Air Travel With ChildrenThe Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has to screen everyone, regardless of age (even babies), before they can go through the security checkpoint.
TSA will not ask you to do anything that will separate you from your child or children.
They specially train our Security Officers 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.
At 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.
Walking Through The Metal Detector
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 TSA Security Officer will have to additionally screen both you and your child.
- Remove babies and children from their strollers or infant carriers so that our 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 a Security Officer to hold.
- The Security Officer may ask for your help screening your child.
Your cooperation and assistance in getting through securoty check quickly and efficiently will help everyone get to their planes on time and be less stressful.