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