Will someone take me through this step by step please?

[wbarkhur]

My husband I and our five kids (ages 12-2) will be flying for the first time out of Denver to MCO on Sat Nov. 20, I thought I had a plan, but with the new security measures I am a little worried. I have a bit of anxiety in unknown stressful situations, and also have a son with special needs who does well if he knows what he has to do, but no so great if something throws him off, and so I have been trying to plan in advance. I talked to the kids about having to go through metal detectors, taking their shoes off, and also putting their carry on bags through a "tunnel". We will have our stroller that we will gate check as well as our 2yr olds car seat that he will use on the plane. I know that I need to empty everything out of the stroller and have it folded up before we get to the scanners. We plan on having one parent go through followed by the kids then the other parent, will this still work with the new scanners? Am I missing anything? Would someone please walk me though it all step by step so I can be prepared and help the kids as well? thanks so much.

 

[dudspizza]

My husband I and our five kids (ages 12-2) will be flying for the first time out of Denver to MCO on Sat Nov. 20, I thought I had a plan, but with the new security measures I am a little worried. I have a bit of anxiety in unknown stressful situations, and also have a son with special needs who does well if he knows what he has to do, but no so great if something throws him off, and so I have been trying to plan in advance. I talked to the kids about having to go through metal detectors, taking their shoes off, and also putting their carry on bags through a "tunnel". We will have our stroller that we will gate check as well as our 2yr olds car seat that he will use on the plane. I know that I need to empty everything out of the stroller and have it folded up before we get to the scanners. We plan on having one parent go through followed by the kids then the other parent, will this still work with the new scanners? Am I missing anything? Would someone please walk me though it all step by step so I can be prepared and help the kids as well? thanks so much.

You have it exactly right. The new scanners are not used by everyone, just for selected individuals. Just make sure that all of your kids know that they cannot carry anything through the metal detector and that everything has to go through the "tunnel".

http://www.aarp.org/travel/travel-tips/info-05-2010/greenberg_airport_security.html


Duds

 

[akcire]

Ok-here are my thoughts: Rather than have a parent go through first. I would send your oldest (or most able to follow verbal directions) first. Then I would send a second kid, with the intention of the first kid corral the next. I would then have a parent carry through the 2 year old. Then send the kids until all are through security, with your second parent last.

The biggest key is to make sure that everyone has empty pockets, and no prohibited items. Including things like play-dough knives, toy weapons, etc.


I would also make each kid have a "travel buddy". Someone to keep an eye and a hand on their siblings.

Send through all of your valuables at the end, even if you other stuff is piling up on the belt. That way you only have one bag to watch, until everyone is in the secure area. Since I can't imagine anyone stealing the Dora backpack filled with plush animals in the airport security lane.

When I was in college I was a nanny and traveled with the 4 kids: 9,7,2, & 2. I would send the kids through one at a time oldest first, and clear security last. Each of the older kids was also responsible for holding the hands of one of the younger kids--so I only had to keep track to two sets of kids. I would even dress them in matching t-shirts, to make them easier to spot--and to identify to the security and airport people that we were a group. Also I would go through all their bags, to make sure they had not packed anything which would get us delayed. Airport people are generally a good lot--so you should be fine.

 

[Cindyrellablue]

You will have to take off your jacket or coat and send that through the scanner around here. My niece was even asked to remove her hoodie sweatshirt as well.

 

[akcire]

Also make sure the kids know the can't touch the sides of the "mag" the vertical metal detector. If they touch the sides or bump one side, it will alarm. I always had the kids walk thru with their hand in front of them palms facing inward--sort of like if they were pretending to be fish.

 

[momblanch]

Ok-here are my thoughts: Rather than have a parent go through first. I would send your oldest (or most able to follow verbal directions) first. Then I would send a second kid, with the intention of the first kid corral the next. I would then have a parent carry through the 2 year old. Then send the kids until all are through security, with your second parent last.

The biggest key is to make sure that everyone has empty pockets, and no prohibited items. Including things like play-dough knives, toy weapons, etc.


I would also make each kid have a "travel buddy". Someone to keep an eye and a hand on their siblings.

