Roberta Aguirre
Airports and airlines have been taking advantage of families by charging them extra fees for seating them together. However, the US Department of Transportation (USDOT) has been taking steps to address this issue. In February 2023, Secretary Buttigieg announced the launch of a dashboard displaying which airlines guarantee family seating. Additionally, USDOT has proposed legislation to ban family seating fees, ensuring that parents and their young children can be seated together without incurring additional costs. Airports and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) have also introduced initiatives like Families on the Fly to improve the experience of families during security screening, offering dedicated lanes and expedited access for families with young children, strollers, and diaper bags. These initiatives aim to make air travel more family-friendly, efficient, and stress-free.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Dedicated family lanes | Families can avoid waiting in long lines, making the experience faster and less stressful |
| Discounted TSA PreCheck fees | Families can sign up together at a discounted rate of $15 off each individual enrollment |
| TSA PreCheck lanes for military service members and their families | Military personnel, civilian Department of Defense staff, and their families are eligible for free TSA PreCheck benefits |
| TSA Cares program | Offers personalized assistance to veterans, wounded warriors, and passengers with disabilities or medical conditions |
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What You'll Learn
Dedicated family lanes
Tampa International Airport was one of the first airports to implement dedicated family lanes, with Orlando, Charlotte, Jacksonville, and Honolulu following suit. The lanes are designed specifically for families with children aged 12 and under, simplifying the security process by reducing wait times and offering assistance with managing strollers, diaper bags, and other equipment.
The "Families on the Fly" campaign, launched by the TSA, aims to enhance hospitality for families during the airport security screening process. As part of this campaign, dedicated family lanes will be introduced at select airports nationwide, with plans for expansion to more airports in the future. The program is designed to address the unique challenges faced by families, providing a smoother and more supportive experience while maintaining the highest level of security.
In addition to dedicated family lanes, the "Families on the Fly" campaign offers other benefits such as discounted TSA PreCheck fees for families and dedicated PreCheck lanes for military service members and their families. The TSA is also promoting the TSA PreCheck service with a special "buy one, get one" deal for families, making it more affordable to enjoy the benefits of faster and more efficient screening.
The introduction of dedicated family lanes is part of a larger effort by the TSA to improve the airport experience for all travelers. By alleviating congestion and reducing security line times, the initiative benefits not only families but also those traveling without children, creating a more seamless and efficient security process for everyone.
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Discounted TSA PreCheck fees
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has launched the "Families on the Fly" campaign, an initiative to improve hospitality for families travelling through its 435 airports across the country. As part of this campaign, TSA is offering discounted TSA PreCheck fees for families. While the exact discount amount is not yet known, TSA has stated that it is "coming soon".
TSA PreCheck is a service that offers faster and more efficient security screening at airports. With PreCheck, families can avoid the hassle of removing their shoes, belts, and laptops during security checks. The service is especially useful for families with young children, as it helps them navigate the common challenge of waiting in long lines at airport security.
In addition to discounted fees, the "Families on the Fly" campaign also includes dedicated family lanes at select airports, such as Tampa International Airport, Orlando International Airport, and Jacksonville International Airport, among others. These dedicated lanes aim to make security faster and less stressful for families, addressing unique challenges like managing strollers and diaper bags.
It's worth noting that military personnel and civilian Department of Defense (DOD) staff are eligible for free TSA PreCheck by using their DOD ID number as their Known Traveler Number when booking travel. Children 12 and under can accompany service members and DOD staff in PreCheck lanes without restriction. Additionally, some credit cards and loyalty programs may cover the TSA PreCheck application fee or offer statement credits towards the fee.
By offering discounted TSA PreCheck fees and implementing family-friendly initiatives, airports can significantly improve the travel experience for families, making it more accessible, efficient, and enjoyable for all.
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Free TSA PreCheck for military personnel and DOD staff
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has introduced various initiatives to improve the travel experience for military personnel, DOD staff, and their families. One significant initiative is the free TSA PreCheck® program for military personnel and civilian Department of Defense (DOD) staff. This program offers expedited security screening at select airports, making travel more efficient and convenient for service members and DOD civilians.
To take advantage of the free TSA PreCheck® program, military personnel and DOD staff must use their DOD ID number as their Known Traveler Number (KTN) when booking travel. This number should be included in the KTN field when making flight reservations, and it is essential to ensure that a TSA PreCheck® indicator is visible on the boarding pass. The TSA PreCheck® indicator, such as TSAPRECHK, TSA PRE, or TSA PreCheck®, will be printed on the boarding pass to confirm eligibility for the expedited screening lane.
