If you ever need a great workout recommendation that gets your heart pumping, forehead sweating, and involves weights, go through the TSA line at the airport with kids in tow. In addition to planning a family trip, the logistical aspect of getting through the airport is a whole feat within itself. From strategically handling all of the luggage to deciding whether or not I’m going to wear my baby through the line to making sure my 4-year-old doesn’t run off, navigating through TSA on a family travel day is probably the one thing I get most anxious about during a family vacation.
However, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security recently launched a new campaign that moms traveling with littles, like myself, will be happy about. As of July 2025, the ‘Families on the Fly’ campaign is available at select airports—including the hub for Disney World and Universal Studios, Orlando’s MCO. I’m sharing what it is, where it’s available, and what parents should know about ‘Families on the Fly.’
What is TSA’s ‘Families on the Fly’ campaign?
The days of worrying about my one carry-on item and casually strolling to my flight gate are long gone. Nowadays, it looks like making sure my kids make it through the long TSA line with only one meltdown and having spare travel outfits on hand (to change into after my TSA line sweat sesh and for possible kid accidents). It also may include seeing me make a mad dash to the gate because I’m now perpetually late wherever I go—IYKYK.
So, what is the ‘Families on the Fly’ campaign, and how will this help moms, exactly? According to the TSA government website, the ‘Families on the Fly’ campaign was initiated with a commitment “to making the airport security experience as smooth and stress-free as possible for traveling families.” This campaign offers designated TSA lanes for families traveling with kids 12 years of age and under. It has been reported that airports are already seeing shorter TSA line wait times with this new initiative in place. ‘Families on the Fly’ gives a few benefits for families with kids, including:
- Dedicated family lanes at select airports nationwide
- Discounted TSA PreCheck fees for families coming soon
- Dedicated TSA PreCheck lanes for service members and their families
Which airports provide ‘Families on the Fly’?
While hearing this news on family travel is a jump-for-joy moment, these benefits from the TSA aren’t available everywhere just yet. Select airports, including Orlando International (MCO) in Florida and Charlotte-Douglas International (CLT) in North Carolina, are the first airports to already be accommodating this rollout. It’s also noted that “planned expansions” at other airports, like John Wayne Orange County Airport (SNA) in California and Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu, Hawaii, will be coming soon.
Five more airports are planned to have ‘Families on the Fly’ at some point in the future. However, exact rollout dates are currently unknown to the public:
- Charleston International Airport (CHS)
- Jacksonville International (JAX)
- Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport (PVD)
- Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU)
- Tampa International Airport (TPA)
My five travel tips to get through TSA lines with kids
When it comes to vacays with the kids, I’m all ears for the best mom hacks for traveling. As a mom of two littles, I’m sharing my personal travel hacks for getting through an airport line smoothly—or as seamlessly as possible.
1. I have my ID and boarding pass readily available
With all the excess baggage that comes with traveling with a family, the first thing I do once I get in line is place my ID and boarding passes in an easily accessible place. Examples are my pants pocket or the front pocket of my diaper bag.
2. I wear my baby
Wearing my baby through the TSA line makes it easy for me to move hands-free. Whether I’m helping my other child move through the line or managing our carry-ons, having a full set of hands is a lifesaver. My tried-and-true baby carrier is my Ergobaby Omni Breeze Carrier, but there are so many other baby carriers The Everymom editors swear by.
3. I don’t check in my stroller
I push my stroller with me through the TSA line for several reasons. Not only does it allow me to set my baby down if I need to, but it also serves as another place to hold travel items like a backpack, kids’ toys, and more. I check the stroller at the gate, so I have it with me as long as possible.
4. I look up the policy for carrying baby formula or breast milk
Depending on where you’re traveling from or to, travel policies regarding formula or breast milk may vary. The U.S. Transportation Security Administration has travel policies for breast milk available on their website, as well as guidelines for traveling with baby formula. If going out of the country, do research on the country’s guidelines beforehand. And it doesn’t hurt to either have the policy printed or readily available for reference. I notify TSA agents if I’m carrying formula or breast milk so it doesn’t delay them inspecting it.
5. I give my son two rules
With so many opportunities for distraction going through a busy TSA line, I give my 4-year-old two simple rules to remember. One, stay by Mom and Dad. Two, listen to our directions. These rules can look different depending on your child’s age and development, but giving them a simple rule can help the process be even smoother.
FAQs
Who qualifies for the ‘Families on the Fly’ program?
Offering separate lanes for families, the ‘Families on the Fly’ program is exclusively for families traveling with children 12 years of age and under.
Do families need to register for ‘Families on the Fly’?
No, families do not need to register or sign up in order to use the ‘Family on the Fly’ airport lanes. It is free to use these designated security lines at select airports, as long as you are traveling with kids 12 years of age and under.
Is TSA PreCheck included or required?
TSA PreCheck is not included or required for ‘Families on the Fly.’ However, if you’re interested in TSA PreCheck, there is a limited-time BOGO $15 off offer when two people sign up together. Both parties need to sign up through the authorized enrollment provider, IDEMIA.
Patty Schepel, Editorial Assistant
As the editorial assistant, Patty works with The Everymom’s team on pitches, creating original articles, updating existing content, photo sourcing, writing shopping product descriptions, inputting freelance articles, and more. With Patty’s passion for writing, experience as a mother of two, and expertise as a pediatric nurse, she brings a thoughtful and informative perspective to The Everymom. When she’s not working, you can find her spending time with her family, training for half marathons—she ran one 16 weeks pregnant—traveling, cooking, reading a rom-com, and keeping her sourdough starter, Rose, alive.
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Source link: https://theeverymom.com/tsa-family-travel/ by Patty Schepel at theeverymom.com