Do toddlers/children have to take off shoes at airport security?

[mskay]

Just wondering if this is something I need to prepare her for. She'll be almost three when we fly. Thanks!

 

[chrismom2005]

yes and they have to walk through the metal detectors alone too.

 

[my4kids2ofeach]

Yes they do, we traveled last september with 4 kids, it was so easy I could not believe it. I put sandals on all the kids (it was a little cool leaving MD). We were through security within 5 minutes .. all 6 of us!

 

[KimAshton]

Make sure they wear socks. I love wearing sandals on planes but hate when my feet touch the ground. Man who knows how mnay feet have been through the metal dector.

 

[MemoryMakers2669]

Sick people that are trying to harm others, don't stop at anything, even their own kids. So, I am glad they check everyone. I had my kids wear their crocs this past trip, it was so easy.

 

[Claud26]

we traveld in December and they had to take of their shoes and jackets and walk through by themselves ... even my then 2.5yr old DS !! !! I made sure they had track pants on (no sippers or metal) and easy velcro running shoes.

 

[debster812]

YOu also want to make sure that they know that any 'lovies' (blanket, stuffed animal, etc) will have to go through the x-ray machine, cannot be carried with the child.

I've seen this unhinge many a wee one, just because they did not know about it.

 

[mskay]

These are all great ideas/things to know. Thanks so much everyone!

 

[jodifla]

yes and they have to walk through the metal detectors alone too.

Not true. You can carry them. I have several times. They offered to let me carry my 5 year old because he was having a tough time with security this time, but he ended up walking through.

 

[tjmw2727]

Not true. You can carry them. I have several times. They offered to let me carry my 5 year old because he was having a tough time with security this time, but he ended up walking through.

This varies - some airports are more strict than others and my sil was not allowed to carry my anxious 2yo neice no way no how. So if you can send one parent through and then send the kid to meet them with the other parent or adult last.

Orlando also has special child friendly security aisles that gave out stickers for going through the detector. They were very good at dealing with the diaper bag/stroller carseats as well.

So I would be prepared, definately for removing shoes and jackest and the very good possibility that a child will have to walk through alone. If they don't all the better of course.

TJ

 

[jodifla]

This varies - some airports are more strict than others and my sil was not allowed to carry my anxious 2yo neice no way no how. So if you can send one parent through and then send the kid to meet them with the other parent or adult last.

Orlando also has special child friendly security aisles that gave out stickers for going through the detector. They were very good at dealing with the diaper bag/stroller carseats as well.

So I would be prepared, definately for removing shoes and jackest and the very good possibility that a child will have to walk through alone. If they don't all the better of course.

TJ

That's just a TSA agent being a moronic jerk. There are plenty of those out there, so the point is well taken. But I'd call for a supervisor then.

But it's not a law or a rule, just a way for a TSA agent to make himself feel high and mighty.

 

[CarolA]

Not true. You can carry them. I have several times. They offered to let me carry my 5 year old because he was having a tough time with security this time, but he ended up walking through.

You got a NICE TSA agent. No gurantees. I have seen them make SCREAMING toddlers walk through or subject the family to the pat down if Mom has to carry the toddler.

On any given day you run the risk of the TSA jerk.... Plan accordingly. I find it better to be pleasntly surprised when you don't get the jerk then to let the jerk upset me!

 

[CarolA]

That's just a TSA agent being a moronic jerk. There are plenty of those out there, so the point is well taken. But I'd call for a supervisor then.

But it's not a law or a rule, just a way for a TSA agent to make himself feel high and mighty.

It is actually a rule. Each person is suppose to go through on thier own. The only exception is those who cannot walk and then the agent MAY elect to do the patdown. An agent may elect to do a pat down for NO reason except they want to. Calling a supervisor in this case won't help. (I am a fan of the supervisor call, but ....)

 

[MemoryMakers2669]

Not true. You can carry them. I have several times. They offered to let me carry my 5 year old because he was having a tough time with security this time, but he ended up walking through.

I wouldn't count on this though. Two years ago, they had me let my 13 month old walk through alone...because she could walk. I went through first and she walked through to me. It is all of 10 feet for goodness sakes though and they can't get lost, so I really wouldn't stress about it.

I can see if a parent and child were alone though, that this could be an issue for a child.

 

[MemoryMakers2669]

Not sure if this was mentioned, but strollers have to be folded up and put through the xray as well, big pain, but be prepared for that as well.

 

[MinnieGi]

We just flew last week from PHL to MCO and back again and each time the TSA agents let me carry my 2yo through. I was so thankful b/c when my DD was 20 months they made her walk through on her own in Denver. This was the summer after 9/11. She was a shy toddler who was very wary of new situations. And even though I went first and held out my arms for her to come to me she was upset at having to walk through. I calmed her down and she slowing, very shyly with her head down walked through but brushed against the side and set off the detector. They made her and I do the security wand screening which of course freaked her out having the TSA agent wave it all around her. The TSA agent felt bad and actually asked her supervisor if she could just have me walk with her through again instead of the wand once-over but the supervisor said she had to do it. The agents got many scowls of disapproval thrown their way at the sight of a 20 month old and her mother getting the wand treatment.

Yes, my kids both took off their sneakers this past week. They didn't mind at all as mommy and daddy were too!

 

[funcinderella]

We just flew last week from PHL to MCO and back again and each time the TSA agents let me carry my 2yo through. I was so thankful b/c when my DD was 20 months they made her walk through on her own in Denver. This was the summer after 9/11. She was a shy toddler who was very wary of new situations. And even though I went first and held out my arms for her to come to me she was upset at having to walk through. I calmed her down and she slowing, very shyly with her head down walked through but brushed against the side and set off the detector. They made her and I do the security wand screening which of course freaked her out having the TSA agent wave it all around her. The TSA agent felt bad and actually asked her supervisor if she could just have me walk with her through again instead of the wand once-over but the supervisor said she had to do it. The agents got many scowls of disapproval thrown their way at the sight of a 20 month old and her mother getting the wand treatment.

Yes, my kids both took off their sneakers this past week. They didn't mind at all as mommy and daddy were too!

My 2 year old was wand-screened too! But she thought it was a gamre, and so giggled through it all. This was about 3 years ago at Orlando airport.

 

[properlywarnedyebe]

yes and they have to walk through the metal detectors alone too.

Last July, Our DD who was 2 at the time had to do this at Dulles Airport. The TSA pratically push you as well. We had to fold the stroller & put it through the scanner. We grabbed her quickly- it was her first time traveling.
Alicia

 

[fabfive]

my daughter did and she was wearing clear jellies (you know the plastic) shoes. She took it very well and we laughed about it the rest of the day.

 

[DutchsMommy]

Our DS has to walk on his own as well. The one thing I hate is when it is really busy and they are pushing everyone thorugh and it is such a chore to get everything together and everybody's shoes, stroller, bags blah blah together without backing up all the people behind you. I don't want to hold up the line by taking my time or anything but I wish there was a better set-up on the other side to gather your stuff back up and get everyone's shoes etc back on.