Tips When Going Through Airport Security With Kids

Whenever parents think about traveling with their small kids, they are more concerned about navigating airport security than anything else. Little kids don’t have the patience for airport security. Going through airport security with kids is one of the most daunting things about traveling with children.

These tips for going through airport security with kids will make your travel easy and smooth. There are some helpful tips so you can get to your destination keeping your sanity intact. 

Arrive Early For Airport Security

Be sure to arrive early for the flight, especially when traveling with kids. Arrive about one to two hours before a domestic flight and at least three hours before an international flight during the off-season. During the holiday travel season, airports become a frenzy of activity, so you may need to reach the airport even earlier, depending on your travel dates.

Talk The Kids Through This Beforehand

If you don’t often fly, discuss the whole airport process and what will be expected of your kids ahead of time. And remind your children to be on their best behavior during flights. Kids observe and learn from their parents, so they are more apt to take it seriously if they see you doing so.

Use The TSA Family Screening Lines

For crossing the airport security with kids, you can benefit from the TSA Family Screening Lines. Most of the bigger airports offer this facility to families with small kids. These family lanes allow you to bypass the long security lines at the airport. You can ask an airport employee for the screening lane if you’re not able to find it.

Book An Early Morning Flight

If you want to avoid delays at takeoff and landing, look for an early morning flight to book. These flights are less crowded than usual, plus everyone is tired basically and wants to sleep, especially kids. Also, avoid flights with late-night connections or long layovers.

Plan Your Packing List

List the most valuable and necessary items while packing for a flight. Some essential items are listed below to get you ready.

• Comfort Item: For a toddler, bring more than one pacifier.
• Sanitizer, Pull-ups, Wipes, and Diapers
• Movies; let your kids share a device with a headphone splitter.
• Kid-sized Headphones
• Art Supplies: blank paper and crayons.
• Plastic Bags for any trash. 
• Water and Low-sugar Snacks: pretzels, cheerios, nuts, crackers, granola bars, and string cheese are good options.

Wear Security-Friendly Clothing

Avoid wearing clothing with metal buttons, large metal jewelry, or snaps to avoid airport security hassles. Dress your kids and yourself comfortably with easily removable outerwear, shoes, and belts. If traveling to or from somewhere cold, winter gear needs to be taken off and placed in the screening security bins. Remember, kids under the age of 12 and adults over age 75 do not need to remove their shoes.

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