tsa airport security rules when traveling with children

TSA Airport Security Rules when Traveling with Children

Francisco Children & Minors
When it comes to SCREENING PROCEDURES and SAFETY ISSUES, anyone should show that TSA will screen everyone, irrespective of how old they are. They will perform screening procedures to toddlers and senior ones alike in order to make sure they guarantee the security of air traveling as a whole. Nevertheless, do not imagine that your children will be dealt with harshly.

On the contrary security personnel has the TASK of behaving to your kids in as mild a manner as possible. What is more, in case your children are still experiencing psychical discomfort, you’ll be advised on how to deal with your child’s anxieties. So, treat all these issues with seriousness but do not let your kid image that the whole process of going through the screening procedures are somewhat equivalent to the end of the world. Our aim here is to review all the screening procedures enforced by TSA for children.
If your kid is 12 or under, he or she will be permitted to walk though the metal detector with the shoes on. Moreover, your child will be also be allowed to walk through the metal detector for several times, case in which the security officers will use advanced imaging technology to elucidate any fears related to safety issues. They, i.e. security officers, will also be able to make use of explosives trace detection technology.

In so far as the walk-through metal detector is concerned, children who are able to walk independently will have to pass through the metal detector alone, that is without their mom or dad. In case the alarm goes off, the officers may use pat down procedures and will ask the kid to pass through screening devices for several times to clear away any suspicions. If, on the other hand, you’re traveling with a baby or if your toddler cannot walk independently yet, you can carry your kid yourself through the metal detector.

Nevertheless, if the alarm goes off in this case, both of you will be subjected to additional screening procedures. In case children can walk without assistance, they should walk through the metal detector separately from their parents. In case you’re holding the BABY in a sling, you may be required to go through extra procedures even though there was no alarm going off.

Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) is used by TSA to screen air travelers in a safe manner for both metallic as well as non-metallic hazards. Anyone who is able to stand still for just 5 second may be scanned by means of AIT. If a kid who’s up to 12 years old is screened by AIT and the alarm happens to go off, than the whole procedure will be repeated in order to avoid the need to a pat down procedure.

Still, AIT cannot be used in case of parents who carry their child. Furthermore, AIT screening is currently considered a voluntary procedure. or If a child 12 and under goes through AIT and alarms, they will have an opportunity to go through the technology again or the Security Officer may use other procedures to resolve the alarm to reduce the need for a pat down.

Children with DIFFERENT DISABILITIES or MEDICAL CONDITIONS and who travel in a WHEELCHAIR will roughly go through similar screening procedures. However, parents should take account of the following:

  • TSA needs to be informed in advance on your child’s condition and the medical devices that are needed in your case.
  • Let them know whether your kid is able to walk independently or if you have to carry your kid through the metal detector.
  • You are the one to remove your child from the walking aid, in case you have one. Security officers are not allowed to do this. However, in case you’re alone and there is no one else to help you, you may ask them to help you put any accessories on the X-ray belt.
  • If your child cannot be removed from his or her walking aid, than the officers will perform a pat down procedure while your kid is still in the wheelchair or scooter.

Try to follow these general rules and explain them to your kid before leaving. Thus, the whole screening process will be less stressful and harassing for your little one.

As a way of conclusion, we’d like to pin point some general rules that apply in this case:

  • Children of up to 12 years old aren’t compelled to take their shoes of during screening.
  • You will not be forced to do anything that will set you apart from your kid.
  • You’ll have to submit all your luggage to the screening procedures. Do not forget to tell your kids that his most precious toys will go though the X-ray machine and then they’ll have them back.

All in all, you, as a PARENT, are the only one who can transform something that is so adult-like and completely lacking in playfulness into a child-like adventure, into a story whose main hero is your kid.

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