The TSA (Transportation Security Administration) has a helpful explanation of their guidelines for traveling with kids on their site, including videos on traveling with kids, traveling with babies, infant traveling tips, and a great video for kids themselves to watch which features other kids explaining the process to them.
Everyone who travels must be screened, regardless of age, but their guidelines seem to make an effort to keep the process from being scary for kids. They note that you will never be separated from your child, and that kids will be treated as gently as possible. If they become upset during the process, their parent will be asked how to best comfort them.
At the x-ray machine, all of the child’s items must go through. Any equipment used for the child, such as strollers, carriers or backpacks, must also go through. If any equipment doesn’t fit through the machine, officers will physically inspect it. It’s also suggested that you can ask an officer for help in getting all of your things back together on the other side, which is nice to know. A warning is also given to not leave babies in carriers when they go through the x-ray machine (who does this?).
Walking through the metal detector, it’s recommended that kids walk through themselves if they’re able to.
You’re allowed to bring medicine for children, formula and baby food, juice and breast milk in “reasonable” quantities larger than 3 ounces, and they don’t have to be in a quart zip-lock bag. However, you do need to declare them for inspection. It’s asked that only those liquids needed by a child on the flight be packed in a carry-on, and that the rest be packed in checked bags.
There’s also a section explaining how to best travel with a child with a disability or medical condition.
Traveling with kids can be so stressful and difficult. It can take half an hour just to get everyone into the car for a trip to the grocery store, much less through the airport for a lengthy trip on a plane. It’s a good idea to know what to expect at the airport, so that you can prepare as much as possible.
