Special thanks for this article go to Sharon, an American expat mother in France and a former flight attendant for two carriers in five countries over thirteen years.


20. Security

For even little veteran fliers, this can be the scariest part of flying. Even if your children have done it before, it's best to discuss the security each time. They may have forgotten (little memories can be short) and it may seem very different to them than even just a few months ago.

Discuss that all toys, backpacks and even shoes have to go on the belt. Explain that they will have to walk through the metal detector arch one by one but they will never be truly separated from you.

Once my children were a little rattled by just hearing a different accent. Even though the security agent was very nice, they had never heard an Irish brogue before. I was shocked to see them clinging to their stuffed animals as he coaxed ever so gently to place them on the belt. So even a small change, for example, if your child went through the airport when it wasn't so busy if your child experienced security at a smaller airport, you may see a different reaction than before.

Many security agents are now well-trained in how to deal with the public, especially in special circumstances like with small children.

Even if you are not flying to, in the U.S. or even on a U.S. company, you may find this link from the TSA helpful:
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/children/index.shtm

In some airports, they are experimenting with specific "family" lines. Are these more convenient? Better? The jury is still out. I have only been through one once when the airport wasn't very busy so I Do not feel my opinion is valid. I like the idea of not having a hurried businessperson pushing behind me but then again, it would be frustrating if there were a disorganized family in front of me. If you are not short on time, this might be a good idea to try it out (and let me know what you think later on!)

The first item I put on the belt is the stroller and/or car seat. Then I place my bags, the last of which is that with my valuables. Then I get the children to place their things. By the time I get through the metal detector, my belongings are usually waiting for me. I push them all the way to the end of the belt to get out of the way of other passengers and also to make it easier if they want to do an extra security check. I put the bag with the valuables on first, grab the stroller and/or car seat and then start to put my things together.

If the security people want to do an additional check of any of our bags, I insist they come over to where I am. They have always cooperated since logically, I am clear of the busy area already. The passenger is required to be present for the inspection but Do not feel obligated to stop doing everything. I will still throw my and my children's' things together at the same time. I just need to keep looking at them and what they are doing. Some security people try to not remove items and/or replace them. I realize they are trying to be helpful but I actually find this more time consuming. I offer to almost empty my bag. This way, they can look at everything and then I chuck it all back in myself, since I know where it goes and how to make it fit better.

If removing our shoes was necessary, putting them back on is my last priority. Often there are chairs placed at the end of security for this purpose. I have everything organized and move it all near those chairs before I face putting on all the shoes. Some flying tips suggest you pick footwear specifically for the Security check. I personally would recommend practical, comfortable shoes for everyone, even if they take a minute more to put back on. Airports involve a lot of walking and wearing the wrong shoes for the sake of saving two seconds getting through Security does not seem logical to me. My pumps would be the easiest shoes to put back on but I have no intention of ever flying with them on, now that I am no longer required to do so for a living!

For future updates to Sharon's information, or to contact Sharon directly, please visit her Blog: http://flyingwithchildren.blogspot.com/

Sharon's Disclaimer: This article is not a legal document and cannot be used as proof of any of the laws or rules that I refer to throughout. Check the FAA websites, or other relevant agencies to confirm any statements that are made. I try to provide links where I can. Be aware, also, that airlines often have their own policies which might be stricter than their own government's laws. Most of the employees that you encounter do not have the power to change or make exceptions to any rule. They simply must follow them, even in cases where logic or safety is questionable.