Travel Tips for Families

How to Make Airport Security Seem Like a Breeze

by Jason Ram

For many parents, traveling with the kids has never been easy. And with the recent security outbreaks in the United Kingdom, all of which are now heavily feared to repeat in the U.S., the hurdles for families traveling by air have never been more difficult.

As a former Transportation Security Officer for the Department of Homeland Security, with two years serving at the Los Angeles International Airport, I've encountered countless situations in which families of all shapes and sizes have either made one of the smoothest or most troublesome transitions through the passenger screening system. Based on such, the following are a few suggestions for parents that could help determine if your next passage through the airport is better than the last:

Strollers: One of the biggest issues parents encounter when traveling with youngsters is bringing a stroller that might be too big or too wide to fit through the x-ray machine for carryon baggage. The best way to avoid this would be to check strollers into the airline as checked baggage or bring a smaller, more compact stroller. Any stroller basic in design (no major flaps or large pockets) and can fold easily without any objects inside its pouches are acceptable, with the same policy applied to two-seat strollers. The smaller a stroller is the better. Baby food and supplies. With the latest security policy now banning bottles, tubes and casings of virtually any kind, I strongly encourage parents to consider taking only the bare minimum of supplies needed for their child and turning to different products other than those packed in bottles or tubes for their babies. Examples could be to take powdered baby food or dry milk rather than liquid and bring only a few baby wipes and accessories for the trip.

Blankets: Although blankets are still allowed through security (often subject to inspection), try not to bring too many onboard, only enough to be shared or used by the family. The less you have, the shorter your family's process will be through inspection.

Boarding Passes and Passports: Maintain your belongings and know where they are. Boarding passes and passports will often be asked of travelers at least twice prior to boarding the aircraft. It is always good to have them ready to go in hand or in a zipped pocket on your bags where it would be easy to reach at a moment's notice. Clothing: For larger families, especially those with younger children, it would be ideal to have everyone in matching outfits, such would become very convenient should any member go astray in a crowd. And lastly, try to keep calm and positive when dealing with airport employees - whether they are the airline or security personnel. Cooperation and patience is always encouraged between security personell and travelers, and is now, more than ever, critical to ensuring a smooth passage through the screening process.