Ask most any parent: Traveling with children is no small feat.
Getting through airport security with a fussy toddler and a packed stroller is stressful as is, without adding in worries you a slowing down those behind you while you juggle multiple tickets in one hand and a toy or baby bottle in the other.
Travelers take advantage of the new “family only” lane at the security checkpoint at John Wayne Airport on Monday, Aug. 4, 2025 in Santa Ana, CA. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) launched the dedicated family lanes to, “unique challenges parents and their children may face when traveling and minimize their stress while maintaining the highest level of security.” (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Jason Pantages, TSA Federal Security Director for John Wayne Airport, announces the new “family only” lane at the security checkpoint at John Wayne Airport on Monday, Aug. 4, 2025 in Santa Ana, CA. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) launched the dedicated family lanes to, “unique challenges parents and their children may face when traveling and minimize their stress while maintaining the highest level of security.” (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Travelers take advantage of the new “family only” lane at the security checkpoint at John Wayne Airport on Monday, Aug. 4, 2025 in Santa Ana, CA. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) launched the dedicated family lanes to, “unique challenges parents and their children may face when traveling and minimize their stress while maintaining the highest level of security.” (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Travelers take advantage of the new “family only” lane at the security checkpoint at John Wayne Airport on Monday, Aug. 4, 2025 in Santa Ana, CA. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) launched the dedicated family lanes to, “unique challenges parents and their children may face when traveling and minimize their stress while maintaining the highest level of security.” (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Jason Pantages, TSA Federal Security Director for John Wayne Airport, announces the new “family only” lane at the security checkpoint at John Wayne Airport on Monday, Aug. 4, 2025 in Santa Ana, CA. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) launched the dedicated family lanes to, “unique challenges parents and their children may face when traveling and minimize their stress while maintaining the highest level of security.” (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Travelers take advantage of the new “family only” lane at the security checkpoint at John Wayne Airport on Monday, Aug. 4, 2025 in Santa Ana, CA. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) launched the dedicated family lanes to, “unique challenges parents and their children may face when traveling and minimize their stress while maintaining the highest level of security.” (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Travelers take advantage of the new “family only” lane at the security checkpoint at John Wayne Airport on Monday, Aug. 4, 2025 in Santa Ana, CA. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) launched the dedicated family lanes to, “unique challenges parents and their children may face when traveling and minimize their stress while maintaining the highest level of security.” (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Hudson Schnepf, 3, hug his mom, Kristen Schnepf, as they take advantage of the new “family only” lane at the security checkpoint at John Wayne Airport on Monday, Aug. 4, 2025 in Santa Ana, CA. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) launched the dedicated family lanes to, “unique challenges parents and their children may face when traveling and minimize their stress while maintaining the highest level of security.” (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)
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Travelers take advantage of the new “family only” lane at the security checkpoint at John Wayne Airport on Monday, Aug. 4, 2025 in Santa Ana, CA. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) launched the dedicated family lanes to, “unique challenges parents and their children may face when traveling and minimize their stress while maintaining the highest level of security.” (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Now, families traveling through airport security at John Wayne Airport can hope for a smoother travel experience with the creation of a dedicated family lane, a new initiative launched by the Transportation Security Administration and available at select airports.
Dubbed the “Families on the Fly” campaign, the initiative is designed to minimize stress and mitigate unique challenges faced by traveling families by creating an “expedited process for families during the busy summer travel season,” Jason Pantages, TSA federal security director for John Wayne Airport, said Monday, Aug 4, at a press conference announcing the new feature.
In addition to dedicated family lanes, the agency plans to offer discounted TSA Precheck fees for families and dedicated TSA Precheck lanes for service members and their families, officials said.
“When families arrive at John Wayne Airport, they will find a specially designated lane for them at the centrally located Checkpoint B,” Pantages said. “With Southern California being one of the top tourist destinations in the U.S. for vacationing families, I am excited that we can now expedite their screening process and enhance their overall airport experience.”
The family lane was officially launched July 21 at the Orange County airport. Families do not need to be part of TSA Precheck to use the lane, which will service any family with kids or small children. The initiative aims to reduce mixing families with business travelers and others, creating a more streamlined process for all travelers involved, officials said.
Participating airports currently include Orlando International in Florida and Charlotte-Douglas International in North Carolina, with an expansion planned for the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu in the coming months.
Pantages called the experience “impressive to watch,” after he personally visited the Orlando International Airport. He said the response from passengers so far has been “phenomenal.”
New lactation pod near baggage claim at John Wayne Airport on Monday, Aug. 4, 2025 in Santa Ana, CA. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)
New lactation pod near baggage claim at John Wayne Airport on Monday, Aug. 4, 2025 in Santa Ana, CA. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)
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New lactation pod near baggage claim at John Wayne Airport on Monday, Aug. 4, 2025 in Santa Ana, CA. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Also launched Monday was a Mamava Lactation Pod, located in the airport’s Terminal C/Baggage Claim area. The pod, which can be accessed using a keypad or by downloading the Mamava app, comes with a built-in seat, shelving, outlets, ventilation and wheelchair accommodations.
“As a mom who nursed two babies, I know the stress of traveling when babies get hungry. Not everyone feels comfortable nursing in public, and layering in cover-up blankets gets hot for babies and moms,” Fifth District OC Supervisor Katrina Foley said in a statement. “I’m excited that we now offer a private, clean, comfortable space for moms to nurse before flights at JWA to reduce the chaos of traveling with kids.”
The lactation pod, along with the dedicated family lane, aims to create a more hospitable travel experience for visiting families, John Wayne Airport spokesperson Anna Sophia Servin said. The airport also recently added an indoor play area for children as part of a series of ongoing infrastructure improvements.
