THE Department of Homeland Security has confirmed that the new “Families on the Fly” rule will be applied at all US airports.
Travelers with children will be able to go through a dedicated family lane at security checkpoints to dodge long lines.
The pilot program was launched in Orlando due to its proximity to Disneyland.
But the initiative will now expand to all airports nationwide.
It will first be rolled out in the areas where families with children travel the most.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said: “There will be 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.”
Families that sign up for TSA’s PreCheck program will also receive a $15 discount.
Meanwhile, uniformed military personnel will have access to the special Honor Lane which is currently available at 11 airports with plans to expand nationwide.
Uniformed soldiers could also use PreCheck lanes without having to pay to enroll.
They will need to use their DOD ID number as their “known traveler number” when making a reservation.
Gold Star families can also access PreCheck at no cost but need to register for the program.
TSA offers a $25 discount to military spouses who wish to enroll in PreCheck.
Noem added: “We want everybody to know that we’re extremely grateful for their service to our country and recognize the sacrifice that their families have made.”
Noem also said the TSA was now looking at changing the liquid limits for carry-on baggage for people boarding flights in the US.
Just days ago, Noem announced the end of the shoes-off rule.
PreCheck program
PreCheck evaluates a passenger’s risk before they arrive at an airport checkpoint.
PreCheck lanes allow travelers to go through security with ease and saves them time.
Passengers are not required to remove shoes, belts, 3-1-1 compliant bag, light jacket or outerwear, and laptop from bag.
Around 200 airports across the country have already adapted PreCheck with millions of passengers enjoying hassle-free travel.
PreCheck is available to general public at a fee of $85 for five years.
TSA also stated that it is now collaborating with the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide free TSA PreCheck to certain disabled veterans.
Eligibility will include those whose military service caused them to lose or lose the ability to use an extremity, become completely or partially paralysed, or become permanently blind.
To qualify for the free program, they must also be in need of a wheelchair, prosthetic limb, or other assistive equipment to help them move about as a result of their injury.
Disabled veterans must also be listed in the VA’s patient enrolment system.
Further details on the benefits for veterans with disabilities should be revealed in the near future.
TSA’s 3-1-1 rule
The Transportation Security Administration regulates the amount of liquids, aerosols, and gels that flyers can bring through airport security with the 3-1-1 liquids rule.
The 3-1-1 rule consists of the following:
Each container of liquid has to be 3.4 ounces or less.
All liquids have to fit in one clear, quart-sized, resealable bag.
Finally, passengers can only bring one bag of liquids each.
