my 10 year old had a body search at the airport.

[momoftwins]

I must be missing something. How come not white socks?????

 

[Kimberle]

Originally posted by kylara
Be aware, it is standard at MCO to have to take your shoes off and put them in a bin to go through the x-ray machine. Flip flops seem to be the only exception. Wear socks (and I would suggest they not be white).

My family & I did not have to remove our shoes (sneakers) at MCO. I did not see anyone else removing their shoes, either. It was a busy Sat morning when we returned.

 

[mcnuss]

Ok folks, this week I took my 100th flight of the year, so please believe me when I say I think I've seen it all at Security! Let me assure you that I have never seen a child removed to a "private" room or even outside the immediate screening area. Many airports now have the open ended cubicles, but most have the additional screening area right out in the open. I've never seen them take a child so far that you couldn't see them, and I've never seen them deny the parent the right to be within a few feet. I've seen parents ask politely if the screener can wait to re-screen the child until they've gathered their belongings, and I've not yet seen that request denied.

It is true, of course, that there are some hard-case security people, and some airports seem to attract more of them than others (like DIA), but for the most part, they want to be reasonable and they want to get the search over quickly.

NotUrsula has the procedure down pat, and we can learn from her. We must also do our best to make sure our children are prepared and not nervous about flying. IMHO, most of the time when I see a nervous kid, I see a nervous parent, too. Make sure not only to tell your kids that they might get screened, but that you might too, and that if you are, they need to wait where the agent tells them. It will almost assuredly be within sight, and they need to know not to worry.

With respect to why you can't stand close, the other reason is because if you're too close to the machine, you could inadvertantly set it off. It just delays the process.

With respect to shoes, TSA has a new policy on this on their website www.tsa.gov. Everywhere I've been the last 2 weeks (MCO, PIT, PHL, LGA, BOS, MHT, ROA) they've suggested removing shoes, but have not required it. Since so many shoes, even the cheapest of the cheap Payless deals, have metal in them, take them off the 1st time unless you know for sure. As you come thru Xray, ask the agent if your shoes have metal. They'll be happy to tell you!

Remember, the VAST majority of people pass thru Security without being stopped.

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by twinmomplus2
On our last trip. there was a very odd looking man in the queing area to be searched with my family group. About 12 people. He was very, very, disheveled and nervous. My 16 year old said. If that creep gets on our plane I am not getting on it. He was not taken aside and walked right on through to the gate, thank god not ours!!!! However not 1 minute later. My 22 month old son was picked for a search. Hello???? Anybody home here. This creeep collected his stuff and walked on by and they pulled a sleeping 22 month old child over to the side. I am sorry mam, But its random ticket selection and we have to check him. ok so off come the sneakers, wanded him, Scared the crap[ out of him. I appreciate how everyone has to comply. However when its absurd then please have some common sense. In this case call the ACLU on me. Because I would be profiling every second. Time is better served by checking the creep!!!!

He was a creep and should be investigated because he was disheveled and nervous? He may have been through a long trip and he might be shy. That certainly means he should be profiled?
Please!!!! Time is served following procedure. If you or your child are randomly selected, be grateful that there is security and we won't, please God, have another 9/11. Think outside the box and your own inconvienance. Give me a profile of what YOU think a security risk it. Then, look at the monsters that took down those planes. You can bet they looked "normal" and raised no concerns for anyone.

 

[chuckf6823]

It is sad that it has come down to searching 10 year olds. but personally I would never take offense to this happening to myself or anyone in my family. We all want a safe flight to and from our favorite place in the world, so I would rather be safe than sorry!

 

[drcmk]

Originally posted by momoftwins
I must be missing something. How come not white socks?????

Probably because they wouldn't stay white for long after walking on the dirty floor. Yuk.

 

[sters]

I have the opposite problem. My DD3 has a pacemaker and isn't allowed to go through the metal detectors. Not even the handheld ones. She's supposed to be hand searched and I'm afraid they are going to give me grief about it! Imagine! I have her pacer ID card and a letter from her doctors. I'm glad I read this post, though, because I have not properly prepared ANY of my kids for the security checks. Silly me. With all the preparing and planning, this one very important aspect slipped through the cracks.

By the way, I like the idea of taking the shoes off and putting it through security! I plan to wear slip ons.