Families traveling through Denver International Airport will soon see big changes at security checkpoints. Starting later in 2025, the airport plans to launch new TSA Family Lanes and easier screening procedures, making air travel less stressful for parents and children. This move is part of the national “Families on the Fly” campaign, which aims to help families move through airport security faster and with less hassle.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced the “Families on the Fly” campaign in July 2025. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem explained that the program will bring dedicated family security lanes to major airports across the United States 🇺🇸, with Denver International Airport expected to join soon. These changes are designed to address the unique challenges families face when traveling, especially at busy airports like Denver.
What’s Changing at Denver International Airport?
Denver International Airport, one of the busiest in the United States 🇺🇸, is set to become an early adopter of the new TSA Family Lanes. Although the lanes are not yet open as of July 23, 2025, TSA officials have confirmed that Denver is next in line for the rollout. The airport already has two main security checkpoints—South and West—where travelers can use TSA PreCheck and CLEAR. Soon, families will have their own dedicated lanes at these checkpoints.
Key Features of the New TSA Family Lanes:
- Dedicated Lanes for Families: Families will be directed to special lanes at security checkpoints. These lanes are wider and provide more space for strollers, car seats, and other child-related items.
- Trained TSA Officers: Officers in these lanes will receive special training to help families. They will assist with folding strollers, handling car seats, and answering questions.
- No More Shoe Removal: All travelers, including children, will keep their shoes on during screening. This change applies to everyone at Denver International Airport, not just families, and is already in effect as of mid-2025.
- Discounted TSA PreCheck Fees: Families will soon be able to apply for TSA PreCheck at a lower cost. While the exact discount and eligibility rules are not yet published, TSA plans to share details on their website soon.
- Special PreCheck Access for Military Families: Service members and their families will have access to dedicated PreCheck lanes. Children 12 and under can go through with their parents, while teens 13–17 must be on the same reservation as a PreCheck-eligible adult.
How Will the New Process Work for Families?
Once the TSA Family Lanes open at Denver International Airport, families can expect a much smoother experience. Here’s what the process will look like:
- Arrival at the Airport: Families will see clear signs directing them to the dedicated family lanes at the security checkpoints.
- Screening Assistance: TSA officers trained in family needs will help with strollers, car seats, and other items. The process will be less rushed, giving parents time to manage their children and belongings.
- No Shoe Removal: Everyone, including kids, will keep their shoes on, making it easier to get through security quickly.
- Faster Screening for PreCheck Families: Families with TSA PreCheck will move through security even faster, with less intrusive checks and soon, lower fees.
- Military Family Support: Service members and their children will benefit from special PreCheck lanes and clear rules for minors.
Why Are These Changes Important?
Traveling with children can be stressful, especially at busy airports like Denver International Airport. Long lines, tight spaces, and confusing rules often make security checkpoints a major source of anxiety for parents. The new TSA Family Lanes and the Families on the Fly campaign aim to fix these problems by:
- Reducing Wait Times: Families will spend less time in line, thanks to dedicated lanes and faster screening.
- Personalized Help: Trained officers will offer hands-on assistance, making it easier to manage strollers, car seats, and young children.
- Lower Costs: Discounted TSA PreCheck fees will help more families access expedited screening.
- Better Experience for All Travelers: By separating families from general travelers, the overall flow at security checkpoints should improve for everyone.
Official Statements and Stakeholder Views
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said, “This means that when families come into our airports and enter our TSA security checkpoints, they will have dedicated lanes specific for families… expanded areas that will give them the benefit of recognizing that they have children with them, and will help make sure that we have the ability to take care of them and their families as they go through this expedited process with their kiddos.”
Adam Stahl, Deputy TSA Administrator, added, “The Families on the Fly campaign… aims to mitigate the unique challenges families face when traveling and minimize stress while maintaining the highest level of security.”
Travel industry experts and parent advocacy groups have praised the move. They say that airport security has long been a pain point for families with young children. By making the process easier and less stressful, the new lanes could encourage more families to travel by air.
Background: How Did We Get Here?
The TSA has tried family-friendly lanes at some airports in the past, but the 2025 Families on the Fly campaign is the first time the agency is rolling out a coordinated, nationwide program. Denver International Airport has a history of quickly adopting new TSA programs, making it a natural choice for early implementation.
In the past, families often had to use the same security lanes as all other travelers. This meant dealing with crowded lines, little space for strollers, and sometimes impatient fellow passengers. The new approach recognizes that families have different needs and deserve a process that works for them.
Timeline for Implementation at Denver International Airport
As of July 23, 2025, the TSA Family Lanes are not yet open at Denver International Airport, but the airport is expected to launch them before the end of the year. The program is expanding to more airports every few months, following successful launches at Orlando, Charlotte, and others. Official announcements about the Denver rollout are expected soon.
