TSA Pre Check with Toddlers

[JessNewt]

Hello all!

Question: What is the process like when going through the TSA Pre Check security line with little ones? My husband and I both have our KTNs and will be traveling with a 4 year old and 2 year old in October out of Love Field. Our kids are very shy and strongly dislike crowds and strangers. When going through security, do they make the young children go in the body scanners? If not, do they have to walk through the metal detecters alone, or can one of us walk them through?

Thank you!

 

[rwdavis2]

The way to do it is one adult goes first and waits on the other side while the other adult send the kids through. I don't think you can walk through with the kids.

 

[goofy4tink]

I would practice with them at home. Set up a table next to a doorway. Pretend to put belongings in the table, then walk through the doorway. If the kids know what to expect, it will be simple for them. My dd started flying at 3...never had an issue because she knew what to expect.
I would have one parent go through, then the 4 y/o. Once the 2y/o sees how easy it is, off he'll go. Then the other parent goes thru.

 

[bumbershoot]

When traveling with my family we have NEVER been sent to the scanners; we just go through the metal detectors. One adult goes, then the kid(s), then the other adult.

Kids keep shoes on. Don't even let the kids carry a stuffed animal or doll etc in the airport; it will just be put on the xray machine belt, and if they protest it will make it more difficult. Let them have anything like that AFTER you get through security. Like a reward for going through.

Let them know that they will be momentarily separated from one of you.

We once had an experience in LAX when the metal detectors were turned up to "11" and alerted to (what turned out to be) first Dh's shorts zipper, and then (after he had been taken off to be wanded) my (I'm not kidding) ~2" Goody brand simple traditional barrette in my hair. That one took a minute to figure out (thank you, lady behind me, who finally noticed it) what was going on, and they were just about to send me off for wanding, as I said "uh, I've got this little kid with me and DH is over there already!" when we figured it out.

That was when DS was little and he's 12 now and it hasn't happened since, so it's not common at all (people have doubted me with this story before; doesn't matter, since it happened), but it's still worth noting in order to remember to stay *calm*, stay relaxed, and stay aware that TSA people aren't perfect. Nor are their machines.

 

[FigmentSpark]

That's the key point. If you are calm, the little ones will look to you and see it. If you panic or get stressed, they will, too.

Definitely one parent, then the children, then the other parent. If you are alone with the kids, send them first and tell them mommy is right behind them. Watch that one doesn't try to run after the other, because that will mess up the system and could get you into trouble. They have to wait for the equipment reset just like everyone else.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

do they make the young children go in the body scanners

1) Sometimes, and it s only one person at a time - you don't escort your kid.
2) Plus, TSA has a random sampling for people to go through the scanner.
3) On a domestic flight (June-2016), I went through the magnetometer and a loud buzzer went off.
4) I was randomly selected for further screening and had to go through the whole-body scanner.

 

[Gracie09]

1) Sometimes, and it s only one person at a time - you don't escort your kid.
2) Plus, TSA has a random sampling for people to go through the scanner.
3) On a domestic flight (June-2016), I went through the magnetometer and a loud buzzer went off.
4) I was randomly selected for further screening and had to go through the whole-body scanner.

Kids don't go through scanners especially that young. Only 12 and up. You can carry small kids and infants through the metal detector but if it goes off you get a pat down (both of you).
Kids don't have to take shoes off. In bigger airports there is sometimes a family line - use it love it. Get to the airport in plenty of time. It's better to wait and hour or more on the other side walking around looking at the planes than trying to rush everything through because your plane is about to board.

 

[alliecat523]

Kids don't go through scanners especially that young. Only 12 and up. You can carry small kids and infants through the metal detector but if it goes off you get a pat down (both of you).
Kids don't have to take shoes off. In bigger airports there is sometimes a family line - use it love it. Get to the airport in plenty of time. It's better to wait and hour or more on the other side walking around looking at the planes than trying to rush everything through because your plane is about to board.

This. Kids under 12 don't do the body scanner. You'll all go through the metal detector. The pre check line should be easier and much less stressful. I say should be because at times I've been in PC lines that were longer than the regular lines. But overall, you'll be fine. My DD is a pro now but in the past I would make her step through and just stand there and wait. We could see each other the whole time and it took about 10 seconds.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

I've never seen a scanner in a Pre Check line.

 

[JessNewt]

Thank you everyone for your responses! You have all eased my fears tremendously!