Key Aspects:
- A new TSA program is offering dedicated security lanes for families with young children at select airports.
- Orlando International Airport, the closest major airport to Port Canaveral, is one of the first to use the new program.
- Other airports around the country will also be rolling out the “Families on the Fly” program in the coming months.
Traveling to or from a cruise homeport can be a nightmare of unwieldy luggage, crowded flights, and boring layovers. This can be even worse when juggling strollers, diaper bags, and worn out, cranky youngsters.
Families traveling to Port Canaveral, however, will have it just a little bit easier at Orlando International Airport (MCO), thanks to a new program to ease through security checks.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has rolled out the “Families on the Fly” initiative to smooth traveling family obstacles at major airports, including Orlando, the closest major airport to Port Canaveral.
The program was first announced in mid-July and Orlando International Airport is one of the first cities to have the initiative in place.
The new program features dedicated family security lanes for travelers with children under age 12. Agents have additional training for these lanes and can assist with strollers, car seats, and extra bags as needed.
“We understand that air travel can be challenging, especially for parents managing strollers, diaper bags, and young kids,” said Pete Garcia, TSA Federal Security Director for Orlando.
“This program goes beyond convenience; it’s about addressing the unique needs of traveling families to provide a smoother, more supportive experience at our security checkpoints. We’re dedicated to making travel smart, secure, and family friendly.”
The new lanes will be present at every security checkpoint, ensuring that families can move through security with a less stressful experience.
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At the same time, offering families dedicated lanes will also help ease congestion for other travelers by ensuring that bulkier items such as strollers are scanned appropriately with fewer delays.
While Orlando was selected as one of the first program locations due to the major theme parks nearby, cruise passengers will also benefit from the convenience.
Security checkpoints are for outward travel and won’t impact guests arriving ahead of their cruise. Nevertheless, the Families on the Fly program can be a great advantage for guests when returning home.
Travelers can get even more assistance as the program offers discounted TSA PreCheck fees, ensuring an even faster and lower hassle trip through security.
This can be particularly helpful for guests who have tighter flight arrangements and earlier flights. Cruise lines typically recommend guests not book flights before 12-1 p.m.
Orlando International Airport is approximately a 45-60 minute drive from Port Canaveral, but traffic snarls, road construction, or poor weather can cause significant delays.
Other Airports Also Implementing the Program
In addition to rolling out the Families on the Fly campaign in Orlando, several other major airports are also launching the program.
This includes the following:
- Charlotte-Douglas International Airport (CLT) – Charlotte, North Carolina
- John Wayne Airport Orange County (SNA) – Los Angeles, California
- Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) – Honolulu, Hawaii
The program is also planned to be rolled out at other “select” airports across the country, including:
- Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) – Jacksonville, Florida
- Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport (PVD) – Providence, Rhode Island
- Luis Muñoz MarÃn International Airport (SJU) – Sand Juan, Puerto Rico
- Tampa International Airport (TPA) – Tampa, Florida
These cities ensure cruise families flying to and from different homeports, including Jaxport, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Honolulu, and Port Tampa Bay can all enjoy a smoother, easier traveling experience.
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This can impact thousands of cruisers for all different cruise lines, including Carnival Cruise Line, Disney Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, and more.
Additional cities to implement the program will be named in the coming months.
