Summer Travel Eased with TSA's Establishment of Specialized Family Lanes
Families on the Fly and TSA PreCheck: Making Summer Travel Easier for Families
In a bid to streamline airport security screenings and provide a more relaxed experience for families with young children, the TSA has announced two significant changes: the end of the shoes-off policy and the rollout of the Families on the Fly campaign.
The Families on the Fly campaign, launched by the US Department of Homeland Security, offers dedicated family-friendly security lanes at select U.S. airports. These lanes are designed to cater to the unique challenges families face during airport security screenings, such as managing strollers, young children, and additional screening for baby items. By allowing families to proceed at their own pace without feeling rushed or like they are inconveniencing others, the lanes aim to reduce stress and improve the overall travel experience.
The campaign also offers discounted TSA PreCheck fees for families and dedicated TSA PreCheck lanes for service members and their families. Currently, the participating airports include Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Charlotte-Douglas International Airport (CLT). Additional airports with planned expansions or upcoming rollouts include John Wayne Orange County Airport (SNA), Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu (HNL), Charleston International Airport (CHS), Jacksonville International Airport (JAX), T. F. Green International Airport (PVD) in Rhode Island, Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) in Puerto Rico, and Tampa International Airport (TPA). Further expansions to additional airports nationwide are expected in the coming months.
TSA PreCheck, an expedited security screening process for members, is another tool that can help families navigate airport security more efficiently. With about 99% of TSA PreCheck passengers waiting less than 10 minutes, the process offers a significant time-saving advantage. Families can now enjoy a $15 discount off their TSA PreCheck membership fees.
To ensure a smooth security screening process, families are advised to review their children's luggage before heading to the airport to ensure it complies with TSA rules, including the 3-1-1 liquids rule. It's also essential to inform TSA about the presence of liquids like baby food, formula, and breast milk at the beginning of the screening process.
When it comes to toys for carry-on luggage, choose carefully to avoid anything that resembles a weapon. And remember, getting to the airport early and leaving yourself time for unexpected delays can help reduce stress and make your travel experience more enjoyable.
The TSA's Families on the Fly campaign is designed to make it easier for families to navigate security screening when traveling together, providing a more efficient and less stressful airport experience.
[1] TSA Press Release: Families on the Fly [2] CBS News: TSA's Families on the Fly program [3] USA Today: TSA's Families on the Fly program [4] Travel + Leisure: TSA's Families on the Fly program [5] Fox News: TSA's Families on the Fly program
- To further simplify travel for families, the TSA PreCheck program offers a discounted membership for families and has dedicated lanes at select airports like Orlando International Airport and Charlotte-Douglas International Airport.
- The Families on the Fly campaign, launched by the US Department of Homeland Security, not only provides dedicated family-friendly security lanes but also aims to enhance relationships and lifestyle during travels by reducing stress during airport security screenings.
- Home-and-garden-conscious families can prepare for a smoother airport experience by reviewing their children's luggage to ensure compliance with TSA rules, and considering toys for carry-on luggage that don't resemble weapons, all while leaving plenty of time for the journey, as suggested by news sources such as CBS News, USA Today, Travel + Leisure, and Fox News.
