Child-friendly security checks?

[tinkerbell6]

I was reading the thread about taking kids through the security checks at the airports, and I saw someone mention child-friendly security lanes. Is there one at MCO? And many other airports? Does the whole family use that lane? I used to fly at 2-3X/year, and DD flew about 7-8X in her first 3 years Once 9-11 occurred, we stopped flying completely (even as a West coast Canadian it was horrifying). This will be our first flight since then.

I'm feeling fine about the flight itself, but I am curious about the child security lanes. Can anyone enlighten me?

Lisa

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by tinkerbell6
I was reading the thread about taking kids through the security checks at the airports, and I saw someone mention child-friendly security lanes. Is there one at MCO? And many other airports? Does the whole family use that lane? I used to fly at 2-3X/year, and DD flew about 7-8X in her first 3 years Once 9-11 occurred, we stopped flying completely (even as a West coast Canadian it was horrifying). This will be our first flight since then.

I'm feeling fine about the flight itself, but I am curious about the child security lanes. Can anyone enlighten me?

Lisa

I have never seen one at MCO, everyone goes through the same line. I would love it, it would shorten the line for those without kids, the child friendly one would lbeVERY long.

 

[Jestocost]

I flew through at least 12 different airports, including MCO, in the past year and never saw a designated "child friendly" security check point. It's a nice idea, however, although I imagine it would be difficult to staff appropriately all the time at most airports. (MCO would be a possible exception, since there are tons of kids going through basically all of the time.)

Our kids (DD10 and DS6) have flown 4-5 times every year and we've only had one bad experience at security. DS touched the metal detector on the way through and they insisted that he go back through it. He initially refused, although eventually we talked him into it.

My best advice is to just make sure you explain to them (again and again) what will happen and have a system down. I always go through first and DW goes through last, so there's no chance that they'll be stranded on one side or the other without a parent (unless we both were pulled aside for extra screening).

 

[disneyfor3]

There was a child friendly lane at MCO last September and again this January. It has a sign at the top of it saying "child friendly line". My son got a sticker the first time; the second time he slept through a regular line.

 

[inkkognito]

I have seen it at MCO too. There is only one, all the way at the end. They have stickers and puppets to make it less intimidating for the little ones.
Barb
Visit the Platinum Castaway Club at: www.castawayclub.com

 

[Jestocost]

I wonder if it's just one of the terminals then. We flew American in November and I didn't see it in that terminal.

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

I flew SWA and did not see it. I would have been nice.

 

[Pinnie]

I'm flying SWA this weekend home from MCO, I will check it out!!!


pin

 

[inkkognito]

We fly out of the A side. You might not notice it if you aren't looking for it. We usually fly in there twice a month, and I think I noticed it for the first time in Dec. or Jan. I never actually saw any kids go through it until our last trip, tho'.
Barb
Visit the Platinum Castaway Club at: www.castawayclub.com

 

[dvc guy]

Like anything else it is the parents responsibility to prepare the children in advance for what they will encounter at the airport. Security, lines, boarding the plane, staying seated. My children now 7 & 11 are frequent air travlers and know what to expect. When they were smaller, we always told them in advance what to expect. We flew Dec 01 and warned them of soliders in the airport with machine guns. It is no different then telling them about what to expect when the plane takes off and how the landing gear goes up and down so they are not fearful.

In December DW and I both hit the TSA lottery and had to go for the full detailed body check. The children knew that it was nothing to worry about and that it was for our protection.

 

[tinkerbell6]

Of course--we are preparing DD for what to expect at the airport, on the plane, etc. since she doesn't remember flying as a younger child. We always do prepare her, I believe most kids always should be told what to expect in any situation! I had just never heard of child-friendly security lines and so was curious. It would not be a bad idea if it does exist! Thanks everyone for your input!