The AIRFARE Act makes it easier for parents, guardians, and caregivers to walk with children and people who need help all the way to their airplane gates at domestic airports. Right now, most people can only go through security and then have to say goodbye at the gate area. This bill changes that by creating a system where airlines can give out special gate passes to adults accompanying minors (anyone under 18) or passengers with mobility or health needs.

Here's how it works: if you're traveling with a child or helping someone who uses a wheelchair or needs other assistance, you can get up to two gate passes that let you walk with them through the airport and right up to the plane. If you already have TSA Pre-Check (the program that speeds up security screening), you can use that benefit on your gate pass too, so you'll go through security faster. The Transportation Security Administration has 180 days after the law passes to set this system up at airports across the country.

The main benefit is peace of mind for families and caregivers. Parents won't have to leave young children at the gate, and people assisting elderly relatives or individuals with disabilities can stay with them throughout the boarding process. The only exception is for wheelchair users—in that case, the caregiver can only get a gate pass if they're the one actually pushing the wheelchair.

AIRFARE Act

Steube, W. Gregory

Accommodating Individuals Requesting Familial Assistance in Riding Efficiently Act or the AIRFARE ActThis bill directs the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to allow caregivers, parents, and guardians to accompany minors and passengers needing assistance to their flights.Specifically, the TSA must establish a system to expedite gate passes and flight access procedures for these individuals.The system must ensure that<ul><li>air carriers may offer up to two gate passes to caregivers, parents, and guardians who are accompanying a minor or a passenger needing assistance to a departing flight; and</li><li>these individuals may apply their existing&nbsp;TSA PreCheck privileges to such gate passes.</li></ul>The&nbsp;TSA&nbsp;PreCheck&nbsp;program expedites traveler screening through participating&nbsp;TSA security checkpoints.