I will be travelling a week after Thanksgiving alone with my two boys (5 mths and 4.5 years). As if travelling alone with children is not stressful enough, now there are the new security measures to deal with. I don't want to get into a debate about whether or not the security measures are "necessary" or "appropriate"...but I would like to know if any of you have gone through the new body image machines or the "enhanced" pat-downs. I am fine going through either myself...I would prefer not to do it but I would be okay with it, if necessary. My children are another story, however. I don't want to expose either of them to unnecessary radiation or have an unknown adult touch them in ways that would normally be considered inappropriate. Some of the hype in the media is probably just that....hype. But I am really worried about this....to the point where I feel if given an ultimatum (pat-down for child or don't go), I feel like I would just scrap the whole trip... Thoughts?
Both of the airports we will be in DO have the body scanners. I have contacted the airport nearest me, read just about everything on the TSA website, and heard from several people. I am feeling more comfortable about the scanners and the amount of radiation they emit. I TOTALLY understand the need for high security and OF COURSE want the flight to be safe. (That's why I didn't want to get into a debate about what is "necessary" - that's a whole separate issue.) I am just another protective mother - like many of you, I imagine - and want to make sure my kids are not harmed in any way (physically or emotionally.) I will prepare the best I can and hope that things go smoothly. Thank you all for your comments! Happy Thanksgiving!
I just flew a few weeks ago and nobody had a patdown or a body scanner. Maybe google the airports you are going through to see if they even have those yet. I did transfer at one major airport and used two smaller airports. I
I don't have personal experience, but today I was picking my sister up from the airport and because her flight was delayed I watched the people go through security (from the level above). I saw several moms travelling by themselves with two or more children and it went very smoothly for them (from what I could tell). My advice is to dress your kids in shoes that come off easily, and clothes with as few metal buttons as possible. Also have as little carry -on as possible so you aren't juggling more than you have too. I'd also try to explain to your older son what they are doing, very calmly and matter-of-fact, and tell him it is just part of flying. This way maybe he won't be scared when you get to security.
All the hype on the news as made me VERY nervous about flying, but watching the people go through security made me feel better about. I was able to see the body scanners, pat downs, etc. Hopefully it goes smoothly for you.
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They say the radiation is equal to what you get with 2 minutes in the air on a plane, so if you are flying the exposure is already there. I would take my kids through the scanner rather than have them touched by a stranger.
They can and will pat down a child under 12, but am not sure about one as young as 4. I have seen 7 and 8 year olds done though.
Not all airports have these new scanners so it may not be an issue at all. Children under 12 do not go thru the pat downs. Just make sure no one
has anything on that would set a metal detetor off. Sweat pants and
sweatshirts would work well.
This woman went through the "enhanced" security and had a horrifying experience. http://www.ourlittlechatterboxes.com/
Its really not a big deal. I flew by myself with my 2 yr old over the summer and had no problems whatsoever. The security personnel were very willing to help with getting the carseat, diaper bag and carry-on bag through the conveyer belt and at coaching my son through the detector. One of the security officers even helped with getting my son's shoes back on and getting my things together.
I really think they are more willing to help when you're traveling alone with a child than they would have been if it had been me, my husband and our son together.
I'm not sure what "hype" you're talking about L.. My worry for you is that you will have to put your baby down to do either. And obviously you will not be able to hold on to your 4 year old either. That alone would scare the heck out of me. Is there a smaller airport you can fly in and out from that maybe does not have that higher level of security?
Honestly, if this trip isn't absolutely necessary, if I were you, I wouldn't even go, not unless I had another adult with me so someone was always with the children. Take a train! Well, if possible, but you probably have a time frame you're working with.
I'm sorry, I have no advice, lol. God bless you, I hope you sail on through with no problems at all!
I went through a body scanner at the Atlanta airport back in August before there was all this frenzy in the media about it. I honestly didn't think anything of it. I remember it only taking about 30 seconds or so, it was very simple. There is a possibility that you won't have to go through the scanner since its a random selection. In my experience, it just depended on which security line you got into. I didn't know when choosing the line that any of them led to a body scanner. When we got closer to the front, then we saw signs that explained that our line would go through the scanner. From what I've read, the radiation level is minimal so that doesn't worry me. On the news, they said that you are exposed to more radiation just by flying in an airplane. Personally, I wouldn't cancel an entire trip because of this but that's just my opinion, you have to decide what seems right to you.
We went to San Diego at the end ofOct with my 2yr old and didnt have any trouble. DH went throught the scanner while DD and myself went through the regular metal detector. I did pick a line with a female agent and I think that put ME more at ease. Just remember the kids will only be upset if you are upset. Stay calm, roll with the punches, and make it a fun learning expirence for your kids.
