While you probably look forward to traveling, many of us dread going through airport security – especially those of us with babies and small children. And everyone, from infants to seniors, has to be screened before going through those airport security checkpoints.
TSA Policies
To make your experience at the airport easier, it helps to know a few rules and procedures before you get there: Transportation Security Administration (TSA) personnel at the airport should not ask you to do anything that would separate you from your children. TSA security officers are trained to approach children gently and treat them with respect. It may seem like common sense, but in the rush of traveling make sure you don’t leave your baby in an infant carrier while the carrier goes through the X-ray machine.
Getting Baggage Through the X-Ray Machine
Prepare for going through the X-ray machine ahead of time. Since all carry-on baggage, including those belonging to children (like diaper bags, blankets and toys), must go through the X-ray machine, check your baggage and equipment long before you get to the airport. Make sure that all your children’s equipment (like strollers, baby carriers, backpacks, baby slings, car and booster seats) that collapses or folds is in working order. Check equipment pockets for loose items and put them in your child’s carry-on baggage or leave them at home if they’re not needed. Don’t worry if your child’s equipment won’t fit through the X-ray machine, since it can be inspected separately.
Going Through the Metal Detector
What’s the best way to go through the metal detector with an infant or small child? If your child can walk on their own, let your child walk through the metal detector by themselves. Babies and pre-toddlers will have to be removed from strollers or carriers and held by you or another traveling family member as you pass through the metal detector together. If the alarm sounds when you walk through the metal detector, you and your child will have to be screened additionally by an officer.
Bringing Liquids on the Plane
What do you do with baby formula, breast milk, juice and other liquids for your children? Again, plan ahead. Formula, breast milk and juice can be brought in containers larger than 3 ounces. Remember to declare them and separate these containers at the security checkpoint and the X-ray machine so they can be inspected and screened. Other liquids, gels and aerosols must be in 3.4-ounce (100ml) or smaller containers placed in one quart-sized, zip-top, clear plastic bag. Have the plastic bag ready for removal at the X-ray screening site.
Mother and Small Child at Airport Security
Airline security measures have made air travel safer, but they’ve also made it more difficult, especially for those of us traveling with infants and small children. However, with a bit of knowledge and planning, you can breeze through the X-ray machine and metal detector with relative ease.
For more information about airline travel with children, see the TSA website http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/children/index.shtm.
