Christmas Travel: Airport Security Survival

I did it, I wrote a bad word in public:  "airport security."  Cover the children's eyes.  Nobody likes going through airport security -- I'm sure of this because of all the thousands of people I've stood in airport security lines with, not one of them looked happy to be there.  But, as a frequent traveler, considering the alternative to 'no airport security', I cheer up a great deal.

And, if you've got some good strategies in place, getting through can be a breeze.  So, if you're traveling by air with small children this Christmas, read on!

1.  Know what the current regulations are.  I don't even know.  I have to look them up each time we travel.  The Travel Safety Administration website is chock full of good information; they even have a special section about traveling with kids.  Oh, and then follow the regs -- and make sure you keep that ziploc bag in an easily accessible place.

2.  Dress for success.  Dress neatly and presentably, but make sure everyone is wearing comfortable clothing with no metal chains, studs, or other things designed to make the airport security sensors go wild.  One of my favorite travel outfits is covered with cute little metal studs.  Sigh.  I leave it at home.

3.  Remember, you'll often have to take off your shoes and belt when you travel.  Leave your belt at home -- or pack it in the duffel with your shoes.  Everyone in the family should wear shoes that slip on and off easily -- no laces, especially for kids!

4.  Make a family plan.  This is probably the most important thing you can do; everyone needs to know what's going on, what their job is, and how to behave.  With small children, the best time to do this is while you're waiting in line.  If the line is long enough, you'll have plenty of time.  If it's so short you don't have time, then likely everyone will be relaxed enough that it won't matter.  Here's a sample plan that I repeat nearly verbatim every time we go through a security line -- make sure you tell your kids what's going on too!

"When we get up to the belt, you kids must be very well behaved.  The people up there are a little bit like policemen; it's their job to keep us safe, but they don't like people fooling around because it distracts them.  We have to put all of our things up on the big belt, and you kids have to take your shoes off and put them up there as well.  Then we have to go through the little doorway, one at a time when the security people tell us to.  Jonathan and Timothy (my two oldest), you go through first and then sit down on the chair on the other side.  No running or playing, just sit there and wait for us.  Dad and I will finish loading our things on the belt, and then dad will go through and hand you your shoes.  Put them on quickly, and then just keep sitting there waiting for us."

Then my husband goes through while I break down the stroller and put it on the belt while keeping a leg hooked around the three-year-old.  While my husband is gathering up bags at the far end and passing out shoes, the little one and I go through security, I set up the stroller, we load it up, and can be out of the way in three minutes flat -- not bad for a family of five with 3 insane children.

Of course, if you're traveling with an infant, this adds another layer of complexity to the arrangement.  Don't be afraid to ask for help -- I've often asked the TSA folks to hold the baby or to load a car seat for me, and they've always been willing to help.

5.  Count your bags.  Know how many bags, strollers, and children you have going into security.  Make sure you have that many of each on the other side!