COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — Traveling during the holidays can be a challenge, especially for parents with young children.
Sam Rosenstein, a traveler with three daughters, shared his experience: “It’s definitely not the best thing. Sleeping kids, trying to push them through and they can take them out to unpack and everything. Not fun.”
In response to such challenges, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is introducing “Families on the Fly” lanes at airports nationwide. John Glenn International is among 13 airports set to receive this new feature, specifically designed for parents traveling with children 12 or under.
The airports include:
- Charleston International Airport (South Carolina)
- Charlotte Douglas International Airport (North Carolina)
- Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (Honolulu)
- Jacksonville International Airport (Florida)
- John Glenn Columbus International Airport (Ohio)
- John Wayne Airport, Orange County (Santa Ana, California)
- Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (San Juan, Puerto Rico)
- OKC Will Rogers International Airport (Oklahoma City, Oklahoma)
- Orlando International Airport (Florida)
- Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport (Providence, Rhode Island)
- Salt Lake City International Airport (Utah)
- Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (Washington)
- Tampa International Airport (Florida)
The initiative aims to reduce TSA line congestion, ease parental stress, and improve efficiency.
TSA said children won’t be separated from their parents at any time. Strollers, baby carriers and booster seats are allowed through the checkpoint, but have to be screened by x-rays. The last of the major differences is a modified screening procedure in place to reduce pat-downs of the families.
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Travelers have expressed support for the new lanes. One parent noted, “It was difficult standing in lines, especially when I have to be in level eight or level seven, like waiting for a long time in the queues with the baby, that was kind of a terrible time.” She added, “That’s a great opportunity for parents traveling, we can make more traveling plans with the babies, because the system’s going to accept them early, so yeah, going to be better for everyone.”
While the TSA has announced the new lane at John Glenn International, it has yet to be set up.
The airport confirmed this is a TSA project, and no timeline has been provided for when families can expect the new option to be available.
Despite the uncertainty, parents remain optimistic. “It will make it easier for the families to travel through,” one parent said.
Another traveler added their feelings, “Excited. Ready to go. We’ll be able to fly more, and easier.”