Travelers can check the Denver International Airport security page for real-time updates on checkpoint status and wait times. The TSA will also post updates about the Families on the Fly program and discounted PreCheck fees on their official website.
What About TSA PreCheck?
TSA PreCheck is a program that lets travelers use faster, less-intrusive security lanes at airports. Normally, there is a fee to apply, but soon, families will be able to get a discount. Details about the new family pricing will be available on the TSA PreCheck page once the program launches.
Military families already enjoy special access to PreCheck lanes. Children 12 and under can go through with their parents, while teens 13–17 need to be on the same reservation as a PreCheck-eligible adult.
Practical Tips for Families Traveling Through Denver International Airport
- Check for Updates: Before you travel, visit the Denver International Airport and TSA websites to see if the family lanes are open and to get the latest information on wait times.
- Apply for TSA PreCheck: If you travel often, consider applying for TSA PreCheck. Watch for the new family discounts, which will make it more affordable.
- Arrive Early: Even with dedicated lanes, it’s a good idea to arrive at the airport early, especially during busy travel times.
- Ask for Help: Don’t hesitate to ask TSA officers for assistance with strollers, car seats, or other needs. The new program is designed to make it easier for families to get help.
- Use TSA Cares: If you or your child has a disability or medical condition, you can call TSA Cares at 1-855-787-2227 for extra assistance.
How Will These Changes Affect Other Travelers?
While the focus is on families, the new TSA Family Lanes should benefit all travelers at Denver International Airport. By giving families their own lanes, the general security lines will move faster. Trained officers in the family lanes will also help keep things moving smoothly, reducing delays for everyone.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, separating families from the main security lines can improve efficiency and reduce stress for all passengers. The report notes that airports with dedicated family lanes often see fewer bottlenecks and happier travelers overall.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Denver International Airport and TSA?
The TSA is not stopping with family lanes. The agency is looking at more ways to make airport security easier for everyone. Future plans include:
- Digital Pre-Screening for Families: TSA is exploring ways to let families complete some security steps online before they arrive at the airport.
- More Support for Travelers with Disabilities: The agency wants to expand its hospitality initiative to help people with special needs.
- Ongoing Feedback: TSA will collect feedback from families and other travelers to keep improving the process.
Denver International Airport will continue to play a key role in these changes. As one of the largest airports in the United States 🇺🇸, Denver often leads the way in adopting new security measures. The airport’s experience with the Families on the Fly campaign will likely shape how the program rolls out at other airports.
Caveats and Limitations
- Not Yet Operational: As of July 23, 2025, the TSA Family Lanes at Denver International Airport are not yet open. Travelers should check for updates before their trip.
- Discounted PreCheck Fees Pending: The lower PreCheck fees for families have been announced but are not yet available. Details will be published by TSA soon.
- Check Official Sources: For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official Denver International Airport and TSA websites.
Official Resources
- Denver International Airport Security Information
- TSA Families on the Fly Program
- TSA Cares (for travelers needing assistance)
- TSA PreCheck Information
Conclusion: A New Era for Family Travel at Denver International Airport
The launch of TSA Family Lanes and the Families on the Fly campaign at Denver International Airport marks a major step forward for family travelers. By offering dedicated lanes, trained officers, and easier procedures, the airport is making air travel less stressful for parents and children. These changes promise to speed up security for everyone, not just families, and set a new standard for airports across the United States 🇺🇸.
Families planning to travel through Denver International Airport should watch for official announcements about the opening of the new lanes and the start of discounted PreCheck fees. In the meantime, they can prepare by checking official resources, applying for PreCheck, and arriving early for their flights.
As the program expands, Denver International Airport will continue to lead the way in making air travel safer, faster, and more family-friendly. The Families on the Fly campaign is just the beginning of a broader effort to improve the airport experience for all travelers.
Learn Today
TSA Family Lanes → Dedicated airport security lanes designed to assist families with children for faster, easier screening.
TSA PreCheck → A program allowing expedited security screening with less intrusive procedures and shorter wait times.
CLEAR → A biometric identity verification service that speeds up airport security by confirming traveler identities.
Families on the Fly → A 2025 TSA campaign to create dedicated security lanes and easier screening for family travelers.
Homeland Security Secretary → Government official overseeing the Department of Homeland Security, including TSA policies and airport security.
This Article in a Nutshell
Denver International Airport is introducing TSA Family Lanes in late 2025, easing security for families with children. Special lanes, trained officers, no shoe removal, and discounted PreCheck fees will reduce stress and speed screening, improving travel experiences for families and all passengers at one of America’s busiest airports.
— By VisaVerge.com
