Traveling can be stressful; add your children into the mix and that stress increases tenfold. Sit back and relax, because we’re about to tell you all you need to know about traveling with your kiddos.
Know TSA’s liquids rule
If you travel frequently, then you most likely already know all about our 3-1-1 liquids rule! But here’s a fun fact worth noting when traveling with your kids: Most items in your diaper bag are actually exempt from TSA’s liquids rule! You read right! Breast milk, powdered formula, baby food and snacks, bottles and sippy cups are all okay to fly! This even goes for liquid and cream medications. Feeling relieved? Good! All you have to do is separate these items from your bag and place into a separate bin for X-ray screening. It’s important to note that if your items alarm, additional screening may be required. Not to worry though. Our TSA officers are trained to clear the items with minimal handling.
Speaking of handling. Did you know officers wear TSA-issued gloves for your and their protection? In fact, you can even ask them to change their gloves before inspecting your bags or any patdowns. That’s just one of the many other ways TSA is keeping your safety and health in mind. Learn more on all the ways we’ve made adjustments post-COVID here.
Pack smart!
Your child’s independence can be a blessing or a curse. Sure, they’d like to help by packing their own bag, but let’s be real. A week at the beach with all their toys just won’t cut it. Especially if those toys include anything that may resemble a prohibited item. Water guns or any other replica weapons are just not able to fly in your carry-on bag.
Same goes for slime and bubbles. Slime and bubbles are considered liquids, so they would have to comply with our liquids rule. The containers must fit comfortably in a single quart-sized bag along with your travel-sized liquid items. So be sure to check all your packed bags before you arrive at the airport so you don’t get held up during screening. But if you are returning from your trip with one of the items listed, it’s best to check it in.
Car seats and strollers
First things first. Be sure to contact your airline before your flight. You’ll want to make sure your car seat or stroller are able to fly. When it comes to screening, collapse or fold large items and submit them to the X-ray machine. This includes strollers and handles on car seats. Be sure to remove any loose items and place them in a bin or on the X-ray belt for screening. If your item is too large to be screened via X-ray, then it will have to undergo a visual and physical inspection by our officers. We don’t want to see you struggle, so if you need help, all you have to do is ask. An officer is always available to lend a helping hand. Oh, and one last thing … this goes without saying, but passengers should NEVER leave infants and children in an infant carrier while it goes through the X-ray machine.
Got TSA PreCheck™?
Without TSA PreCheck™, laptops, gaming consoles, DVD players, tablet computers, and e-readers all need to be removed for screening. That’s right! All personal electronic devices larger than a cellphone need to be placed in a bin for X-ray screening.
Now, imagine a world where you don’t have to remove your shoes, belt, laptops, or even liquids bag for screening. Well, it exists! With TSA PreCheck™, you can breeze through airport security. Best part, children 12 and under can accompany a parent or guardian who has TSA PreCheck™ on their boarding pass. Travelers 13 and older who do not have a TSA PreCheck™ boarding pass must go through standard security lanes or apply for TSA PreCheck™. For more information or to apply, visit here.
Additional questions? Just ask!
Did we cover it all? Reach out to our AskTSA Customer Care team on Twitter or Facebook. We are available weekdays from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET Monday - Friday and from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekends and holidays. You can also call TSA’s Contact Center at (866) 289-9673 or contact them via this online form.
