Airport Security

 

Perhaps just as daunting as the plane ride is figuring out how to get through security holding your baby. Oh and simultaneously fold up a stroller, remove your shoes and place liquids in the bin with the anciness of other travelers right behind you. If you go in with a gameplan, airport security will be a breeze.

What do I do with?...

My Baby

You can have your baby in a metal-free carrier. A TSA agent will have you go through a metal detector as opposed to a full-body scanner. They also do a quick hand wipe/screening (NOTE: The TSA website says babies must be taken out of carriers, but I never had them make me do that. Keep in mind they may request you carry them without a carrier). When your child is older and can stand, you can stand them next to you while you place items on the conveyor belt, and just carry them through the metal detector. When they are are able to walk through without assistance, they will have to go through the metal detector alone, but they can walk through right after you.

Breast milk, formula
and liquids

• You can bring formula, breast milk and juice for your infant or toddler in your carry-on. The 3.4 ounce rule doesn’t apply — you can bring more than 3.4 ounces, and it doesn’t have to fit in a quart-sized bag. Ice packs or frozen gel packs to cool these items are also allowed.

•Since every container type is different, TSA can’t screen all items the same way. Some items they put into a machine that detects for explosives, while others they can’t test this way. If they ask to open the items and I don’t want them to (spoiled milk does no good), sometimes they’ve done a full bag inspection and pat-down. So basically never find yourself in a hurry, because you will take longer to get through security than the average traveler.

Strollers and carseats

  • Both items need to go on the conveyor belt.

  • Strollers must be collapsed.

  • Infant carseats go through easiest when face down with the handle pushed back. 

  • If you have a larger carseat or stroller that won’t fit through the x-ray machine, notify a TSA agent. They may visually inspect it or use a metal-detector wand.

Shoes

  • Yours come off.

  • Children 12 and under can leave their shoes on.

Keep in mind that while most of my security experiences have been the same, there have been some exceptions, and other countries have different rules (ex: I couldn’t leave my son in his carrier in Costa Rica, and in Turks and Caicos my son’s shoes had to come off). My best advice is to pay attention, be flexible, give yourself ample time and check with the Transportation Security Administration for the latest U.S. guidelines and regulations.

Most importantly, don’t be afraid to ask for assistance! When traveling alone, I never even had to ask for help because so many people (TSA agents and fellow travelers) were ready to lend a helping hand before I could even ask. Everyone wants to get through security quickly, so by no means will they want to watch you struggle.