January 25th, 2010 by admin

Airports can be stressful places. The high pace with which many people try to move through the terminals makes for a chaotic atmosphere. The sense of stress is often heightened when families fly with young children. Nowhere in the airport is this more evident than at security checkpoints.
However,

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Article Content:
Airports can be stressful places. The high pace with which many people try to move through the terminals makes for a chaotic atmosphere. The sense of stress is often heightened when families fly with young children. Nowhere in the airport is this more evident than at security checkpoints.

However, a little preparation can take the edge off of your family’s airport security checkpoint experience.

1. Pack every item in a bag. Everyone will have to empty pockets and place loose items on trays to be x-rayed. Have your children (and yourself) put any loose items (toys, coins, books, etc) in a backpack or purse. This will speed the x-ray process and also ensure that nothing gets left behind.
2. Remember to check the latest rules about carrying liquids. Place liquids and powders in clear plastic zip-lock bags and place all the zip-locks in the same bag for easy access.
3. If at all possible, bring small car seats/baby carriers and collapsible strollers. Both these things will have to be x-rayed. Though a TSA agent can visually inspect items that do not fit in the x-ray machine, it will inevitably slow down your passage through the checkpoint.
4. IDs and boarding passes are often the biggest hassle. Older children will be able to manage their own documents. Simply make sure that they are wearing outfits with deep pockets so that the pass and ID can be kept reasonably secure and easily accessible during the process.
5. If your children are old enough, tell them about the security procedures beforehand. Have them carry their own bag and brief them about removing their jacket and shoes and putting them in the tray to be x-rayed.
6. Find out about family-friendly security lanes. All US airports offer lanes specifically for families and inexperienced travelers. These allow parents to enjoy a less hurried feeling during the checkpoint process.

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Airport Security Image: dprevite

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