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Credit: Inside The MagicDisney World vacation plans are changing for families nationwide who fly into Orlando International Airport (MCO).
And here’s why.
Disney World Vacation Plans Changing Under New TSA Policy
The airport is buzzing. Bags clatter, announcements echo, and children tug on their parents’ sleeves, already restless before the trip has even begun. Traveling with kids is hard enough—between diaper bags, snacks, strollers, and meltdowns—without the added chaos of airport security lines.
If you’ve ever fumbled to remove shoes while corralling a toddler or tried to fold a stroller one-handed while juggling IDs, you know the process can turn an exciting trip into a nerve-wracking ordeal before you even reach your gate. But in Orlando, a small change is quietly making a big difference for parents, and it could spread nationwide soon.
This isn’t a shortcut you’ll find on the TSA PreCheck page or a perk for frequent flyers—it’s a dedicated solution designed just for families. And for parents traveling through one of the busiest airports in the country, it could mean the difference between arriving at the gate in tears or with a smile.
A New Way to Fly: TSA’s “Families on the Fly” Program
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has rolled out a new initiative at Orlando International Airport (MCO) to ease travel for families with children. The “Families on the Fly” program offers dedicated family lanes at every TSA checkpoint, ensuring parents and kids move through security with less stress and more support.
“We understand that air travel can be challenging, especially for parents managing strollers, diaper bags, and young kids,” said TSA Federal Security Director for Orlando Pete Garcia. “That’s why we’re excited to launch ‘Families on the Fly’—a dedicated TSA security lane at every checkpoint, tailored for families with children 12 and under.”
Other airports, including Charlotte-Douglas International, John Wayne Orange County, and Daniel K. Inouye International in Honolulu, are already on board, with TSA planning more expansions in the coming months.
How to Use the Family Lane
If you’re flying out of Orlando (or another participating airport), you won’t need special enrollment to access the family lane. Simply head to any checkpoint, where signage will direct you to the “Families on the Fly” area. TSA officers stationed there are trained to handle strollers, car seats, and the inevitable extra bags that come with traveling with kids.
Families can also take advantage of discounted TSA PreCheck fees, making the process even faster. And if someone in your household is an active-duty military member or Department of Defense employee, you may be eligible for free TSA PreCheck by entering your DOD ID number as your Known Traveler Number when booking.
Insider Tips to Make the Most of It
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Arrive Early, But Not Too Early – Family lanes move faster, but give yourself a comfortable cushion. Two hours is ideal for domestic flights.
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Prep Before the Belt – Remove snacks, electronics, and liquids from bags while in line to keep things moving.
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Leverage TSA Cares – If you’re traveling with a child with disabilities or medical needs, call TSA Cares 72 hours ahead for personalized screening assistance.
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Bundle with PreCheck – Families who combine the lane with TSA PreCheck can often breeze through in under 10 minutes.
Why This Matters for Families
For parents, the first hour of travel can set the tone for the entire trip. A smoother, calmer security experience means less stress for everyone, fewer tears from tired kids, and a much better chance of starting the vacation on a high note.
With Orlando being a top gateway for Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, and other family destinations, this program could have a huge impact on tourism satisfaction—and if the rollout nationwide goes smoothly, family travel could look very different in a few years.