Forgive me if this is a dumb question...re:airport

[BeckityBobbidyBoo!]

My kids and dh are bringing all sorts of electronic gadgets for our flight. Gameboy, Leapster, DS, ipod. Can these go through the security machines (xray?) safely?

 

[Desnik]

We haven't had a problem with them! My DH, and kids have a backpack filled with the things you mentioned and they haven't been damaged or anything. I believe the exrays used for carryons are less strong than the ones they use for checked luggage. Also they only things the xrays would affect would be film, not any electronics.
These things were life savers for us on out flights!

 

[Esteri]

These gizmos are perfectly safe through the scanners.

Since it sounds like you don't travel much here's a quick primer on getting through security quickly...

Have the boarding pass and ID together, and aligned in the same direction, when you get to the ID checker. I typically put the boarding pass inside my passport (it's easier for me to get to than my drivers license) so that I just flip it open, the picture id is on one side and the boarding pass is on the other - very easy to check everything. You can do the same thing with a drivers license - just align the names so it's easy to check.

Laptops and camcorders come OUT of your carry on and in a SEPARATE bin. If you have them - put them in a place that's easy to get to.

The most recent change is the 3-1-1 rule for all liquids, gels, and aerosols. You may carry these things on IF they are in an original container that was 3 oz or less (no half full larger containers). You make bring on as many as fits in a 1 quart zip top bag easily (the zip has to zip). One bag per person. This includes stuff like - sun screen, lip stick, makeup, asthma inhalers, toothpaste, etc. Be sure to read the updates on your carrier's website before you go - these rules have been changing a lot. Have this stuff packed and ready to pull BEFORE you get in line. You can put this bag in the same bin as your laptop or camcorder.

Shoes OFF and in a bin with the contents of your pockets and your coat. I recommend shoes without ties. Or untie them in line and turn them into "slip ons"

KEEP your boarding pass in your hand - the TSA guy monitoring the metal detector needs to see it. I'm betting this is the most common problem they see - the instinct is to throw everything into a bin. I travel a lot and I've made this mistake more than once. They're really nice about it, but sometimes won't let you through the metal detector until your boarding pass comes out the other side and somene can grab it for you.

Once you are on the other side of the metal detector your goal is to clear the area as quickly as possible. Just grab your stuff, slip your feet in your shoes (no stopping to tie, buckle, snap, etc.) and move on.

Once you are past security you can find a handy wall (out of the traffic flow) to stand next to and put yourself back together.

I haven't travelled with a stroller in some time (and avoid lines with kids), but I'm betting the kid comes out, and the stroller is folded and put through the xray with everything else.

Have fun! Depending on the ages of your kids you can turn this into a really interesting game... who can clear the fastest? who can remember all the rules? etc.

 

[twinscandc]

I haven't travelled with a stroller in some time (and avoid lines with kids), but I'm betting the kid comes out, and the stroller is folded and put through the xray with everything else.

I have flown recently with a stroller and a 4 month old baby by MYSELF!!! That was crazy!! You do have to fold the stroller and put it up to be x-rayed.

In Indianapolis the security guy just looked at me as I'm trying to juggle the baby, the bag and the stoller....he never offered to help. On my return flight in Orlando, the security person was soooo helpful and folded the stroller for me!!

Just relax and you will have a blast!!

 

[dis-happy]

Make sure when you board the plane that everything gets turned off. During take-off and landing these little gizmos (plus cell phones and cd players and ipods) need to be off so that the pilot doesn't get interference with the plane's radio, radar, electronic system or whatever. Usually there will be an announcement, and there is also a light that blinks on when it's okay to turn them on. Since it sounds like you'll have a lot of toys and details to think about I thought I'd put a reminder in!

 

[Esteri]

... During take-off and landing these little gizmos (plus cell phones and cd players and ipods) need to be off so that the pilot doesn't get interference with the plane's radio, radar, electronic system or whatever. ...

Actually, they don't interfere - or you wouldn't be able to use them at all. For your own saftey, they want your attention on what's going on around you, not buried in some electronic gadget. If something "bad" is going to happen, it's most likely going to happen at take off or landing - and they want folks a little more alert then. (I had it from a flight attendant.)

I don't think anyone is trying to end the urban myth simply because it gets them what they want - so why let folks know otherwise?