Traveling with children can sometimes feel like a marathon—juggling strollers, diaper bags, and little ones’ hands while navigating a bustling airport security line. But for families flying out of major U.S. airports this fall, the experience may be about to get a whole lot smoother. On September 5, 2025, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) unveiled a series of new initiatives designed to ease the burden on families and service members, including the launch of the Families on the Fly program and the expansion of military-only checkpoints and TSA PreCheck discounts.
According to KHOU 11, TSA Acting Deputy Administrator Adam Stahl explained that these changes are all about “reducing the burden of travel just a little bit and tailoring the experience for families and service members.” The new programs are already rolling out at high-traffic airports, particularly those in family-heavy destinations like Orlando and at locations close to military bases, such as John Wayne Airport in California. While Houston’s Bush and Hobby airports haven’t yet joined the list, Stahl emphasized that this is “the beginning, not the end,” with more airports expected to be added in the near future.
At the heart of these changes is the Families on the Fly program, which introduces dedicated family-friendly security lanes at airports nationwide. As NPR’s Marian Summerall reported from Orlando International Airport, these special lanes are making a noticeable difference for parents and children alike. Emily Manley, a mother of three traveling through Orlando, described her experience: “They told us way down. They’re like, walk right over there. There’s a family friendly line. And they were super sweet to all the kids.” Gone is the stress of being separated from her children or feeling rushed by other travelers. “The other ones I’ve gone through are like—they’re like, you know, holding them back, like, physically, as I go through so we don’t go through at the same time, which is scary for kids,” Manley added.
One of the most significant aspects of the family lanes is the TSA’s commitment to keeping families together during screening. As Summerall noted, “TSA says it will not separate children from guardians in these lanes and has modified screening procedures it says limits pat-downs.” This approach is designed to reduce anxiety for both parents and children, and it’s already winning praise from travelers. “It’s so nice. I love anything that’s, like, geared towards families because you don’t find it often,” Manley remarked after her journey through the new lane.
But what’s it like behind the scenes? Pete Garcia, TSA’s security director at Orlando International Airport, offered some insight. “You see the number of strollers and small children. And we want to be able to provide them as much assistance as we can and get them through here as effectively and efficiently as we can,” Garcia told NPR. He emphasized that in these dedicated lanes, there’s “just more patience and help for families with small children.” In contrast to standard lanes—where families might feel like a burden among business travelers and others in a hurry—these new lanes offer a more relaxed, supportive environment.
The rollout of these family lanes has begun at several airports across the country, including Oklahoma City, Tampa, Salt Lake City, and Charlotte, in addition to Orlando. According to NPR, at least ten airports have already implemented the program, with more expected to join soon. The response, Stahl said, has been “resoundingly positive, on both the military offerings as well as family offerings.”
Families aren’t the only ones benefiting from TSA’s new initiatives. Service members now have access to military-only checkpoints, and Gold Star families—those who have lost a loved one in military service—can qualify for free TSA PreCheck enrollment. PreCheck, for those unfamiliar, is a program that allows approved travelers to use expedited security lanes, keeping their shoes, belts, and jackets on and enjoying an overall less invasive screening process. Stahl highlighted the advantages, noting, “On average, there’s a 50% reduction in wait times at checkpoints. It’s also a less invasive screening experience—you can keep your belt and jacket on.”
For many travelers, the introduction of family lanes and military-only checkpoints raises the question: are more changes on the horizon? Stahl hinted that the answer is yes. TSA is currently taking “a hard look” at the longstanding 3-1-1 liquid rule, which limits the amount of liquids travelers can bring through security. While he wouldn’t confirm any specific changes just yet, Stahl pointed to past updates—such as the end of the “shoes off” requirement—as evidence of TSA’s ongoing efforts to make security more seamless. “We’re aggressively reviewing the policy,” he said, suggesting that further improvements could be on the way.
Despite these new conveniences, Stahl was quick to remind travelers that TSA PreCheck remains a valuable investment. Even though all travelers can now keep their shoes on, PreCheck still delivers a much faster journey through security and a gentler screening process. “TSA is heavily invested in the PreCheck brand,” Stahl said, promising more updates in the coming months.
Travelers eager to take advantage of these new programs can visit tsa.gov or reach out on social media via Ask TSA for the latest details on eligibility and updates. For now, families and service members flying out of airports like Orlando can breathe a little easier, knowing that the TSA is working to make their journey just a bit less stressful.
As the Families on the Fly program expands and more airports introduce family lanes and military-only checkpoints, the landscape of air travel in the U.S. is beginning to shift. It’s a welcome change for parents like Emily Manley, who summed up the sentiment of many: “It’s so nice. I love anything that’s, like, geared towards families because you don’t find it often.”
With more updates and potential rule changes on the horizon, travelers of all stripes—families, service members, and frequent flyers alike—will be watching closely to see how these innovations continue to reshape the airport experience in the months ahead.