My teenage daughter flew alone on Monday (11/22). After hearing all the hype, I asked her about security. She said there was no difference from what she's experienced before. It was a straight shot through the standard scanner. Few people were asked to go through the whole-body scan and she saw no one experiencing a pat down. As a college kid traveling alone via major airports using a one-way ticket, I would have expected her to be chosen for a "random" whole body scan, but not the case.
Sending good thoughts to you and your family. Enjoy your trip!
I also had this fear as I'm traveling with small kids in a week also. When i called my airline with my concerns they assured me that unless the first screening shows something odd or suspicious, you will not be sent to a second screening to be patted down or scanned. (so make sure if your traveling with botttle/formula/milk/juice/electronics, everything is out of ur bag for inspection as to not draw attention to urself) And as far as the children go, she said they have stopped patting down children under 12 and are currently trying to get that age raised. I also saw that on a news report when they interviewed the head of TSA I believe. Hope this eases your mind of traveling a little more. Good luck! (oh and I'm flying from MN to Denver, so DIA is where I got my info from)
I flew from O'hare last week. The procedures were the same as they were a year ago. I didn't have to go through the scanner.
Let us not forget why we have these scanners in place. To detect bombers/terrorists, people carrying weapons etc. We get so caught up on a media frenzy and we forget the reasons we have all this extra security. Next time you want to hesitate going through airport security say this date in your mind "sept 11th", that should be enough. I'd go through a body scan before a pat down, but am willing to do both if it insures me that me and mine will be safe on a plane!
I do have some concerns about the new security searches at the airport, and yes, we are seeing some of the worst offenses on the news. The problem is that the screening process and the TSA employees at each location or shift may vary. When my adult daughter and I flew two weeks ago, we were not subjected to a body search, but the alarm went off and we had to submit to getting the palms of our hands wiped with a special cloth. The cloth was then placed in a scanner - was negative and we were allowed to proceed. I asked what the screening was for and was told that it was for gunpowder or chemicals. We were randomly selected for additional screening- it seemed that the TSA agent made the decision on the spot of what additional screening we would have. One thing that does bother me is that they need to change their gloves between people if they are going to touch people. They may come into contact with body fluids, open wounds and should not be spreading this to the next person!
You need to watch the youtube clip below. A t.v. news reporter traveling with his 3-year-old daughter for a non-business trip had a horrible ordeal. He videotaped it (a very invasive pat down search on his girl) on his phone and did a really, really good follow up story on traveling with kids under the new guidelines. He explains how to know if your child has been "pre-selected" for a pat-down search. Apparently there is a code on some tickets..and he explains how to get out of it without penalties etc.
See: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vT30LWH8p4E&feature=re...
I often fly several times a month and as recently as last week. I passed through security in Houston, San Francisco, and Toronto, ON. People were passed through the "new" scanners at random...not every single person. To be quite honest, I noticed no real difference over the past few months. I was through Denver recently, but I think I was just making a connection so I didn't pass through security there...if you were going through Miami I might be a little concerned...lol.
In fact, in some ways I am noticing a relaxation. I travel with a CPAP which for months triggered an extra explosives swab...but I don't think they've done it for 3-4 trips in a row now.
Having been through more than 20 airports this year alone, I can tell you that the "customer service" varies widely from airport to airport and TSA agent to TSA agent. BUT I've never experienced anything but helpfulness and courtesy when travelling with my toddler.
As far as clothing, easy shoes are essential and I would suggest something a little more form-fitting and not baggy. It is big and baggy that will definitely earn you a pat down. Put the kids in close-fitting pajamas. If you use a carrier for the little one, pull him out and put the carrier through the x-ray to start with--otherwise you increase your chances for a pat-down. If your 5 year old has a lovey, try to keep it in the carry-on until you get through security--it has to be screened and you don't want him having a meltdown when you have to put it on the conveyor (I learned this the hard way...lol).
I think you can't believe everything you hear or see...it is often taken out of context. The radiation levels of the scanners is being debated, the aggressiveness of the patdown is being debated (though I had a pretty thorough one a few years back). I think you're worried, and that's understandable, but it will be a few minutes out of your whole trip...do you really want to miss out?
I would check out the TSA website:
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/pat_downs.shtm
http://www.tsa.gov/approach/tech/ait/safety.shtm
http://www.tsa.gov/approach/tech/ait/index.shtm
So you know what to expect. They SAY the body scan is equivalent of exposure to backscatter of 2 minutes flying time and less than a cell phone. Not sure I believe it, and I am pregnant and will be opting for the pat down in December for travel. They also say in the patdown procedures list that children will receive a "modified" pat down. I would call TSA if you want more details on modified -- it might be similar to the old style pat down that is not as invasive and did not amount to touching of buttocks, genitals and breasts as the new ones does or the inside waistband of baggy slacks.
I think I would probably just send my kids through the body scanner if necessary than risk the pat down. However, I am not sure how they handle the body scanner with a baby who cannot stand there and a mom traveling alone. Your only option might be the pat downs.
Best of luck!
