Traveling with kids can be incredibly challenging, especially when it comes to navigating airport security. Thankfully, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has introduced dedicated family lanes at select airports to alleviate some of this stress.
### TSA Family Lanes
Last summer, the TSA began rolling out family lanes aimed at families traveling with children under 12. These lanes provide more space, extra time, and a less rushed environment to help families navigate the security process smoothly. TSA officials are focused on making airport experiences more enjoyable for families, emphasizing hospitality and support.
#### Who Can Use Family Lanes?
Any adult accompanying children under 12, including parents, grandparents, and caregivers, can use these family lanes. Pets are welcome too, as long as at least one adult and one child are part of the group. Families can still opt for regular security or TSA PreCheck lanes if they prefer.
### Additional Support for Families
The officers staffing these family lanes receive specialized training to address the unique challenges families face. They are equipped to assist with baby gear and smooth out the screening process for items like breastmilk. This understanding environment helps ensure that families feel supported rather than scrutinized.
### Airports with Family Lanes
The family lanes are part of a broader initiative, “Families on the Fly,” which aims to improve hospitality across 435 airports nationwide. As of June 2026, the following airports have dedicated family lanes:
– Charleston International Airport (South Carolina)
– Charlotte Douglas International Airport (North Carolina)
– Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (Honolulu)
– Jacksonville International Airport (Florida)
– John Glenn Columbus International Airport (Ohio)
– John Wayne Airport, Orange County (California)
– Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (Puerto Rico)
– OKC Will Rogers International Airport (Oklahoma)
– Orlando International Airport (Florida)
– Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport (Rhode Island)
– Salt Lake City International Airport (Utah)
– Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (Washington)
– Tampa International Airport (Florida)
With these new lanes, traveling with young children is likely to become a less stressful experience for families, paving the way for a smoother start to their adventures.
