Have you heard the latest airport gossip? ✈️
TSA (Transportation Security Administration) is finally making it easier for families to get through security without losing our cool.
If you’ve ever tried to juggle rolling suitcases, a diaper bag, and kids who treat those black line dividers like a ninja obstacle course, you know this is the miracle we’ve all been waiting for.
Trust me, I’ve had my share of “why isn’t there a better way?” moments. Honestly, I just want to get everyone through security so the kids can run wild, I can finally grab my coffee, and my husband can find his beer. Then we can both take a breath.
So when I heard about these new TSA changes coming in July 2025, I did a little happy dance right in my kitchen.
Let’s break down what’s changing—and what it means for your next family adventure.
✈️ Quick Recap for Busy Parents
- 🧒 Family Lanes Are Here!
TSA’s Families on the Fly lanes are open at CLT (Charlotte) & MCO (Orlando) — with more airports coming soon! Think of it like a free Fast Pass for parents with strollers, car seats, and chaos. - 🎖️ Military & Gold Star Families Perks
Free TSA PreCheck, front-of-line access, and discounted PreCheck for spouses ($25). - 👟 No More Shoes Off for Adults
Adults flying domestically no longer need to remove shoes — kids under 12 never had to. - 🪪 REAL ID Starts May 7, 2025
Flying within the US? Bring a REAL ID or your passport. Double-check before you head out!
Families on the Fly: TSA Family Lanes Are Here!
This is the big one.
TSA is rolling out special family lanes at select airports as part of their “Families on the Fly” campaign. If you’re traveling with little kids, strollers, or car seats, this is for you!
Woohoo, it’s like the fast pass at Disneyland without the extra charge.
Here’s the scoop:
- It’s now at these 2 airports:
- Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) in Charlotte, NC
- Orlando International Airport (MCO) in Orlando, FL (home to Disney World)
- Coming soon to:
- John Wayne Airport (SNA) in Santa Ana, CA (yay, local to Disneyland!)
- Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) in Honolulu, HI
- Charleston International Airport (CHS) in Charleston, SC
- Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) in Jacksonville, FL
- Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport (PVD) in Warwick, RI
- Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) in San Juan, PR
- Tampa International Airport (TPA) in Tampa, FL
- These lanes are for parents with young kids, strollers, car seats, and all the snacks we can get past security. (No formal age requirements set in stone yet.)
It’s similar to what I’ve seen in other countries—special lines just for families and little kids. I was always a bit jealous of those priority lines, like the one I used at SGN airport in Vietnam for the elderly, people with disabilities, and families with kids under two. I used to wonder why we didn’t have that here, and now we finally do!
No more juggling a baby, a suitcase, and a toddler while feeling like the whole security line is watching your every move. Honestly, I might cry happy tears the first time I use this.
Wondering about car seats? Here’s how to fly with baby and toddler car seats.
Are you flying with a baby or toddler for the first time?
Military & Gold Star Families: TSA Family Line Perks
Military families, this one’s for you. The TSA is rolling out the red carpet for military and Gold Star families as part of their “Serve with Honor, Travel with Ease” campaign.
Here’s what you get:
- Free TSA PreCheck for uniformed military, Gold Star, and Military Survivor Families.
- For uniformed military, use your DOD ID number as your Known Traveler Number when booking.
- Access to dedicated screening lanes or front-of-line privileges.
- Kids 12 and under can go through TSA PreCheck with you, no problem.
- Teens 13-17 can use TSA PreCheck too, as long as they’re on your reservation.
- Military spouses can get TSA PreCheck for just $25.
If anyone deserves an easier airport experience, it’s military families. Thank you for your service.
No More Shoes Off for Adults!
Raise your hand if you’ve ever tried to take off your shoes while holding a baby and a backpack. I have, and it’s never graceful.
I quickly learned to wear shoes I can just slip off (and yes, I got TSA PreCheck so I could skip the whole shoe and laptop removal—honestly, my least favorite part).
My husband still hasn’t caught on to the slip-on shoe trick. 😂 Lucky for him, the rules are changing.
- Adults won’t have to remove shoes for US domestic flights anymore. This used to be a TSA PreCheck-only perk, but now it’s for everyone (see official announcement).
- Security lines should move faster.
- Kids under 12 never had to take off their shoes anyway. (Major win for parents!)
REAL ID: Don’t Get Caught Without It
Let’s talk IDs.
If you’re flying domestically within the US after May 7, 2025, you need a REAL ID or another TSA-approved ID.
- What is a REAL ID? It’s a driver’s license or state ID with a star, showing it meets federal standards.
- Other acceptable IDs: Passports, military IDs, and a few others.
