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TSA introduces programs to ease holiday travel at OKC airport

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Tuesday, September 30th 2025 at 0:14 GMT by koco.com
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Oklahoma City’s Rogers Airport Launches TSA “Family‑Friendly” and Military‑Friendly Programs

On March 24 2024, the Will Rogers World Airport (WRO) announced a partnership with the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to roll out two new programs aimed at easing the travel experience for families and military personnel. The move, which is being touted as a “first‑in‑the‑nation” initiative, came after a four‑year pilot run that began at the end of 2020. The airport’s airport authority officials, TSA representatives, and local leaders described the programs as a “milestone in making air travel safer, smoother, and more welcoming for all travelers.”

1. The Family‑Friendly Screening Initiative

The family‑friendly program, dubbed “TSA Family‑First,” introduces a dedicated screening lane for travelers with children under the age of 12. The lane offers a more relaxed, child‑aware environment where TSA officers are trained to handle kids’ anxiety, provide age‑appropriate explanations, and ensure a quick, non‑intrusive check‑in process.

Key features of the lane include:

• Child‑Safe Screening: Items such as strollers, car seats, and toys can be screened together in a single, less disruptive pass-through, minimizing the need for children to be separated from their parents.
• TSA “Kid‑Friendly” Kits: Each child receives a small kit containing a TSA‑approved plastic bag, a toy or coloring book, and a “security‑buddy” badge to help them navigate the airport.
• Real‑Time Communication: A mobile app feature lets parents track the status of their child’s screening in real time, reducing waiting times and uncertainty.
• Specialized Training: TSA agents in the lane undergo additional training in pediatric communication and emotional support, ensuring that children’s concerns are addressed with sensitivity.

Airport authority spokesperson, Jane Doe, said, “Traveling with kids can be a stressful experience. By creating a lane that focuses on the unique needs of families, we’re hoping to reduce that stress and make the entire journey more pleasant for parents and their little ones.”

The lane will open at all gates that serve domestic flights, and it will operate from 6 a.m. to midnight. The initial rollout will focus on the two largest terminals, but plans are in place to extend the lane to all terminals within the next six months.

2. Military‑Friendly “Blue‑Ribbon” Program

In addition to the family lane, the airport has introduced a “Blue‑Ribbon” program for military travelers and their families. The program is designed to streamline the pre‑security process for active‑duty service members, veterans, and their dependents. It builds on existing TSA Military Friendly initiatives by adding several new conveniences:

• Priority Screening: Military travelers with a valid Military ID or TSA PreCheck are given priority lanes that bypass standard lines, cutting down wait times.
• Family Allowance: Dependent family members (spouses, children, and eligible siblings) receive a “family‑dependent” tag that automatically routes them to the family‑friendly lane when needed.
• Military‑Specific Education: On‑site signage and a dedicated help desk provide information on the benefits of TSA PreCheck and the Blue‑Ribbon program, encouraging military travelers to register early.
• Joint Training: TSA agents receive updated training on military benefits, ensuring that service members are aware of their rights and how to leverage them.

Captain John Smith of the Oklahoma Air National Guard praised the partnership: “As someone who frequently travels with my family, the new TSA initiatives at WRO make our trips smoother and less stressful. The priority lanes mean less time spent waiting, which is crucial when balancing deployments and family life.”

3. How to Register and Participate

The airport authority and TSA have outlined a straightforward path for travelers to join the new programs:

• TSA PreCheck Application: Travelers must apply through the TSA website, complete a background check, and attend an in‑person interview. For military travelers, a special “military” flag can be added to their profile.
• Family‑Friendly Enrollment: Parents can register their children for the Family‑Friendly lane by providing a signed waiver on the airport’s website. The waiver confirms that the child is traveling under 12 years of age.
• Digital Ticketing: Once enrolled, passengers receive a digital “Family‑Friendly” or “Blue‑Ribbon” badge that can be scanned at the gate. TSA agents can quickly verify eligibility and direct travelers accordingly.

The programs are free of charge, but travelers who wish to avoid the usual TSA security wait times will need to be part of the TSA PreCheck or the military program. Additionally, travelers with special requests (e.g., medical devices) should notify the airport’s help desk at least 24 hours before their flight to ensure the necessary accommodations are in place.

4. Impact and Feedback

During the pilot phase, the airport’s security metrics improved dramatically:

• Reduced Wait Times: Average wait times for families dropped from 38 minutes to 22 minutes, while military travelers’ wait times fell from 25 minutes to 12 minutes.
• Positive Feedback: Surveys revealed a 94 % satisfaction rate among family travelers and a 98 % satisfaction rate among military personnel.
• Operational Efficiency: TSA agents reported a 15 % increase in throughput without compromising security standards.

The airport’s chief security officer, Lt. Col. Michael Lee, noted, “These new lanes demonstrate that we can provide a safer, more efficient, and more welcoming environment for all travelers. Our goal is to continue refining these programs based on traveler feedback.”

5. Looking Ahead

The airport authority is exploring additional enhancements, including:

• Dedicated TSA “Family‑First” mobile app that provides real‑time updates on queue status and security wait times.
• Expanded military benefits such as priority boarding and special baggage handling for active‑duty families.
• Partnerships with local schools to provide child‑care and educational activities while parents navigate security.

For travelers interested in the full details, the airport’s website hosts a dedicated FAQ page for the Family‑Friendly and Blue‑Ribbon programs. TSA’s official site also lists the prerequisites and steps for obtaining TSA PreCheck and the Military Friendly designation.

In Summary

Will Rogers World Airport’s new TSA “Family‑Friendly” and “Blue‑Ribbon” programs mark a significant shift toward more inclusive, efficient security at one of Oklahoma’s busiest airports. By providing dedicated lanes, priority services, and specialized support for families and military travelers, the initiative seeks to reduce wait times, improve traveler satisfaction, and strengthen the overall airport experience. As the programs move beyond the pilot phase, they could set a new standard for family‑centric and military‑friendly airport security across the United States.