Some Tips When Traveling With Children
Tips before you reach the airport
* Please allow yourself and your family extra time to get through security – especially when traveling with younger children. Allow even additional time if you are traveling overseas.
* Call your airline or travel agent for their recommended check-in times for your departure airport.
* Talk to your children before you come to the airport and let them know that it’s against the law to make threats such as, “I have a bomb in my bag.” Threats made jokingly (even by a child) can delay the entire family and could result in fines.
* If you are traveling with an infant, try to book a bulkhead seat so that you can access the infant carrier that attaches to the bulkhead.
Tips at the airport
* Speak to your children again about the screening process so that they will not be frightened or surprised. Remind them not to joke about threats such as bombs or explosives.
* Tell your children that their bags (backpack, dolls, etc.) will be put in the X-ray machine and will come out at the other end and be returned to them.
* Let your children know that a Security Officer may ask to see their shoes, but that they will get these back as well.
* You may want to consider asking for a private screening if you are traveling with more than one child.
* If you are traveling with an infant, a collapsible baby stroller is ideal.
Tips on the plane
* Have some gum or a pacifier for an infant. Chewing the gum or sucking on the pacifier will help with ears popping during take off and landing. If your child is old enough, explain what air pressure is.
* Ensure that you have toys and games for the kids to play with. The airline will have a small selection, but it is better to bring your own.
* Airplane food isn’t the best, so make sure that you have some of your children’s favorite snacks handy.
Baby formula, breast milk, juice, and other liquids
Medications, baby formula and food, breast milk, and juice are allowed in reasonable quantities exceeding three ounces and are not required to be in the zip-top bag. Declare these items for inspection at the checkpoint.
All items including formula, breast milk, and juice will be inspected, however, you or your baby or toddler will not be asked to test or taste breast milk, formula, or juice. Our Security Officers may test liquid exemptions (exempt items more than 3 ounces) for explosives.
Travel rules can change so make sure that you check the TSA web site before you fly. If you and your family abide by the rules, your trip will go a lot smoother.
Joe
