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Getting through an airport, especially with kids, often feels like a marathon. But that is where priority lanes, also called fast-track or family lanes, come in. These lanes are designed to help families, business travellers, and premium passengers move through security and boarding checkpoints more smoothly and quickly.
But with so many changes taking place and as airlines modernise and streamline security processes, especially as more self-service technologies are being applied, it is natural for many people to wonder if priority lanes are still a thing.
Priority lanes are special security or boarding lines that allow certain groups of travellers to bypass long queues. Traditionally, these lanes were reserved for business and first-class passengers, frequent flyer members, families with young children, and passengers with reduced mobility.
For families, the goal was to minimise stress and keep the flow of passengers moving. Imagine a parent trying to fold a stroller while holding a toddler and keeping an eye on another child. Priority access helps make the process less chaotic.
Some people confuse family boarding lanes and family security lanes, but they are not the same thing. Family boarding is simply when airlines offer some form of early boarding for families with small children. Age limits vary, usually under 2 to 5 years old. This allows parents to settle their kids before the rest of the crowd boards.
Family security lanes are less consistent. Some airports have them, while others have phased them out and focus on general fast-track lanes.
Families can use priority lanes in 2025, but not everywhere. Here are some things to keep in mind:
Some major airlines still maintain family boarding and family-friendly priority lanes. However, budget carriers often cut back on these features and benefits, focusing on selling priority boarding as an add-on service.
Not all airports treat families the same way, and the availability of priority lanes often depends on where you are flying from. Major international airports, like Heathrow in London or Changi in Singapore, continue to offer family lanes at security checkpoints. On the other hand, smaller regional airports may not have them.
With the rise of biometric gates and self-service kiosks, all passengers (families included), for the most part, are moving faster through checkpoints. However, families with strollers, baby food, or extra gear may still need more time, making dedicated family lanes highly valuable.
Families can still use priority lanes at airports in 2025, but it depends. Many major airports and premium airlines continue to provide this service. However, with increased automation, family lanes are not guaranteed everywhere.
The key takeaway for parents is to plan ahead. Research your airline and airport, prepare your essentials, and don’t be afraid to ask staff for help. While the rules may vary, most airports will still try to make the journey for families, especially with young kids, better.
We are a family of 4 - mother, father and two children. Our aim is to travel the world and review all travel opportunities to help other families.
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