✈️ Families on the Fly: TSA’s New Family-Focused Travel Perks You’ll Want to Know About

Getting through airport security with kids in tow can sometimes feel like a full-body workout mixed with a patience test you didn’t sign up for. Diaper bags, snacks, tiny shoes, a stroller, and one child asking where the iPad went… before you’ve even reached security.

Well, there’s finally some good news for traveling families: the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has officially launched a new initiative called “Families on the Fly”, and it’s designed to take a little (or a lot!) of the stress out of airport security for moms, dads, and little ones alike.

Here’s what we know—and why it matters for your next cruise or flight:

🚸 Dedicated Family TSA Lanes: A Win for Parents Everywhere

The biggest change? Dedicated family lanes at select TSA checkpoints. These special lanes aim to reduce long wait times and streamline the experience for parents juggling carry-ons, boarding passes, and a toddler who insists on pulling their own mini suitcase.

In the words of DHS, these expanded areas are there to help recognize that “they have children with them,” and to make the whole process “smoother and more supportive” for families. It’s like someone at TSA finally saw what we go through and said, “Let’s help.”

💸 PreCheck Perks: A Discount You’ll Actually Want

Another helpful part of the Families on the Fly rollout? A discount on TSA PreCheck. Families can now sign up for just $85 per person (down from $100). For busy moms planning a cruise departure or holiday getaway, that $15 savings adds up quickly—especially if you’ve got multiple family members to enroll.

Even better, kids 12 and under can use the PreCheck lane for free when they’re traveling with a parent or guardian who’s enrolled. If your child is 13–17, they may need their own membership depending on the airline, but for younger kiddos, this is a win.

And if you’ve never had TSA PreCheck before, here’s a quick reminder of what it means:

• Keep your shoes and light jackets on
• No need to remove laptops or tiny toiletries
• Shorter security lines = less meltdowns (for kids and parents)

🛫 Where Can You Use It?

So far, Orlando (MCO) and Charlotte (CLT) have launched the program—and if you’ve ever flown through Orlando with kids, you know that this is a game changer.

Here’s where Families on the Fly is heading next:

• Orange County (SNA)
• Honolulu (HNL)
• Charleston (CHS)
• Jacksonville (JAX)
• Rhode Island (PVD)
• Luis Muñoz Marín, Puerto Rico (SJU)
• Tampa (TPA)

Keep an eye out—more airports are expected to roll out the program over the coming months.

Whether you’re jetting off to meet your cruise port, heading to grandma’s, or escaping to a beach for some much-needed sunshine—Families on the Fly might just make that first big airport hurdle a little less stressful.

Here’s to smoother security lines and stress-free starts to your family vacations!

🧳❤️
– The Moms at Sea Team