Traveling Overseas With Children

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by: Daniel Jowssey
Total views: 51
Word Count: 398

Heading overseas on a family vacation can be an exciting experience for children of all ages.

Prior to travel, parents should make sure they are well-equipped to handle the health care needs of children, especially when heading to a developing country.
The airport security officers have to screen everyone, regardless of age (even babies), before they can go through the security checkpoint.
They will not ask you to do anything that will separate you from your child or children.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers are specially trained and they understand your concern for your children. They will approach your children gently and treat them with respect. If your child becomes uncomfortable or upset, security officers will consult you about the best way to relieve your child\'s concern.

NEVER leave babies in an infant carrier while it goes through the X-ray machine.

* All carry-on baggage, including children\'s bags and items, must go through the X-ray machine. Examples include: diaper bags, blankets, and toys.

* All child-related equipment that will fit through the X-ray machine must go through the X-ray machine. Examples include: strollers, umbrella-strollers, baby carriers, car and booster seats, backpacks, and baby slings.

* When you arrive at the checkpoint, collapse or fold your child-related equipment. Secure items that are in the pockets, baskets, or attached to the equipment and place it on the X-ray belt for inspection. Plastic bins are provided to deposit such items.

* If any of your child-related equipment does not fit through the X-ray machine, security officers will visually and physically inspect it.

* Ask a Security Officer for help gathering your bags and child-related equipment, if you need it.

If your child can walk without your assistance, we recommend that you and your child walk through the metal detector separately. If you are carrying your child through the metal detector and the alarm sounds, the Security Officer will have to additionally screen both you and your child.

* Remove babies and children from their strollers or infant carriers so that the Security Officers can screen them individually.

* You may not pass the child to another person behind you or in front of you during this process.

* Do not pass your child to the Security Officer to hold.

* The Security Officer may ask for your help screening your child

The security personnel are just doing their job keeping the airways safe. Please cooperate and it will make your security screening go much smoother.