Airports and airplanes are a hassle, even for adults. Especially the security lines and processes. But in the modern world, this is part of the process to get to your final vacation destination. Here are some tips to help this part of your family travel go more smoothly.
Get to the airport early. Allow extra time when traveling with children, especially young children. Everything takes longer with kids. Little kids walk slowly. Young children require lots of gear that you need to bring. Get there early so that at least you won’t need to stress about missing your flight.
In advance, tell your children about the security process. Here are some things to talk about. There may be a long line. We will put our things on a conveyor belt, and then we will get them back (being separated from a favorite stuffed animal or toy can be upsetting for a young child). You may need to take off shoes and walk through a metal detector. For a young child who has never been to the airport before, this process can seem strange and possibly frightening. Describing it in advance helps.
Tell older children that inappropriate jokes are not ok. When teens and pre-teens are together with other kids their age, they sometime find inappropriate jokes funny. However, inappropriate jokes about airport security and safety can lead to delays, missed flights, or fines. This is not the place for joking around.
Bring something for the child to do in case the line is long. Sometimes the lines can be very long. Kids get bored easily, and when the get bored, they may cry, run around, climb on the security barriers, or other inappropriate behavior. Bring an age appropriate toy or activity to keep them entertained in case of a long wait.
If your child is old enough to walk, let them walk through the metal detector on their own. A young child is unlikely to set off the metal detector. However, if you are carrying a child and you set off the metal detector, then the airport security officer will need to screen both you and your child. So if your child can walk independently, let them.
Bring baby food with you. Normal airport security rules do not allow liquids over 3 ounces to be brought carry-on. However, there are exceptions for baby food. Bring a reasonable amount of formula, pumped breast milk, and/or baby food.
For international travel, make sure all your children have a passport, even babies. Also check the airport security regulations in that country. Rules are different in different countries, and rules also frequently change. Check for travel advisories before planning your trip.