Send through all of your valuables at the end, even if you other stuff is piling up on the belt. That way you only have one bag to watch, until everyone is in the secure area. Since I can't imagine anyone stealing the Dora backpack filled with plush animals in the airport security lane.

When I was in college I was a nanny and traveled with the 4 kids: 9,7,2, & 2. I would send the kids through one at a time oldest first, and clear security last. Each of the older kids was also responsible for holding the hands of one of the younger kids--so I only had to keep track to two sets of kids. I would even dress them in matching t-shirts, to make them easier to spot--and to identify to the security and airport people that we were a group. Also I would go through all their bags, to make sure they had not packed anything which would get us delayed. Airport people are generally a good lot--so you should be fine.

This is great advice. My kids are 18 and 12 and still got a little flustered going through security (we had a carry-on suitcase and personal item each). First time going through my kids asked me to go first and I found this to be a mistake. Next time I sent DS18 through first to collect items and I went through last to help DD12 with her bins and bags. Much better. FYI: DD wore her HP robe home on the plane (much to the chagrin of DS! LOL!) and she was asked to remove it before going through the metal detector.

 

[eliza61]

Ok-here are my thoughts: Rather than have a parent go through first. I would send your oldest (or most able to follow verbal directions) first. Then I would send a second kid, with the intention of the first kid corral the next. I would then have a parent carry through the 2 year old. Then send the kids until all are through security, with your second parent last.

The biggest key is to make sure that everyone has empty pockets, and no prohibited items. Including things like play-dough knives, toy weapons, etc.


I would also make each kid have a "travel buddy". Someone to keep an eye and a hand on their siblings.

Send through all of your valuables at the end, even if you other stuff is piling up on the belt. That way you only have one bag to watch, until everyone is in the secure area. Since I can't imagine anyone stealing the Dora backpack filled with plush animals in the airport security lane.

When I was in college I was a nanny and traveled with the 4 kids: 9,7,2, & 2. I would send the kids through one at a time oldest first, and clear security last. Each of the older kids was also responsible for holding the hands of one of the younger kids--so I only had to keep track to two sets of kids. I would even dress them in matching t-shirts, to make them easier to spot--and to identify to the security and airport people that we were a group. Also I would go through all their bags, to make sure they had not packed anything which would get us delayed. Airport people are generally a good lot--so you should be fine.

Excellent post. I would triple check and make sure that every one has empty pockets.

I would also make sure you have plenty of time. Nothing adds to anxiety like having to rush. Can you get slip on shoes for the kids so you don't have to worry about tying shoes afterward.

I would also probably do a "practice" run with your special needs son.

 

[budbeerlady]

You have the right idea to prepare them.... Once we are in line and almost to the bins its coat and crocs off for Dd so we can toss them right in with out holding up the line. Same thing at the end, grab the stuff and go left or right so you are not blocking the pickup line while you slide the shoes back on and the coats.

 

[At World's End]

I don't know how it works with the new scanners, but in my experience, if the 2 yo child can walk then the security people will want him or her to walk through the metal detector alone.

 

[corky441]

Also, most larger airport security areas have a line for families with small children and or those with disabilities.
Look for a sign just after you get through the boarding pass TSA check point

 

[dudspizza]

I also wanted to add that one of my favorite security check point clips in a film comes from "Up in the Air" with George Clooney. He is in line showing the new girl how to navigate security...... good clip......

http://www.imdb.com/video/screenplay/vi3413378841/

Duds

 

[CPT Tripss]

Also, most larger airport security areas have a line for families with small children and or those with disabilities.
Look for a sign just after you get through the boarding pass TSA check point

Use this line. There might even be a sign like this

Take your time and try not to get flustered.

 

[wbarkhur]

Thanks so much everyone, it is soo nice to have a place to ask a question and get some advice.
I have it planned to get there about 2 1/2 to 3 hours before our flight, now I say this is the plan we will see how it really goes next week.
Thank you to the person who posted the buddy idea, I hadn't thought of that. I think we will even use that in the parks it will help to only have to look after two groups instead of four (2yr old will be in stroller, so at least i don't have to chase him). Now the hard part is going to be trying to figure out which two are getting along on which day to pair together.
Thanks again we will keep practicing, and talking about it, and hopefully it will all go smooth.