Streamlined Summer Journeys: TSA Introduces Dedicated Family Lanes for Stress-Free Travel Experience
In an effort to make travel less stressful for families, the United States Department of Homeland Security has announced the "Families on the Fly" campaign. This initiative aims to simplify the airport security journey for families, particularly those with young children.
Under this campaign, participating airports will offer dedicated family-friendly security lanes to expedite the screening process. Families with small children can use these lanes without requiring TSA PreCheck membership, making for a smoother experience tailored to family needs.
Moreover, the campaign offers a $15 discount on TSA PreCheck enrollment fees for families. This discount is often available through promotions such as a Buy One, Get One $15 off deal when enrolling together at CLEAR TSA PreCheck enrollment locations. TSA PreCheck offers an expedited security screening process to members, with about 99% of passengers waiting less than 10 minutes.
Airports currently offering these family lanes include Orlando International (MCO), Charlotte-Douglas (CLT), John Wayne Orange County (SNA), Daniel K. Inouye Honolulu International (HNL), Rhode Island T. F. Green (PVD), Jacksonville International (JAX), Will Rogers International (OKC), and Luis Muñoz Marín International (SJU). Plans are in place to expand the program to Charleston International Airport (CHS), Jacksonville International Airport (JAX), Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU), T. F. Green International Airport (PVD), and Tampa International Airport (TPA) in the coming months.
It's important to inform TSA about the presence of liquids like baby food, formula, and breast milk at the beginning of the screening process. If older children are traveling with you and pack their own bags, it's recommended to check their luggage before you head to the airport to ensure it complies with TSA rules, including the 3-1-1 liquids rule.
When traveling with your family, children age 12 and under can join you in TSA PreCheck lanes, and children 13 to 17 can join you under certain conditions. To avoid delays during security screenings, remove any items that don't meet TSA rules, and when selecting toys for carry-on, avoid anything that resembles a weapon, including Nerf guns and toy swords.
Airports can be navigated more easily with a little planning, such as having a conversation with kids about the security process before arriving at the airport. The end of the shoes-off policy at security screening is predicted to shorten wait times and make security screening more efficient.
TSA PreCheck is available at over 200 airports, and the campaign encourages families to enroll for a faster airport experience. The Families on the Fly program is a TSA initiative designed to make it easier for families to navigate security screening when traveling together.
Participating in the Families on the Fly program is a great perk for families visiting Disney World at Orlando International Airport (MCO). The John Wayne Orange County Airport (SNA) in California and Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu already plan to participate in the program.
[1] TSA Families on the Fly [2] TSA PreCheck [3] Cleared.com [4] Orlando International Airport [5] Charlotte-Douglas International Airport
