A Little Less Chaos at the Airport? New TSA Family Lanes Are Rolling Out Across the Country
We love sharing GOOD news with our readers! New TSA Family Lanes Are Rolling Out Across the Country and we are here for it!
It never fails.
You’re running on no sleep, you’ve got a diaper bag hanging off one shoulder, a toddler clinging to your leg, and a preschooler asking for snacks just as you’re trying to juggle shoes, laptops, and teddy bears at airport security.
Traveling with kids isn’t just a test of patience—it’s a full-blown mission.
But now, finally, there’s a quiet little shift happening at airports around the country: TSA is introducing family-friendly security lanes through its new “Families on the Fly” program.
These lanes are designed with us in mind—the parents trying to keep it together while managing sippy cups, security bins, and gate numbers. And no, you don’t need TSA PreCheck to use them. The goal is simple: create a space where families can move at their own pace through security without the eye-rolls and rush that often come from being sandwiched between seasoned solo travelers.
The program began its rollout this summer, popping up in airports across the U.S. like:
- Orlando International (Florida)
- Charlotte-Douglas International (North Carolina)
- Daniel K. Inouye International (Hawaii)
- and yes, even John Wayne Airport in Southern California
Each of these spots now offers designated family lines at security checkpoints. Some are also adding extras, like lactation pods in baggage claim areas—a small but meaningful gesture for breastfeeding moms needing a private moment before boarding.
And here’s a thoughtful detail: TSA is offering $15 off a second PreCheck enrollment when families sign up together. It’s not life-changing, but it helps.
Will this magically make air travel feel like a breeze? No. Kids will still melt down over snacks. You’ll probably still forget a favorite blanket in the rental car. But having a security lane that gives you a breath—just one breath—to regroup? That matters.
I’m reminded of the time I had to get through security with an infant strapped to me, a car seat in one hand, and a backpack packed with emergency lollipops. There was no extra lane. No grace. Just me, sweating through my scarf while apologizing to everyone behind me.
This program doesn’t solve everything, but maybe it’s a sign we’re being seen. That families deserve space—literally and figuratively—to travel with a little more dignity and a little less panic.
Here’s hoping more airports join in.
