSA PreCheck lanes for service members and their families.

These benefits are already available at Charlotte-Douglas International (CLT) and Orlando International (MCO). DHS says it plans to expand the program to a handful of airports, including:

Charleston International Airport (CHS)
Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL)
Jacksonville International Airport (JAX)
John Wayne Orange County Airport (SNA)
Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU)
Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport (PVD)
Tampa International Airport (TPA)

Officer screening passengers at a TSA checkpoint — Image Credit: Demetric Blyther via Transportation Security Administration

This is just the latest initiative from TSA aimed at families. Earlier this month, the agency announced several new initiatives targeted at servicemembers and their families:

Discounted TSA PreCheck enrollment fees for spouses of military and uniformed service members
Waived TSA PreCheck enrollment fees for Gold Star families

Additionally, the TSA said it would roll out expedited processing in dedicated TSA PreCheck lanes for military members at select U.S. airports near major military sites. There are scant details, but the program could include dedicated screening lanes or the ability to skip the line.

Military personnel, as well as civilian employees at the Department of Defense, receive TSA PreCheck for free by entering their DOD ID number in the Known Traveler Number (KTN) field.

Bottom Line:

Perhaps the biggest news from the TSA in recent months is that the agency has updated its protocol, now allowing travelers to keep their shoes on during the screening process. And we may see changes to the 3-1-1 liquid rule soon, as well.

Final Thoughts

DHS and TSA are making travel a little bit easier for families by introducing dedicated family lanes at several airports in the U.S. This, along with new policies for military members and their families, should help alleviate some of the stresses associated with air travel.

We’re looking forward to seeing the program roll out at more airports across the U.S. and the reduced wait times that should hopefully follow.