Enhancing Airport Security for Families
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) are working to improve airport security by making it more efficient and convenient for travelers. One significant change has already made a positive impact on families traveling together.
Over the past few weeks, the TSA has started implementing some changes at select airports across the country as part of a new initiative aimed at simplifying the travel experience for families. This initiative, known as “Families on the Fly,” is gaining attention from travelers nationwide.
What Is ‘Families on the Fly’?
Earlier this summer, DHS introduced the “Families on the Fly” program. The goal of this initiative is to make airport travel more manageable and less stressful for families with children aged 12 or younger.
“DHS and TSA are committed to making the airport security experience as smooth and stress-free as possible for traveling families,” said Senior Official Performing the Duties of Deputy TSA Administrator Adam Stahl earlier this summer. “The Families on the Fly campaign, being rolled out at select airports, aims to mitigate the unique challenges families face when traveling and minimize stress while maintaining the highest level of security.”
The program includes several features designed to help families. These include dedicated family lanes at security checkpoints, discounted TSA PreCheck® fees for families, and dedicated TSA PreCheck lanes for service members and their families.
Which Airports Are Participating?
While the DHS and TSA hope to expand the initiative nationwide, the initial rollout was limited to a few airports. The program first launched at the Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Charlotte-Douglas International Airport (CLT). This month, John Wayne Orange County Airport (SNA) joined the initiative, and the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu will soon implement the program as well.
In the coming months, the “Families on the Fly” initiative will be introduced at additional airports, including Charleston International Airport (CHS), Jacksonville International (JAX), Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport (PVD), Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU), and Tampa International Airport (TPA). More airports are expected to join in the future.
Positive Feedback and Social Media Response
It has been over a month since the “Families on the Fly” program officially launched in Orlando and Charlotte, and the results have been promising. Fox News recently spoke to some families who used the new dedicated family line at the Orlando International Airport, and they shared positive feedback about the initiative.
“A lot quicker, and it was easier to get through the line,” one mother told Fox News during an interview. Another father added, “I would say it’s easier because when you’re in the regular line, you almost feel like you’re stressing everybody out.”
The initiative has also received widespread support on social media. One user wrote, “Family Lanes at airports are a fantastic idea.” Another commented, “Ditching shoe removal is the best TSA upgrade ever. This is #2.” A third person added, “This is really nice for families.”
Clearly, the change has been well-received by travelers, and the positive response suggests that the “Families on the Fly” initiative could become a valuable addition to airport security processes across the country.
