Travelers wait in long lines at the security checkpoints in Terminal 4 at Sky Harbor International Airport in Phoenix on July 9, 2025.

Airport security just got easier for families – depending on where you’re traveling.

Some U.S. airports have added dedicated family lanes as part of the Department of Homeland Security’s “Families on the Fly” initiative, the Transportation Security Administration announced late last month.

“DHS and TSA are committed to making the airport security experience as smooth and stress-free as possible for traveling families,” Senior Official Performing the Duties of Deputy TSA Administrator, Adam Stahl, said in a news release. “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.”

Those aren’t the only perks of the program. Here’s what to know.

What does TSA’s ‘Families on the Fly’ campaign include?

In addition to the dedicated screening lanes for families, TSA is offering a discount on fees for PreCheck, which offers expedited screening.

When two travelers enroll through IDEMIA, they can get $15 off the second enrollment through Oct. 31. “For families larger than two, the promotion still applies,” TSA’s website reads. “Example: A family of four can save $30.”

New enrollment through the provider typically costs $76.75 for five years. The promotion does not apply to renewals.

Which airports participate in TSA’s ‘Families on the Fly’ campaign?

The following airports are currently participating in the program:

  • Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT)
  • Honolulu’s Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL)
  • Jacksonville International Airport (JAX)
  • John Wayne Airport, Orange County (SNA)
  • OKC Will Rogers International Airport (OKC)
  • Orlando International Airport (MCO)
  • Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport (PVD)

The agency will also roll the program out to Charleston International Airport (CHS), Tampa International Airport (TPA), and more “in the coming months.”

The initiative is one of a number of changes TSA has made to security checkpoints in recent months, introducing free PreCheck enrollment for Gold Star family members who have lost a loved one in U.S. military service – along with other perks for service members and their relatives – last month. The agency also ended its shoe-removal policy in early July, and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem later hinted that the agency might change its liquids policy, which are generally restricted to 3.4 ounces per container in carry-on bags.

(This story has been updated to add new information.)

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at ndiller@usatoday.com.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: TSA adds dedicated family lanes at these airports, more perks

Reporting by Nathan Diller, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

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