Traveling With Children - Make Security Clearance A Breeze

By Author: Sarah McDermott
Total Articles: 143
Comment this article

In these days of hyper airport security, the rules have changed, and getting through security can be a patience testing process. Add to this, the hassles of traveling with kids, and you have a challenging procedure ahead.

Make sure you're on the proper page regarding what you can take on board the flight. Prohibited items don't just include weapons and inflammatory items, but also liquids and some other items that may be essential in your carry on luggage. Check out the Transport Security Administration website to be updated on the list of items you can take aboard, especially the liquids allowed. Check for shampoos, liquid soaps, toothpaste and other essentials that you might not think twice about before packing in your bag. Remember, the point is to breeze through security as quickly as possible to avoid making your kids edgy and anxious. The lesser prohibited items you have in your bag, the faster you'll be on the plane.

Make sure your kids don't wear anything that contains metal, like the buckles on their belts. That goes for other members of your family.

If your kids are old enough to understand, explain ...
... the security procedure to them before you get to the airport. Kids are liable to find the whole shoe removing procedure quite puzzling. Explain that it's only a temporary thing, and that you will get your shoes back.

Explain to them that their personal stuff like their bag, blanket and stuffed toy will also be put through an x ray machine. Reassure them, that they will get it back.

Tell your child before you leave for the airport not to make jokes about things like bombs and explosives. This is especially true for older kids who might want to fool around, not realizing the consequences for your family. You could be fined if your child plays pranks like this.

At the airport, see if you can find kid friendly lanes. These are specially equipped with cartoon and dinosaur mats, and other accessories to make kids more comfortable with the tedious screening process. Officers may even use hand puppets to entertain your child!

If you are traveling with more than one child, allow plenty of time before the flight to arrive at the airport. Check in times might be especially tedious when there are many younger kids involved.

Finally, even with the increased security, don't make the entire procedure sound dangerous or frightening. It will only put your kdis off travel in the future.