Airport Security with Toddler question

[wdwfanatic316]

I'm headed to WDW next month and will be meeting my mom/uncle there, which means I'm flying alone with DS2 (almost 3). I'm nervous about going through the airport security line (actually I'm always a little nervous about this even without DS because I'm scared I'll forget a bag/wallet, etc!) But, back to my question- will I be able to carry DS through the metal detector, or will he have to walk through by himself? I did buy a harness backpack to use in the airport, but I'm guessing that won't be any help through the security line as he we would probably have to remove it to be scanned? I'm a little scared he might run off while waiting for me to go through. But, if I'm allowed to carry him through I would feel much safer. Does anyone have experience with this that can tell me how this works? Thank you!

 

[tjmw2727]

This link from the TSA website has some helpful information on traveling with children.

http://www.tsa.gov/tsa-kids/parents-page

It does say that if your child can walk they would prefer they do so - but in your case I would just explain to the TSA officer that you are traveling solo and see if they will allow you to carry him. Best to prepare for him to walk though just in case.

Before you leave play airport with him and make it fun - also teaching and preparing him for what is going to occur.

Pack your carry on as light as you can and be prepared ahead of time to eliminate your stress - he will feed off that !

Have a good trip

 

[houseofduck]

I have been able to carry my toddler through the metal detector. But, I wasn't able to use any carriers, slings, strollers... It was just me and the toddler. Everything else went through on the belt.

 

[epsmith921]

We didn't carry our toddler through but we also didn't ask. It was much easier than I thought. The TSA agent was nice and tried to help coax her through. I did bring a backpack to go through the airport which was nice for hands free purposes as well.

 

[Betty Rohrer]

just make sure if you carry or have him walk thru that he does not touch side of scanner as he walks thru. you both if carrying or he if walking will be patted down if side is touched as it sets the scanner off like you have something on you. he will not be able to use the harness as it has to go thru the xray machine like your backpack. if he carries a blanket or lovie toy that will also have go thru xray and can not be carried no matter how much child cries. I would look at a cheap stroller for airport as security is always as far from your gate as possible and then gate check it

 

[Sundancer330]

The TSA has relaxed procedures for young children. I took my son who was flying as an unaccompanied minor through the process this past week. First put everything in your pockets, keys, cell phone, change, etc., into your purse, backpack or carry on luggage, this way you won't have to keep track of small items. We didn't have to take off shoes or belts as in the past. Since he was so young they had him walk around the outside of the scanner and stop next to the TSA officer as he had me walk through. We gathered up our stuff and walked away. Nothing to get stressed about its a very simple quick process, the TSA is great with kids, so don't worry about him running off he will always be within an arms reach. Have a great trip.

 

[wdwfanatic316]

Thanks very much for the replies! I'm feeling better about the whole process now.

 

[denneg]

I've had to travel alone with my son often, and its easier than it seems! I carried him through when he was little, but once he was bigger and wanted to walk I had him go through first. I figured even if he started to wander, he was in a confined area! Definitely be prepared while in the line, condense as much as you can into bags and get him out of the stroller once you reach the end of the security table so you can fold it up and have that go through first. Then you can unfold it quickly and either have him sit or throw the bags on it to move away and organize. Put your valuables after the stroller, so you can make sure they go through before you walk through. While standing in line you can show him how it works and see if he wants to walk.

Our whole plan worked great for years, until DH was able to get enough leave and fly with us. DH told me to go through first and he would send DS through and then make sure the bags went through. DS had a total meltdown because he was used to going first, and it was ugly.

 

[Greysword]

If you are curious or concerned, you are always welcome to visit the airport before your trip and introduce your DS to the TSA staff and ask questions. he may then be more familiar before the stress of going through security during travel day.

Also, don't be rushed by the people behind you. Take as much time as you need to get your carry-on stuff onto the conveyor and prep for going through yourself. They will make their flight. If they are in a hurry, then they will figure out quickly to choose another line.

Good luck and have fun.