DOT, HHS launch $1B family travel initiative
At Reagan National Airport on Dec. 8, 2025, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced the Trump administration’s 'Make Travel Family Friendly Again' program, allocating $1 billion to help U.S. airports improve family-focused facilities and services. Funds can support kids’ play and exercise areas, mothers’ rooms or nursing pods, family screening lanes, and sensory rooms for children with special needs, while HHS is encouraging airports to expand access to healthier food options.
📌 Key Facts
- Program funding: $1 billion announced Dec. 8, 2025, for airport family-focused upgrades
- Eligible projects: play/exercise areas, mothers’ rooms/nursing pods, family security lanes, sensory rooms; airports may propose additional family-centered projects
- Health component: HHS push for 'fresh, whole foods' availability in terminals; private partners like grab‑and‑go vendors encouraged
📊 Relevant Data
In 2022-2023, the obesity prevalence among US children aged 2-19 was highest in Hispanic children (26.2%) and non-Hispanic Black children (24.8%), compared to non-Hispanic White (16.6%) and non-Hispanic Asian (9.0%) children.
Childhood Obesity Facts — CDC
Racial and ethnic disparities in childhood obesity in the US are associated with factors such as poverty, neighborhood access to healthy foods and safe spaces for exercise, and stress from discrimination, with Black and Hispanic youth experiencing higher rates.
Racial Discrimination Increases Risk for Childhood Obesity — NYU
In 2025, 92% of Americans plan to travel with their children or grandchildren in the next year, indicating a high prevalence of family travel.
The 2025 Family Travel Association Survey Reveals Opportunities — TravelAge West
Approximately 49% of parents describe traveling with their kids as an overwhelming experience, highlighting the need for family-friendly airport improvements.
Upgraded Points Unveils the Most Kid-Friendly U.S. Airports in Comprehensive Study — PR Newswire
In 2023, the US child population under 18 by race/ethnicity was approximately: White 49.7%, Hispanic 25.8%, Black 13.4%, Asian 5.2%, Two or more races 4.9%, American Indian/Alaska Native 0.9%, Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander 0.2%.
Child population by race and ethnicity — KIDS COUNT Data Center