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Flying with kids just got easier: TSA unveils dedicated family screening lane
July 21, 2025
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2 min read
Flying with kids just got easier: TSA unveils dedicated family screening lane
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The joy of embarking on a grand new travel adventure with your family can sometimes be blunted by a frustrating experience going through airport security. Anyone who’s traveled with kids knows going through the TSA screening lines can be anything but smooth — with diaper bags, strollers and everything else that comes along for the family vacation. But a just-announced initiative by the Transportation Security Administration aims to reduce the stress of the screening process.
The “Families on the Fly” campaign is creating a dedicated family lane for parents traveling with children to reduce wait times and “enhance hospitality for families during the airport security screening experience,” according to U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
It’s the latest move by the agency to streamline the security screening process for travelers. Earlier this month, TSA ended its long-standing policy forcing most travelers to remove their shoes at security checkpoints. It also introduced dedicated screening lanes and front-of-line privileges for military members in TSA PreCheck lanes at select airports near military bases.
The “Families on the Fly” program is being rolled out at select airports across the country, starting with Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) and Orlando International Airport (MCO). Orlando is the travel hub for perennial family favorite attractions like Walt Disney World and Universal Studios Orlando, so its airport being among the first to have the new family lanes makes a lot of sense.
Beyond those two airports, TSA says the program will soon take effect at the following locations:
- John Wayne Airport (SNA) in Orange County, California
- Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) in Honolulu
- Charleston International Airport (CHS)
- Jacksonville International Airport (JAX)
- Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport (PVD)
- Luis Munoz Marin International Airport (SJU) in San Juan, Puerto Rico
- Tampa International Airport (TPA)
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TSA officials say another perk for traveling families will be a discounted price on TSA PreCheck fees for families. The new cost will be $85 per person instead of $100, although the details and launch date for those discounts are not yet known.
Secretary Noem has also hinted that changes could be coming to TSA’s rules regarding the amount of liquids travelers can bring in their carry-on luggage. Right now, you are limited to travel-sized containers of 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item, displayed in a small clear bag. Containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) must go in checked baggage.
Featured image by CRAIG HUDSON/THE WASHINGTON POST VIA GETTY IMAGES
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
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Best for dining at restaurants
TPG Editor‘s Rating
Go to reviewCard Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
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You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.