TSA introduces family lanes. Photo: Shutterstock The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is introducing a new initiative aimed at making air travel easier for families with young children.
Called "Families on the Fly," the program provides dedicated security screening lanes for parents traveling with children aged 12 and under. TSA says the initiative is designed to reduce stress at airport checkpoints while maintaining the agency's security standards.
The family-friendly lanes are currently available at 13 airports across the United States, including Orlando International Airport, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, Charlotte Douglas International Airport, and Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu.
According to TSA, the dedicated lanes are intended to address the unique challenges families face when traveling, while also helping improve efficiency by reducing congestion in standard screening lines.
The agency said designated TSA officers will be available to assist families through the screening process. Additional support is also available through TSA Cares, a service that provides assistance for passengers requiring extra help at checkpoints.
TSA reiterated that children will not be separated from their parents or guardians during screening. Strollers, baby carriers, and car seats remain permitted through checkpoints, although they are subject to X-ray screening.
Families enrolled in TSA PreCheck can also take advantage of another benefit: children aged 17 and younger may accompany eligible adults through TSA PreCheck lanes without needing their own Known Traveler Number.
The airports currently participating in the "Families on the Fly" program are Charleston, Charlotte, Honolulu, Jacksonville, Columbus, Orange County, San Juan, Oklahoma City, Orlando, Providence, Salt Lake City, Seattle, and Tampa.
TSA said additional airports are expected to introduce the dedicated family lanes in the future as the program expands nationwide.
Also in July, London Luton Airport announced that children aged 8 and 9 can start using the UK's automated border control eGates when arriving in the country for smoother processing.