The Transportation Security Administration’s new “Families on the Fly” program is now active at Charlotte Douglas International Airport, giving parents traveling with children 12 and under a faster, calmer path through security. Announced by the Department of Homeland Security in July 2025 and rolling out at major hubs through the year, the program introduces family-only lanes, a lower TSA PreCheck enrollment fee, special support for military households, and simpler screening steps for adults. TSA is pairing the changes with reminders about REAL ID rules that take effect on May 7, 2025, aiming to keep travel moving while keeping checkpoints secure.
At Charlotte Douglas International Airport, the early results are clear: families can line up together in newly marked lanes, parents can keep focus on children and carry-ons, and those who choose expedited screening through TSA PreCheck can enroll at a reduced cost. TSA officials say the design is simple—less chaos at the checkpoint means fewer delays for everyone.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the “Families on the Fly” model fits TSA’s broader 2025 effort to speed screening without lowering standards, a priority the agency has signaled across its network of more than 435 airports.
What families will see at CLT
New signage and lane markings at the entrance to security direct parents with children 12 and under to dedicated family lanes. These lanes are designed to handle strollers, car seats, diaper bags, and the quick pauses that come with young travelers.
TSA’s stated goals for the family lanes are to:
- Remove the feeling of being rushed or getting in the way of other travelers.
- Keep families together through the screening process.
- Maintain the same screening rules that ensure safety, while improving pace and flow.
At the same time, TSA is promoting a lower-cost path into expedited screening. TSA PreCheck enrollment is now discounted to $85 per person, down from the standard $100, to make the program more reachable for larger families.
Key program changes at CLT
TSA’s checklist for Charlotte Douglas International Airport includes several targeted shifts for families:
- Dedicated family security lanes
- Lanes exclusively for families with children 12 and under, allowing officers to guide parents through common kid-related screening steps (empty sippy cups, stuffed animals, etc.).
- Discounted TSA PreCheck enrollment
- $85 fee (reduced from $100) to encourage family enrollment and use of expedited screening.
- Military family support
- Dedicated PreCheck lanes for military families and discounted or free enrollment options for service members and spouses.
- No shoe removal for adults on domestic flights
- Adults flying within the U.S. no longer need to remove shoes during screening; children under 12 already had this benefit.
- REAL ID enforcement reminders
- Starting May 7, 2025, adults will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or a passport to fly domestically. TSA is embedding reminders into family-lane outreach.
“Keep families calm at the checkpoint while maintaining security” — theme emphasized by TSA leadership as the program rolls out.
Early rollout, feedback, and results
The program launched in 2025 at selected airports to test whether these measures reduce bottlenecks and help officers serve travelers more efficiently. Charlotte Douglas International Airport and Orlando International Airport were among the first to go live.
TSA is using traveler feedback to refine:
- Signs and wayfinding
- Lane placement
- Staff training and staffing levels
Officials at early sites (including John Wayne Airport and Orlando International Airport) have highlighted time savings and reduced congestion when families move through well-marked family paths.
Timeline and airports to watch
- Currently live:
- Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT)
- Orlando International Airport (MCO)
- Coming later in 2025:
- John Wayne Orange County Airport (SNA)
- Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL)
- Charleston International Airport (CHS)
- Jacksonville International Airport (JAX)
- T.F. Green International Airport (PVD)
- Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU)
- Tampa International Airport (TPA)
Practical benefits for families at CLT
- Fewer abrupt stops to repack bins or handle stroller logistics.
- Parents can focus on coaching kids through screening without worrying about holding up business travelers.
- The $85 PreCheck price point enables whole-family enrollment, reducing split-group waits.
- Military families gain steady access to dedicated lanes and lower-cost or free enrollment options.
TSA emphasizes that security standards remain unchanged: officers still screen bags, liquids, and electronics. The difference is the pace and flow—family lanes reduce friction when young children need extra time, which in turn eases pressure on standard lines.
How to use the family lanes at CLT today
- Arrive at Charlotte Douglas International Airport with children 12 or under.
- Follow signs for “Families on the Fly” to the dedicated family security lanes.
- Use the lane together; TSA PreCheck is not required to access the family lanes.
- Consider the $85 TSA PreCheck enrollment for future expedited screening benefits.
- Military families should ask about dedicated PreCheck lanes and discounted/free enrollment for eligible members and spouses.
- Bring a REAL ID-compliant license or a passport for adults starting May 7, 2025.
Tips for smoother family travel
- Check everyone’s IDs well before departure; if a license isn’t REAL ID-compliant, bring a passport.
- Consider enrolling the family in TSA PreCheck while the $85 fee is available—especially if you’ll fly more than once in the next year.
- Pack liquids and snacks so they’re easy to show a TSA officer.
- Keep comfort items (blankets, stuffed animals) near the top of the bag for quick access.
- Allow extra time—even with family lanes, arriving early reduces stress.
Military-family support and regional impact
The program’s focus on military families includes dedicated lanes, discounted or free enrollment for eligible households, and front-of-line privileges at some locations. Charlotte Douglas International Airport serves a region with many active-duty members and veterans, making this support particularly meaningful.
What comes next
DHS and TSA plan to extend “Families on the Fly” to additional airports through the fall, adjusting based on feedback from early sites like CLT and MCO. Potential tweaks include:
- Improved signage and wayfinding
- Optimized lane placement
- Further staff training
Core features expected to remain: family-only lanes, lower-cost TSA PreCheck, military support, adult shoe-on screening for domestic flights, and clear communication about the REAL ID deadline.
Key takeaway: When families feel calm, screenings move more quickly and safely for everyone. With “Families on the Fly” now active at Charlotte Douglas International Airport, parents should use the dedicated lane, watch the May 7, 2025 REAL ID deadline, and consider the $85 TSA PreCheck enrollment if they want a faster lane on future trips.
This Article in a Nutshell
TSA’s Families on the Fly at CLT introduces dedicated family lanes, simplified child screening, military support, and a reduced $85 PreCheck fee; REAL ID enforcement starts May 7, 2025.
