Mackenzie Secures Passage of Legislation to Make Air Travel Easier for Families & Fellow Travelers

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Ryan Mackenzie (PA-07), representing the Lehigh Valley and the Poconos, applauded Monday's passage in the U.S. House of the Improving Travel for American Families Act. This bipartisan legislation, which Congressman Mackenzie introduced in May of this year alongside Congresswoman Valerie Foushee (NC-04), aims to reduce the strain and hassle of airport security screening for families traveling with young children.

The legislation directs the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to build on its Families on the Fly initiative - a pilot program offering dedicated screening lines exclusively for families traveling with children aged 12 and under. In addition to authorizing the program, the legislation directs the TSA to prioritize airports with high volumes of family travel and evaluate ways to improve the passenger experience while maintaining security standards. The TSA is directed to report to Congress on progress and implementation within one year.

"As the father of two young children, I know that family travel is a challenge," said Congressman Mackenzie. "Every day, families are forced to move their children, bags, and bulky items through the same TSA lines used by solo travelers - adding an extra layer of stress, hassle, and delays for everyone. That's why the bipartisan Improving Travel for American Families Act helps to take the pressure off parents by offering expedited access to screening, including by offering screening lanes reserved exclusively for families. Thank you to Congresswoman Foushee and my colleagues in the House for helping to pass legislation that makes life easier for American families."

"As more and more families rely on air travel, the bipartisan Improving Travel for American Families Act is an important step to ensure that airport security systems are equipped to move travelers safely," said Congresswoman Valerie Foushee (NC-04). "I am proud that the House has passed this legislation to maintain security standards while providing a family-focused approach to TSA screenings to reduce delays and improve the passenger experience. Thank you to Congressman Mackenzie and local advocates for their work in advancing this legislation, and I look forward to continuing our work together to make this bill a law."

Bill text available HERE.