Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem announced a new campaign to streamline airport checkpoints for families. The campaign, called “Families on the Fly,” is designed to “enhance hospitality for families during the airport security screening experience,” DHS explained.
The campaign includes dedicated family lanes and select airpots, discounted TSA PreCheck fees, and dedicated TSA PreCheck lanes for service members and their families. Airports participating in the initiative include Orlando International (MCO) and Charlotte-Douglas International (CLT). The John Wayne Orange County Airport (SNA) and Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu are also expected to join the program.
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) are similarly scheduled to join the campaign.
The campaign is “one of several” initiatives to “improve hospitality” across airports, DHS added.
“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 statement. “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.”
TSA announced earlier this month that it is ending its “shoes-off” travel policy as part of its efforts to increase hospitality.
“We expect this change will drastically decrease passenger wait times at our TSA checkpoints, leading to a more pleasant and efficient passenger experience. As always, security remains our top priority,” Noem said upon announcing the changes. “Thanks to our cutting-edge technological advancements and multi-layered security approach, we are confident we can implement this change while maintaining the highest security standards.”
