Security Screenings Simplified for Families: TSA Introduces Dedicated Lanes for Familities at Security Checkpoints
TSA Announces Expansion of Family and Military-Friendly Security Checkpoints
The Department of Homeland Security has announced an expansion of Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints for families traveling with children and military members. This move is aimed at reducing stress and delays at security checkpoints while maintaining security standards.
The TSA is rolling out dedicated security checkpoint lanes for families and military members across the United States. The "Families on the Fly" campaign introduces family-only lanes at select airports, easing travel stress for families with children under 12. The program began as a pilot at Orlando International Airport and is now being expanded to airports including Charlotte-Douglas (CLT), John Wayne Orange County (SNA), Honolulu (HNL), Charleston (CHS), Jacksonville (JAX), Rhode Island (PVD), San Juan (SJU), and Tampa (TPA), with more airports planned.
For military members, the TSA has established the Honor Lane, a dedicated expedited security lane for uniformed service members. The Honor Lane, which started at Nashville International Airport, is now available at 11 airports, with nationwide expansion underway.
Key benefits of these expansions include:
- Dedicated family lanes designed to allow families to proceed at their own pace without feeling rushed or like they are inconveniencing other travelers.
- TSA PreCheck fee discounts of $5 to $15 for families enrolling in the Trusted Traveler program.
- Dedicated TSA PreCheck lanes and front-of-line privileges for uniformed military members and their families.
- Free TSA PreCheck for Gold Star families.
- Mobile enrollment units to increase access for military families.
In addition to these benefits, military spouses will receive a $25 discount for PreCheck enrollment, and families will receive a $15 discount if they enroll in TSA's Trusted Traveler program, PreCheck. TSA will also no longer require passengers to take off their shoes at airport security checkpoints.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced the program at a press conference at Nashville International Airport and highlighted initiatives announced earlier this month, including providing Gold Star families access to the PreCheck free of charge. Mobile units will be sent to military bases for PreCheck sign-ups.
Secretary Noem also hinted at changes in what liquids passengers can carry on planes, but no further details have been provided as of yet. The special lane for uniformed military members, called the Honor Lane, is currently available at 11 different airports and will expand nationwide. The "Families on the Fly" program will be rolled out first in areas where families often travel with children.
As of August 2025, the programs are actively rolling out nationwide, with multiple airports joining month by month and plans for full nationwide coverage of the military Honor Lane and family lanes in major airports underway. This initiative is a welcome move towards improving convenience and honoring military service.
- During the expansion of TSA's family and military-friendly security checkpoints, the "Families on the Fly" campaign will introduce family-only lanes at various airports, beginning in popular family travel destinations and eventually nationwide.
- The TSA's policy-and-legislation changes, such as the establishment of the Honor Lane and discounts for families enrolling in the Trusted Traveler program, aim to improve lifestyle for uniformed military members and families, as well as general news regarding travel convenience and security.
