TSA’s New Family Lanes &

J.L. Childress Travel Essentials

Planning family travel can be overwhelming—but thanks to a TSA initiative called "Families on the Fly," navigating airport security with kids (ages 12 and under) just got a whole lot smoother. Here's what you need to know, plus tips and gear to simplify your journey even more.

What Is the TSA "Families on the Fly" Program?

TSA launched this summer a dedicated family security lane—a calmer, faster checkpoint experience designed for families with young children. It includes:

• Pre-staged bins and liquid disposal stations for easy setup

• TSA agents who assist with strollers, car seats, and electronics

• Streamlined screening to reduce stress and speed up processing

• Whole families welcome—including grandparents and older siblings 

While not part of TSA PreCheck, the program also offers $15 discounts on PreCheck enrollment for families and special PreCheck lanes for military families.

Participating Airports (As of September 2025)

Family lanes are currently open at:

• Orlando International Airport (MCO)

• Charlotte‑Douglas International Airport (CLT)

• John Wayne/Orange County Airport (SNA)

• Daniel K. Inouye International (Honolulu, HNL)

• Jacksonville International Airport (JAX)

• Will Rogers World Airport (Oklahoma City, OKC)

• Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport (PVD)

• Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (San Juan, SJU)

More airports are joining soon.

TSA Security Tips for Smooth Sailing

• Keep all liquids and baby food together in a single quart-sized bag (3-1-1 rule still applies).

• Separate electronics—laptops, tablets, phones—so they’re easy to place in bins.

• Beware: baby wipes and certain snacks can occasionally trigger alarms—so be ready to explain or pull them aside.

• Designate roles: one adult handles bag unpacking/repacking while the other wrangles the kids—teamwork cuts chaos.

• Arrive early and have your ID, boarding pass, and essentials accessible for faster processing.

Travel Gear That Makes Family Travel Even Easier

If you're gate-checking car seats or strollers, our compact easy-fold Gate Check Bags (LINK) are essential. Pack them in the diaper bag, and once at the gate, tag and check—so you keep your hands free and your gear protected.

Other smart solutions from J.L. Childress:

• Compact Stroller Travel Bag – Lightweight, protective, and gate-friendly, designed for single, compact-fold, travel strollers

• Universal Car Seat Travel Belt – Straps your car seat to wheeled luggage for hands-free maneuvering – a value-oriented way to travel with a car seat!

• Deluxe, Elite and Premier Car Seat Bags – Fully padded and great for dropping your gear at luggage-check. All bags include AirTag holders for peace of mind tracking.

Not sure if you should gate check or luggage check your stroller or car seat?
We’ve got you!

Read our full breakdown here:
Gate Check vs. Luggage Check 

No matter how you travel—carry-on or checked luggage—packing these accessories equips you for stress-free security, seamless gate transitions, and happier travel overall.

Why It All Matters

With TSA family lanes, thoughtfully prepared gear, and smart packing strategies, your airport experience can go from chaotic to calm. That means more time enjoying family moments and less time wrestling strollers or electronics through security.

Shop all our travel solutions so that you can travel happy.