July 24, 2025
Air travel with young children can be a challenge—from juggling strollers and diaper bags to keeping everyone calm during security screening. Recognizing these unique stressors, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has launched a new program designed to make the journey a little easier for families. Introducing “Families on the Fly,” a dedicated initiative that prioritizes family-friendly security screening at select airports, including Orlando International Airport (MCO).
As one of the first airports to implement the program, MCO now features dedicated family lanes at every TSA checkpoint. These lanes are specifically designed for families traveling with children 12 and under, offering extra time, space, and support to ease the screening process. “We’re excited to launch ‘Families on the Fly’—a dedicated TSA security lane tailored for families,” said Pete Garcia, TSA’s Federal Security Director for Orlando. “This program goes beyond convenience. It’s about addressing the unique needs of traveling families to provide a smoother, more supportive experience.”
Orlando isn’t alone. Charlotte-Douglas International, John Wayne Airport (Orange County, CA), and Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu have also introduced “Families on the Fly,” with more airports expected to join in the future.
Key Features of the Families on the Fly Program:
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Dedicated family lanes at TSA checkpoints for travelers with children 12 and under.
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Discounted TSA PreCheck® fees for families (coming soon).
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Dedicated TSA PreCheck lanes for military families, with free access for eligible Department of Defense (DOD) personnel using their DOD ID number as their Known Traveler Number.
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Streamlined screening for children: Kids under 13 can accompany a TSA PreCheck-eligible adult through expedited lanes.
This initiative is part of TSA’s broader effort to improve hospitality and customer experience at the nation’s 435 airports. Another program, “Serve with Honor, Travel with Ease,” was recently introduced to support military and uniformed service members and their families by providing expedited screening and special access at select airports.
For travelers who may require additional assistance, TSA’s long-standing TSA Cares program remains available. It offers personalized support for passengers with medical needs, disabilities, or other conditions requiring accommodation during screening.
As always, TSA encourages all passengers to plan ahead, especially during peak travel times. For real-time assistance or screening questions, travelers can text 275-872 (AskTSA) or reach out via @AskTSA on X (formerly Twitter) or Facebook Messenger.
For more details about these programs and how to prepare for your next flight, visit tsa.gov.