I learned the hard way. I didn’t bother to get a REAL ID because why pay more when I have a passport already? I figured I’ll just get the REAL ID the next time I have to renew my license.
On a flight from California to Minnesota, I flew with my passport because duh I’m a family travel blogger and of course updated on all the rules (yay!), but then on a flight from Southern California to Northern California, I forgot it and got the dreaded red slip of shame (which is a reminder to get your REAL ID). Don’t be me.
Double-check your packing list before you leave home.
Additional Resources Helpful for Families
Sometimes, we need all the help we can get. Here are a few extra resources I always recommend to fellow parents:
TSA PreCheck
Ok, I don’t think TSA Precheck is a must, but I got it as a perk of my travel credit card, and let’s say it’s been nice, especially at LAX, which is a total zoo. I’ve had it for several years now.
What’s TSA Precheck?
- You keep your shoes on, your liquids and laptop stay in your bag
- The line is much shorter and moves so much faster.
- Kids 12 and under can go with you through the TSA PreCheck line, even if they don’t have their own membership.
- Military families, don’t forget you might get it free or at a discount!
Need to bring milk or snacks? Read my guides on breast milk and formula and baby food pouches through TSA.
TSA Cares: Assistance for Families and Special Needs Travelers
Traveling solo with young kids or have a family member with special needs? TSA Cares is your friend.
- Fill out the TSA Cares form online at least 72 hours in advance or call if your flight is within 72 hours.
- You can request extra assistance at security if you’re flying with a stroller, car seat, or child with a disability.
- Someone will help you through the airport up until you pass security screening (not assistance on the plane though).
I haven’t personally used it yet, but other parents speak highly of it, especially if you’re flying solo with young kids, luggage, and gear.
AskTSA: Live and Automated Help for Travelers
- Have a last-minute question about formula, breast milk, strollers, or snacks? AskTSA is your go-to!
- Text “Travel” to 275-872 for quick answers from TSA.
- Live agents are available 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET. Outside those hours, you’ll get automated responses.
- You can also reach out via AskTSA online or on Twitter or Facebook.
I tried it once late at night, and after two questions that it didn’t understand, the bot told me to wait for a real person in the morning. It did answer my question during live hours, but none of my follow-up questions.
Traveling with babies and toddlers is never easy, but these new TSA policies and resources are a game changer for parents.
Bookmark this post and share with your parent friends—let’s make flying with kids a little less stressful for everyone!
FAQ for TSA Family Lanes and Airport Changes
Who can use the TSA family lane? What are the requirements?
There aren’t any known age requirements set in stone yet.
All we know so far is that they are meant for families traveling with young kids, strollers, or extra gear. If you look like you’re about to drop a sippy cup or a snack pouch, you’re probably in the right place.
Just ask a TSA agent, and they’ll point you in the right direction!
Which airports have TSA family lines?
It’s currently at these 2 airports:
- Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) in Charlotte, NC
- Orlando International Airport (MCO) in Orlando, FL (home to Disney World)
And it’s coming soon to these airports:
- John Wayne Airport (SNA) in Santa Ana, CA (woohoo, our local airport made it on the list! Home to Disneyland)
- Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) in Honolulu, HI
- Charleston International Airport (CHS) in Charleston, SC
- Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) in Jacksonville, FL
- Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport (PVD) in Warwick, RI
- Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) in San Juan, PR
- Tampa International Airport (TPA) in Tampa, FL
What documents do kids need at TSA?
Usually just a boarding pass for domestic flights, but bring a copy of their birth certificate for domestic trips just in case.
You can get packing lists for traveling with babies and toddlers here, which include essential documents.
Can strollers and car seats go through the TSA family lane?
Yes, absolutely—and thank goodness! Just be ready to take your kid out of the stroller and fold it up. If your stroller or car seat fits through the X-ray belt, it’ll go through there; if not, TSA will do a manual inspection.
What is TSA PreCheck?
TSA PreCheck is a program for low-risk travelers that lets you breeze through a special security line that’s shorter than the regular line. You get to keep your shoes, belt, and light jacket on, and you don’t have to take out your laptop or liquids. It’s basically the airport version of a fast pass.
Honestly, I don’t think it’s a must for everyone, but I got it as a perk with my travel credit card—and let’s just say it’s been really nice, especially at LAX (which is always a zoo). I’ve had TSA PreCheck for U.S. domestic flights (and Global Entry for international trips) for several years now, and it’s definitely made airport life a little easier.
How much is TSA PreCheck?
Normally $78 for five years, but military and spouses can get it free or for just $25. You can apply for TSA PreCheck here.
