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