Flying with kids just got easier: TSA unveils dedicated family screening lane
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)
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.
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