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Written by GBK Gwyneth21 May, 2009

Thursday Tip – Airport Security

As crazy as it seems, sometimes just getting through security can be one of the most stressful parts of a trip. I’ve seen chaos and confusion, not just for families traveling with kids. Inexperienced travelers of all ages have difficulties navigating through security. While I don’t claim that the few pointers here can make it a breeze, knowing ahead of time what to expect can make a big difference.

This year, we’ve been averaging more than two flights (a roundtrip) each month. On some of these trips, I’ve had three laptops to cart, so I am very grateful that the girls know the drill. Of course, different airports have different requirements, but here are some things that we’ve learned.

Prepare Your Children Ahead of Time.
Explain to your kids, in a way that they can understand, what they will be expected to do. The first step is the id check. Kids under 18 do not need a photo id, but kids are (usually) required to hold their own boarding pass when presenting it to the TSA agent.

The next step is security; let your kids know ahead of time that they will need to take off their shoes and coats and send them on the conveyor with their backpack, and also that they will get them back after they walk through the special gate.

We prepare ourselves to go through security by making sure there are no loose things and no one is carrying anything besides their bag and boarding pass. Everyone needs their hands free and to not have things falling out of pockets and strollers.

As for going through the metal detector, generally each person needs to carry their boarding pass (but not the photo id) to show to the agent. The walking kids have to pass through on their own. Decide ahead of time on the “order” and prepare your kids. I usually send my oldest first, then my youngest, than me. Think about whether it is better for you to go first and then have your kid follow or for your kid to go first (they might be scared).

Another good way to prepare is to have kids watch the Kid-to-kid video on the TSA website, so they better know what to expect.
Wear Travel Friendly Clothes.
As you probably know, shoes and coats have to be sent through the x-ray machine. Wearing slip-on shoes over socks will make the whole process much smoother. And wear nothing metal. Setting off the detector is an added level of complexity!
Have liquids? Be ready.
Liquids are very restricted. Check the rules. If you must travel with children’s drinks, the adult must be in line WITH the child who it’s for. Some airports don’t test it but others do. If at all possible, don’t bother with liquids. Buy juice or milk on the other side of security.
Souvenirs.
Remember that snow globes have liquid in them and cannot go through security (put them in checked luggage). Also, helium filled balloons are not allowed.
Carriers.
I’ve heard mixed things about “baby” carriers such as slings and cloth packs. Sometimes you will have to take off the carrier
and put it through the xray machine. Other times/places, you can wear the baby while walking through the metal detector.

Airlines charge by the bag these days, so, if I am taking a stroller, I tend to gate check it (for free). A bit more of a pain to get through security as it must be folded up to go through x-ray machine, but if there is a long immigration line, the cranky child has a clean spot to sit and can sleep if necessary.

Baby strollers are your ticket to the faster security line in Atlanta. And since you don’t have to check them until you get to the plane door, you can haul all your stuff around in them.