Flying can be stressful. Not only if you fear flying, but also because of all the rules around it. Oh boy, do some of us long for simpler times.
First, we need to make sure all our bags are packed correctly and weigh a certain amount. We also need to know what can be packed in carry-on bags and what must go in checked bags, and vice versa.
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The liquid requirements. Shoes off. Shoes on. No wait, what’s the latest?
And then the lines. Endless waiting in line.
The pressure of making it on time, because there’s no other flight in five to 10 minutes, like with a bus or a taxi.
Is it really this frustrating, or are unprepared flyers just a bit dramatic?
One first-time flyer started a thread on Reddit arguing just that: “Airport security isn’t that bad, you’re just being dramatic.” The discussion got 3,500 comments and 5,600 upvotes, definitely attracting much attention.
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Most of them disputed the original comment, arguing that it was just a single experience at a regional airport. More experienced travelers emphasized that experiences largely vary based on airport, timing, and location.
Some major complaints were about security measures, with travelers arguing that some feel pointless or performative, and about inconsistency between different airports or agents.
When you travel alone, it’s one thing, but when you travel with little children, frustration can reach a whole new level.
TSA adds special lanes for families to speed up the security process and make it more convenient.Â
Image source: Hennessy/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images
TSA adds special lanes enabling families to move more conveniently
Your toddler is sleepy, screaming his lungs out, another needs to go to the bathroom, and you are running across the airport dragging luggage, passports, and tickets, trying to figure out what to do first and not miss your flight. Yes, it’s hell.
Related: Flyers don’t know they can refuse this controversial TSA practice
It might not be anymore. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is constantly trying to figure out how to make security checks faster and simpler while ensuring everyone is indeed safe.
In July, the TSA announced its new “Families on the Fly” program created to improve hospitality for families during airport security screenings.
Families on the Fly benefits:
- Dedicated family lanes at select airports nationwide
- Discounted TSA PreCheck fees for families
- Dedicated TSA PreCheck lanes for service members and their families
Family lanes work basically the same as regular lanes, but they are reserved for families giving them their own space, and allowing them to move at their own pace without feeling they’re inconveniencing other passengers, writes CBS 42.
According to THS, current airports with family lanes include:
- Orlando International (MCO) in Florida
- Charlotte-Douglas International (CLT) in North Carolina
Airports next in line for family lanes:
- John Wayne Orange County Airport (SNA)
- Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu
- Charleston International Airport (CHS)
- Jacksonville International (JAX)
- Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport (PVD)
- Luis Muñoz MarĂn International Airport (SJU)
- Tampa International Airport (TPA)
Under Families on the Fly program, the TSA is also offering a $15 discount on PreCheck enrollment when two adults sign up together, while kids under 12 are usually allowed PreCheck benefits.
Recent TSA updates, airports with best security check times
Family lanes come following several recent changes the TSA made. Some of them were welcomed with applause, while others were scrutinized.
Related: GOP senators dead set against controversial TSA practice
Here are some of the latest TSA updates and reminders you should be aware of:
- Shoes-off requirement is being phased out after 23 dreadful years of practice.
- The liquid rule remains the same (3-1-1), despite rumors it might be removed.
- Unaccompanied minors using TSA PreCheck need proper ID.
- Military members and DOD civilians receive TSA PreCheck expedited screening.
- A temporary driver’s license is no substitute for a REAL ID.
- Flyers have the right to refuse facial recognition screening.
More importantly, a lot of the rules and requirements are constantly changing, so it is best if you check the latest official updates before packing and going to the airport.
Speaking of smooth sailing, if you can choose between the airports, it might be useful to know which to avoid. According to Simple Flying, these are the airports with the longest average wait times:
- Newark Liberty International Airport: 23.1 minutes
- Houston George Bush Continental Airport: 19.8 minutes
- Miami International Airport: 19.6 minutes
- Baltimore-Washington International Airport: 18.2 minutes
- Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport: 17.3 minutes
- New York LaGuardia Airport: 17 minutes
- Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport: 16.9 minutes
- Seattle-Tacoma International Airport: 16.3 minutes
- San Francisco International Airport: 16 minutes
- New York John F. Kennedy International Airport: 16 minutes