This SC airport first in state to get ‘family-friendly’ TSA lane. Here’s where, what that means
Travelers to the Lowcountry with small children, strollers or a handful of diaper bags can now use dedicated, family-friendly security lanes at the Charleston International Airport, as a part of a new program that aims to minimize stress for flyers.
Starting this week, the CHS will be the first airport in South Carolina to roll out a new Transportation Security Administration’s initiative, “Families on the Fly,” designed to make air travel easier for families.
It officially goes live at CHS on Aug. 12, according to Spencer Pryor, spokesperson for the airport.
What does the “Families on the Fly” campaign offer?
The initiative aims to ease the often stressful airport security process for travelers with children by streamlining procedures and offering a more supportive environment.
It’s also part of a broader push by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to modernize airport security and support families. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem has noted that this effort is a part of a broader strategy to improve airport efficiency and better accommodate diverse traveler needs.
The dedicated lanes are available to families with children 12 years old and under, with no advance registration required. Families will also be eligible for discounted TSA PreCheck under the new initiative.
What other airports are launching this program?
CHS now joins a select list of airports participating in the initiative, including:
- Orlando International (MCO)
- Charlotte-Douglas International (CLT)
- John Wayne Orange County Airport (SNA)
- Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL)
A few other airports are set to introduce this program in the coming months:
- Jacksonville International (JAX)
- Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport (PVD)
- Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU)
- Tampa International Airport (TPA)
What other programs does TSA have?
The “Families on the Fly” program is being implemented alongside other TSA initiatives.
Recent additions include the “Serve with Honor, Travel with Ease,” which focuses on improving the travel experience for active-duty service members, veterans, and their families.
TSA also removed its “shoes-off” policy for all passengers at all U.S. airports in early July, which was previously available only to travelers who pay to join the government’s PreCheck program. TSA stated that technology improvements allowed the agency to end the mandate.
Noem states that these initiatives, along with “Families on the Fly,” are in place to make traveling more efficient at airports across the country.
For more information on the “Families on the Fly” program, visit the TSA webpage.
