TSA Tips Turn Airport Security into Child’s Play for Families
By now most air travelers know to allot extra time for security measures preceding every flight. For families with children, however, even more time is needed. Families have to juggle extra items such as strollers, infant carriers, baby slings and more while keeping track of one or more children who may also be carrying toys, games and other kid stuff. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Web site has a tips section that can help families get to the gate on time without tears. Besides allowing extra time, the key to success is communication.

To keep security measures from frightening or surprising small travelers, parents should discuss the entire process with their children before entering the line for the passenger checkpoints. Parents should advise children that their bags will be put in the X-ray machine but will come out at the other end, and that someone may ask to see Mom's shoes but will return them, etc. For more tips like the following, just click on www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/children/index.shtm.

GENERAL TRAVEL TIPS FOR TRAVELING WITH CHILDREN

• ALL child-related equipment must go through the X-ray machine if it fits (i.e., strollers, umbrella strollers, infant carriers, car and boaster seats, backpacks, baby slings, etc.)
• When child-related equipment does not fit through the X-ray machine, the equipment will be visually and physically inspected.
• For more information regarding what is permitted or prohibited from being in carry-on luggage, please see www.tsa.dot.gov/travel.

TRAVELING WITH INFANTS OR TODDLERS
X-Ray Machines:

• All carry-on baggage including children's bags must go through the X-Ray machine.
• Babies and children must be removed from their strollers/infant carriers so that these items can undergo visual and physical inspection.
• Ensure all bags hanging on and carried under child-related equipment are removed from the equipment and put through the X-ray machine.
• To expedite the screening process, passengers should collapse/fold child-related equipment when they arrive at the checkpoint and place the equipment on the X-ray belt.

Metal Detectors

• If walking through the metal detector sets off the alarm, each alarm must be resolved on each person (including children) going through the metal detector.
• If a person is carrying a child through the metal detector and it alarms, the alarm will be resolved for both the adult and child.
• The person cannot pass the child to another person behind or in front of them during this process.
• Do not pass your child to the screener to hold. The screener cannot hold or attend to your child.
• Ideally, if a child can walk, it would best that the child walk through the metal detector independently.

The TSA is not the only organization promoting safety in travel. The American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) also offers numerous travel safety and security advice on its consumer Web site, www.travelsense.org.