It is important to note that this benefit applies to both official and personal travel. Military personnel and DOD civilians can use their TSA PreCheck® benefits when traveling for work or leisure. Additionally, children aged 12 and under can accompany service members and DOD staff in TSA PreCheck® lanes without restriction. However, minors aged 13 to 17 must be on the same airline reservation with a TSA PreCheck®-eligible parent or guardian to receive expedited screening.
The TSA PreCheck® program enhances the overall airport experience for military families by addressing the unique challenges they may face when traveling. With dedicated lanes at select airports, families can avoid long lines and reduce wait times, making travel less stressful and more enjoyable. This initiative is part of TSA's commitment to recognizing the service and sacrifice of military members and their families, ensuring they receive a dignified and streamlined travel experience.
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TSA Cares program for veterans and wounded warriors
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has introduced several initiatives to improve the airport experience for families, military personnel, and civilians. One notable program is the TSA Cares program, which is specifically designed to assist veterans and wounded warriors. Here are some key details about this program:
The TSA Cares program is a dedicated service that provides personalized assistance to injured military members, veterans, and wounded warriors during the airport security screening process. This program ensures that those who have served our country can travel with dignity and receive the support they need at the security checkpoint.
To request assistance through the TSA Cares program, injured service members, veterans, and wounded warriors can contact TSA Cares before their travel. It is recommended to make this request at least 72 hours prior to traveling. When contacting TSA Cares, individuals can ask questions about screening policies and procedures and receive information about what to expect at the security checkpoint.
TSA works closely with the appropriate military branches to verify the status of wounded warriors. Once an individual's status is verified, their travel information is shared with the departing and arriving airports in the United States. This ensures that the necessary accommodations are made and proper assistance is provided at the security checkpoint.
The TSA Cares program is just one example of how TSA is committed to making air travel more accessible and dignified for those who have served our country. By providing personalized assistance and expediting the screening process, TSA demonstrates its dedication to supporting veterans and wounded warriors throughout their travel journey.
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Family-friendly screening processes
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has launched the "Families on the Fly" campaign to enhance hospitality for families during the airport security screening experience. This initiative aims to simplify the security process for families with young children, making travel more efficient and enjoyable. Here are some ways airports can implement family-friendly screening processes:
Dedicated Family Screening Lanes:
Several airports, including Tampa International Airport, Orlando International Airport, and Charlotte-Douglas International Airport, have introduced dedicated family screening lanes. These lanes offer a more streamlined and stress-free journey for families, especially those with children aged 12 and under. By providing separate lanes, families can avoid long waits in line, reducing the overall stress of air travel.
Expedited Screening for Military Families:
The TSA also offers expedited access and dedicated lanes for military personnel, civilian Department of Defense (DOD) staff, and their families. Children 12 and under can accompany service members and DOD staff in TSA PreCheck lanes without restriction. This initiative recognizes the service and sacrifices of military families and ensures a smoother travel experience.
TSA PreCheck Promotions:
To encourage enrollment in the TSA PreCheck program, airports are offering promotions such as discounted fees for families. The "buy one, get one" deal allows families to save money when signing up together, making expedited screening more accessible and affordable.
TSA Cares Program:
The TSA Cares program provides personalized assistance to passengers with disabilities, medical conditions, or those needing additional support during the screening process. This program ensures that all travelers can navigate security screening with ease and reduces potential hassles.
Adequate Staffing and Signage:
To ensure the success of dedicated family lanes, airports should prioritize adequate staffing and clear signage. Well-staffed and well-marked lanes will improve the efficiency of the screening process and enhance the overall family travel experience.
By implementing these family-friendly screening processes, airports can significantly improve the travel journey for families, reducing stress and creating a more positive and enjoyable environment. These initiatives demonstrate a commitment to accommodating the unique needs of families and improving hospitality during air travel.
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Frequently asked questions
The Families on the Fly campaign is an initiative by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to improve the airport security screening experience for families. The program includes dedicated family lanes, discounted TSA PreCheck fees, and expedited access for military members and their families.
Dedicated family lanes streamline security screening for parents and their children, especially those managing strollers, diaper bags, and young kids. These lanes are available at select airports, including Tampa International Airport, Orlando International Airport, and Jacksonville International Airport.
In addition to the Families on the Fly campaign, some airports and airlines offer guaranteed fee-free family seating. This ensures that parents and their young children are seated together without additional costs or last-minute scrambling.
