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TSA Launches ‘Families on the Fly’ Pilot With Dedicated Security Lanes for Travelers With Young Children

The trial aims to reduce waits through staffed family lanes plus a PreCheck discount.

Overview

  • Families with children 12 and under now have separate security queues at 11 airports in the pilot phase, with signage at checkpoints to identify the lanes.
  • Participating locations include Orlando, Tampa, San Juan, John WayneOrange County, Charleston, Charlotte Douglas, Honolulu, Jacksonville, Oklahoma City, Providence’s T.F. Green and Salt Lake City.
  • TSA Cares integrates into the pilot by assigning trained officers to help with baggage handling, organizing belongings and addressing children’s needs during screening.
  • TSA is promoting PreCheck with a $15 discount when two family members enroll together, a $80 five‑year cost per person, 20 million enrollments last year and a reported 99% experiencing waits under 10 minutes, with minors under 17 allowed to accompany a parent in the PreCheck line at no charge.
  • The pilot is not yet universal at major hubs such as Los Angeles International Airport, and TSA is also circulating a traveler checklist that reiterates rules like the 100 milliliter liquid limit in a clear sealed bag.