| If you make a trip with your children on holiday, | | | | •If any of your child-related equipment does |
| shoud you prepare for your trip? If you are traveling | | | | not fit through the X-ray machine, security officers |
| by plane, I bet you are hoping they will behave and | | | | will visually and physically inspect it. |
| not throw any tantrums in the airport and will be the | | | | •Ask a Security Officer for help gathering |
| perfect angels you know they are. Here are some | | | | your bags and child-related equipment, if you need it. |
| tips to help make traveling easier, happier and less | | | | •If your child is old enough let them walk |
| stressful. Some of them are from The | | | | through separately from you. If you carry your child |
| Transportation Security Administration (TSA). | | | | through and the metal detector's alarm sounds, the |
| •Allow extra time to get through security | | | | Security Officer will have to additionally screen you |
| when traveling with young children, especially during | | | | and your child. |
| the busy holiday season. | | | | Everyone including babies have to be screened. |
| •Check with your airline for their | | | | However this does not mean leaving your child in the |
| recommendation for check-in times for your | | | | car seat and sending them through the x-ray |
| departure airport. | | | | machine. |
| •Talk to your child and tell them what they | | | | •Remove babies and children from their |
| can expect during the screening process. Let them | | | | strollers or infant carriers so Security Officers can |
| know it is against the law to make threats such as, | | | | screen them individually. |
| ""I have a bomb in my bag."" Threats made jokingly | | | | •You may not pass the child to another |
| (even by a child) can delay the entire family and | | | | person behind you or in front of you during this |
| could result in fines. | | | | process. |
| •Tell your children that their bags (backpack, | | | | •Do not pass your child to the Security |
| dolls, etc.) will be put in the X-ray machine and will | | | | Officer to hold. |
| come out at the other end and be returned to them. | | | | •The Security Officer may ask for your help |
| •You may want to consider asking for a | | | | screening your child. |
| private screening if you are traveling with more than | | | | If your child is old enough to carry their own back |
| one child. | | | | pack, pack it full of activities they like to do, |
| •All carry-on baggage, including children's | | | | electronic games, head phones, activity books they |
| bags and items, must go through the X-ray machine. | | | | haven't used before, coloring books and crayons etc. |
| Examples include: diaper bags, blankets, and toys. | | | | Also have a supply of favorite healthy snacks as well |
| •All child-related equipment that will fit | | | | as favorite comfort foods. After leaving security fill |
| through the X-ray machine must go through the | | | | up their water bottle with water from the drinking |
| X-ray machine. Examples include: strollers, | | | | fountain or purchase water and juice. Water is |
| umbrella-strollers, baby carriers, car and booster | | | | especially important when flying to keep bodies |
| seats, backpacks, and baby slings. | | | | hydrated. |
| •When you arrive at the checkpoint, | | | | By planning ahead, talking with the children about |
| collapse or fold your child-related equipment. Secure | | | | what is expected when arriving at the airport, taking |
| items that are in the pockets, baskets, or attached | | | | familiar activities and food for them to have while |
| to the equipment and place it on the X-ray belt for | | | | waiting for the flight and in the plane; they will most |
| inspection. Plastic bins are provided to deposit such | | | | likely be happier children and you also will have a |
| items. | | | | pleasant traveling experience. |