Going through TSA is no longer just for flying anymore. TSA
security checkpoints are now found in train stations, cruise departure terminals, and in
bus stations. This makes traveling with kids a challenge, but if you prepare
before you go makes the whole security process easier. It would let me do TSA.
The key is to make your checkpoint experience a smooth one by doing a few
things before and while you pack. Most important thing to remember is to be as
polite as you possibly can. TSA agents can and do make processing a misery with
travelers who are unwise to complain about their treatment or are rude to TSA
agents. It is not TSA policy to cause trouble for these people, but it is a
reality of travel security checkpoints throughout the world.
Pack Light
Each person in your party is allowed one carry-on bag. The
key to this is to pack light and easy to wash clothes. That way you can wash
clothes hotel sink using just plain soap. After the clothes are wrung dry, they
can be hung in the shower if the hotel does not have a laundry facility. Try to
pack clothes that can be used for multiple days I know this is hard when your
children are younger and may require more than on outfit a day but pack only
two pairs of PJs (one to wear while the other is drying) will save your sanity
while going through TSA.
Before you take your trip, make sure the hotel you are
staying at has laundry facilities so that taking fewer clothes is not as much
of a burden. Avoid brings unnecessary products if traveling in the US. Buy
things at the nearest drugstore when you land. (Bring coupons to save money) or
ship items to the hotel such as diapers and formula. Once while taking a tri
you p with my three month old I shipped two weeks worth of formula and diapers
via UPS to a hotel. Just check with the hotel to see if they are willing to
accept packages for their guests.
Metal Scanners
Going through TSA small children in nightmare when removing
jackets, shoes, and jewelry so it is important to dress everyone as simply as
possible. I am a big fan of crocs because they slip on and off the easily.
Crocs are excellent shoes for travel, because they dry quickly when wet and are
easy to remove. In addition, they come in children's sizes and so the whole
family can wear them. I usually start taking off my shoes when I am about
second person to the conveyor belt. Jackets have already been removed and are
ready to be placed in a grey bin. Make sure everyone is wearing socks for safety.
Airport floors are filthy.
I also recommend that the only jewelry you wear is 100% gold
because that does not set off the metal detector. Pack your belt, mobile phone,
wallet, and keys in the front pocket of your carry-on or in your purse for
faster processing. Just make sure to keep an eye on your bags as you walk
through so no one steals your bags.
Body Scans and Pat
Downs
If you or your children are one of the unlucky few must be
subjected to a body scan please know that you can refuse and request a pat
down. It will slow down your processing through TSA but avoiding the radiation
exposure from the body scan is well worth it. Women who are pregnant should
definitely refuse advice and request a. If you then exposed to radiation or
being medically treated with radiation the exposure from a body scanner. If you
have a medical condition, no matter how small, told the agent giving the. Some
pat downs can be forceful to the point of hurting so letting them know you have
a sore back or knee will save you some pain. Small children might let the TSA
agent might be ticklish in certain areas.
