✈️ TSA Family Lanes: Everything You Need to Know Before Your Next Trip with Kids

Family travel is officially getting a much-needed upgrade. If you’ve ever tried navigating airport security with toddlers, diaper bags, strollers, and a ticking clock, you know the struggle is real. Fortunately, the TSA is rolling out dedicated family screening lanes to make your travel day smoother, faster, and less chaotic.

Introducing: “Families on the Fly” — a new initiative by the Transportation Security Administration aimed at helping families with young children breeze through airport security. Here’s everything you need to know before heading to the airport with your little ones.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 What Are TSA Family Lanes?

TSA Family Lanes are specialized security lines designed for families traveling with children under 13 years old. These lanes provide more time, space, and patience for families juggling multiple bags, strollers, car seats, and tiny humans.

Instead of feeling rushed or overwhelmed in standard security lines, families can move at their own pace with the help of TSA officers trained to support them.

✅ Who Can Use Them?

To qualify for TSA Family Lanes, your party must include at least one child aged 12 or younger. The new initiative doesn’t require any special enrollment or paperwork — simply show up and head to the designated “Families on the Fly” lane.

If you’re a TSA PreCheck® member, even better! Children under 13 can accompany you through the PreCheck lane, and teens ages 13–17 can also use it if they’re on the same reservation as a parent or guardian with PreCheck.

🛫 Where Are These Lanes Available?

The program is already live at select major airports and will expand throughout the year. Current participating airports include:

• Orlando International Airport (MCO)

• Charlotte-Douglas International Airport (CLT)

Coming soon:

• John Wayne Airport (SNA)

• Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL)

• Tampa International (TPA)

• Charleston International (CHS)

• Jacksonville International (JAX)

• Rhode Island T.F. Green (PVD)

• San Juan Luis Muñoz Marín (SJU)

More airports are expected to join the initiative throughout 2025 and beyond.

🌟 Perks and Benefits for Families

Traveling with kids just got a little more comfortable thanks to these benefits:

• No extra fees — just show up and use the lane.

• Less stress — TSA agents at family lanes are trained to work with children and accommodate family travel needs.

• No need to rush — go at your own pace when managing strollers, baby gear, and curious toddlers.

• TSA PreCheck discounts — coming soon: $15 off the application fee for families.

• Honor lanes for military families — active-duty and Gold Star families receive free or discounted PreCheck access and designated lanes in some airports.

🍼 What to Expect at the Family Lane

Still need to go through security protocol, but with fewer headaches. Here’s how it works:

1. Strollers and car seats still go through the X-ray machine, so be ready to fold and place them on the belt.

2. Baby formula, breast milk, juice, and medications are allowed in reasonable quantities — just declare them at the checkpoint.

3. Laptops and tablets may stay in your bag if you’re using PreCheck; otherwise, be ready to remove them.

4. Shoes stay on for kids under 12 and for everyone in PreCheck.

🧳 Pro Tips for Using TSA Family Lanes

• Arrive early. While family lanes help move you through faster, they’re not a substitute for early airport arrival.

• Look for signage. Not every checkpoint may have a family lane yet, but designated signage should be clearly visible at participating airports.

• Use a baby carrier. Wearing your baby can be easier than folding and unloading a stroller.

• Enroll in TSA PreCheck. It’s a game-changer for family travel — and soon to be more affordable for parents.

✈️ Final Thoughts

TSA’s new Family Lanes are a long-overdue step in the right direction for families navigating the often-stressful world of air travel. With smoother screening, extra support, and fewer meltdowns (hopefully), it’s one less thing to worry about before takeoff.

Whether you’re heading to Grandma’s or flying off on a family vacation, “Families on the Fly” is designed to help you get there with a little more ease — and a lot more peace of mind.