Tips for Flying With Kids in 2026

Anyone who has traveled with kids knows that getting to your destination is often the hardest part. Between hauling luggage, managing snacks, and making it through security, flying with kids can feel like an endurance sport. Add in weather delays and airline disruptions, and you just might feel like turning around and going back home. 

Fortunately, there are several programs families can use to reduce time spent in line at the airport. Whether you're planning your next national park visit or taking the kids to Europe for the summer, these time-saving hacks can make airport travel significantly easier. 

TSA PreCheck: The Best Value for Most Families

If your family primarily flies domestically, TSA PreCheck is worth considering. This trusted traveler program allows members to use expedited security lanes at participating airports. Travelers can typically keep their shoes, belts, and light jackets on, and leave electronics and compliant liquids in their bags. 

When a parent has TSA PreCheck on their boarding pass, their children aged 12 and under can accompany them through the expedited line at no additional cost. Teens ages 13 through 17 can also accompany a parent with TSA PreCheck for free if the teen's boarding pass includes the PreCheck indicator. For this to happen, the tickets need to be purchased together. 

TSA PreCheck membership lasts five years and costs $85 or less (prices vary by enrollment location). In addition to airports, enrollment is available at select Staples, Office Depot, and other locations. Some credit cards offer reimbursement for the fees associated with a TSA PreCheck membership. 

Global Entry: A Smart Choice for International Travelers

For families who travel internationally, Global Entry can be an even better investment. The program includes TSA PreCheck benefits and also provides expedited customs processing when returning to the United States. Instead of waiting in long immigration lines after an overseas flight, Global Entry members can often move through customs more quickly using designated kiosks or facial recognition technology. 

To use Global Entry, each family member (including infants) must have their own Global Entry membership. Global Entry membership costs $120 for a five-year membership. Minors with a legal guardian already enrolled in the program don't have to pay the $120, but they do need to apply and receive approval. 

The application procedure often includes an in-person interview, so allow sufficient time before your scheduled travel for processing. Some airports allow you to do the in-person interview portion upon arrival in the U.S. 

If international travel is part of your family's plans over the next few years, Global Entry may provide the best overall value. 

Mobile Passport Control: A Free Alternative to Global Entry

If you are waiting for your Global Entry approval or are traveling with family members who are not enrolled, Mobile Passport Control (MPC) can be a good option when returning to the U.S. on an international flight or cruise.

Check whether your arrival airport or seaport is included in the MPC program, then download the MPC app. When you arrive, follow the steps in the app, which include taking a selfie and answering customs questions. Look for the MPC line when you arrive at customs to finalize your inspection with a Customs and Border Protection agent. 

Families using the MPC app can submit their information as a group and speak to the agent together, expediting the whole process. My kids and I have Global Entry, but there have been times when the MPC line was shorter than the Global Entry line, so we've used it. It's always good to keep it in your back pocket as an option. 

Should you consider CLEAR? 

CLEAR is another option that can help speed up the airport experience when working alongside TSA PreCheck. Screening at the airport is in two steps: ID verification and then TSA screening. CLEAR uses biometric verification to confirm your identity, allowing you to bypass the ID-check portion of the process. You then would utilize your TSA PreCheck clearance, or go through the regular screening line. 

CLEAR costs $209/year, and children 17 and under can join the CLEAR member in the line without needing their own membership. For frequent flyers traveling through busy airports, CLEAR can offer additional time savings. 

Take Advantage of Family-Friendly Airport Amenities

Many airports have become more accommodating to families in recent years. Depending on where you're flying, you might find dedicated family lines at TSA or customs to expedite your experience. 

If you will be spending a long time at an airport with your kids, research the airport to see if they have a children's play area. This can be a great way to tire out the kids before a long flight. Nursing rooms and family bathrooms are also becoming more common. 

The Bottom Line

When it comes to family travel, reducing stress is often just as valuable as saving time. For most families, TSA PreCheck offers the biggest benefit for the cost, while Global Entry is an excellent option for international travelers. Combine these programs with smart packing and a little advanced planning, and you'll spend less time navigating airport headaches and more time focusing on the adventure ahead.