House Passes Bill That Could Bring More Family TSA Lanes to U.S. Airports

Updated: July 16, 2026, 12:24pm CDT

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New Bill Would Require TSA To Create Family Security Lanes
Final Thoughts

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Traveling with young kids is stressful enough without juggling strollers, diaper bags, and restless children in a crowded TSA checkpoint.

A newly introduced Senate bill aims to make that experience a little easier by requiring TSA to create dedicated security lanes for families traveling with children.

Here’s what travelers need to know.

New Bill Would Require TSA To Create Family Security Lanes

If you’ve traveled internationally with young children, this concept may sound familiar.

I’ve flown with my family all over the world, and in several countries outside the U.S., security officers have spotted us pushing a stroller and simply waved us into a separate lane. More than once, an agent has even opened an entirely new screening lane just to help families move through security faster. It’s a small gesture, but when you’re traveling with young kids, it makes a huge difference.

That kind of treatment is rare in the U.S., but a new proposal in Congress could change that.

Senators introduced the Families Fly Fairly Act, legislation that would require the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to establish dedicated family screening lanes at airport security checkpoints.

Baby in stroller airport — If you’ve ever navigated a busy TSA PreCheck line with a baby in a stroller, you know just how much a dedicated family security lane could help. Image Credit: Juan Ruiz

Under the proposal, airports would be required to provide designated screening lanes for passengers traveling with children under 13 whenever it’s operationally feasible. The bill also directs TSA to develop policies aimed at reducing wait times and making the screening process easier for families.

The legislation comes as air travel continues to see record demand, with long security lines becoming a common frustration during busy travel periods. For parents traveling with toddlers, strollers, car seats, formula, and carry-on bags, even a relatively short wait can quickly become overwhelming.

Currently, there is no nationwide TSA policy requiring family screening lanes. If approved, the bill could expand the program beyond the handful of airports that already offer dedicated screening lanes, giving more families access to them.

It’s worth noting that this is only proposed legislation. The bill must still move through Congress before anything changes at TSA checkpoints.

Hot Tip:

If you have TSA PreCheck, children ages 12 and younger can accompany an enrolled parent or guardian through the PreCheck lane at no additional cost. If you haven’t enrolled yet, check out our guide to TSA PreCheck and Global Entry to learn how the programs work and take a glance at our recommended cards that will reimburse the application fee for TSA PreCheck.

Final Thoughts

Nothing has changed yet, as the bill must still pass the Senate before becoming law. Even then, TSA would have the option — not a requirement — to launch the pilot program.

Still, it’s a positive step for families. If TSA expands dedicated family lanes beyond the handful of airports that already offer them, parents could spend less time in security lines and more time enjoying their trip.