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about infants and toddlers
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Passport Required

Parents flying with children should be prepared for new passport requirements.  The United States is now requiring passport identification for travelers entering the country from Canada, Mexico and South American countries.  Gone are the days when a birth certificate was enough!  So next time you travel to one of the neighboring countries or take a cruise, be sure that you have a valid passport in hand.  If you need to apply for a passport, do not wait until the last minute.  It can take up to 8 weeks to receive a new passport.  Traveling families have many passports and documents to organize together.  Consider using a Family Passport & Document Case to make organizing your family's passports a little easier to manage during times when you need to quickly present your documentation. 

 

 


TSA Family Travel Tips

TIPS Before you reach the airport

  • Please allow yourself and your family extra time to get through security - especially when traveling with younger children.

  • Call your airline or travel agent for their recommended check-in times for your departure airport.

  • Talk to your children before you come to the airport and let them know that it's against the law to make threats such as, "I have a bomb in my bag."  Threats made jokingly (even by a child) can delay the entire family and could result in fines.


TIPS
At the airport

  • Speak to your children again about the screening process so that they will not be frightened or surprised. Remind them not to joke about threats such as bombs or explosives.

  • Tell your children that their bags (backpack, dolls, etc.) will be put in the X-ray machine and will come out at the other end and be returned to them.

  • Let your children know that a Security Officer may ask to see Mom or Dad's shoes, but that they will get these back as well.

  • You may want to consider asking for a private screening if you are traveling with more than one child.

A parent and a toddler passing through an airport security check point metal detector

(Courtesy of TSA)



Fly safely with your baby:  Listen to this public service announcement from the FAA
Live airport status updates:  Click for interactive U.S. map to select major U.S. airport
Access your favorite airline information: Click here to try our new Airlines Portal
 

Flying with Children Travel Tips

The mere prospect of boarding an airplane with an infant or toddler can seem somewhat terrifying for parents. This can be particularly the case if the parents did not travel routinely by airplane before having children.  Organization, patience and preparation are key when making airplane trips with small kids.

TSA Family Travel TipsInfant/Toddler SeatingFamilies Sitting Together
Lap ChildBusiness Class w/Lap ChildBassinets & Bulkhead Seats
Using Infant Car SeatsAirport LayoversTiming of Long Flights
Discipline 101Food and SnacksMiscellaneous Supplies

Whether flying to locations in the domestic U.S. like Walt Disney World in Orlando or traveling to far off exotic destinations on distant continents, many of the the difficulties are the same for traveling parents.

Airport Screening Process3-1-1 for Carry-onsFamily Facilities at Airports
Airport SafetyUsing Strollers / PushersTransporting Car Seats
Meals at AirportsPotty Time Before BoardingBoarding the Plane Early

We are dedicated to sharing tips and ideas from parents who have gained expertise by regularly traveling on airplanes with small children.  It is our goal to provide you with information that may help you better prepare for travel and have an easier time while in the air.

Location of Child SeatsCar Seat Benefits on BoardCar Seat Installation
Potty TrainingEar PainDehydration
Entertaining Kids on PlanesGetting Some RestGetting Extra Assistance

Even parents with lots of experience flying with small children can have problem situations from time to time.  Preparation is key to helping you reduce the frequency of those situations.  We want you to have knowledge and tools that will help maximize your chances of having positive experiences when traveling by plane with your tiny tots.

Browse around our topic areas and see what tips you can uncover.  In addition, if you already have experience traveling with infants or toddlers and you have new tips or information that could benefit other parents, feel free to send us your suggestions.  We are always looking for new travel ideas to share.

This site is a great place for you to start doing your homework in preparation for flying with kids.  Look around, get prepared and then board your flight with confidence.

Make Your Airplane Trip Better Using 3-1-1

When you are traveling with children, the last thing you need is trouble at airport security check points because of your carry-on bag contents, especially if you have an infant that nurses from bottles of formula or breast milk.

Because of efforts to ensure air travel security, you should expect that your carry-on bags will be inspected by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). 

 

Prepare yourself by following TSA guidelines with respect to liquids and gels.  Knowing the rules can help prevent problems at the airport and keep your travel moving along without a hitch.  You will not be asked to do anything that will separate you from your child or children.

Baby formula and breast milk are allowed in your carry-on baggage or personal items. You can take these through the security checkpoints and aboard your plane. However, you must be traveling with a baby or toddler.
All items including formula or breast milk will be inspected, however, you or your baby or toddler will not be asked to test or taste breast milk or formula.  Security Officers will not test or taste formula or breast milk.

video media iconView A Video
Bringing infant formula through a security check point.

Except for for prescription and over-the-counter medicines, baby formula and breast milk, and other essential liquids, gels, and aerosols, the following rules apply to all liquids, gels, and aerosols you want to carry through a security checkpoint.

The TSA has provided some guidelines in the form of the 3-1-1 for carry-ons:

3–1–1 for carry-ons = 3 ounce bottle or less; 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag; 1 bag per passenger placed in screening bin. One-quart bag per person limits the total liquid volume each traveler can bring. 3 oz. container size is a security measure.

3-1-1 for carry-on baggageAll liquids, gels and aerosols must be in three-ounce or smaller containers. Larger containers that are half-full or toothpaste tubes rolled up are not allowed. Each container must be three ounces or smaller.

3-1-1 for carry-on baggageAll liquids, gels and aerosols must be placed in a single, quart-size, zip-top, clear plastic bag. Gallon size bags or bags that are not zip-top such as fold-over sandwich bags are not allowed. Each traveler can use only one, quart-size, zip-top, clear plastic bag.

3-1-1 for carry-on baggageEach traveler must remove their quart-sized plastic, zip-top bag from their carry-on and place it in a bin or on the conveyor belt for X-ray screening. X-raying separately will allow TSA security officers to more easily examine the declared items.

Consolidate bottles into one bag and X-ray separately to speed screening.

Be prepared. Each time Transportation Security Administration (TSA) searches a carry-on it slows down the line. Practicing 3-1-1 will ensure a faster and easier checkpoint experience.

3-1-1 is for short trips. If in doubt, put your liquids in checked luggage.

Declare larger liquids. Prescription medications, baby formula and milk are allowed in quantities exceeding three ounces and are not required to be in the zip-top bag. Declare these items for inspection at the checkpoint.

Come early and be patient. Heavy travel volumes and the enhanced security process may mean longer lines at security checkpoints.

Courtesy of the TSA, Click here to print a 3-1-1 for carry-ons wallet-card

For additional information about carry-on bags and the 3-1-1 program, visit www.tsa.gov. 

Bon Voyage!!!

 
Search for additional information to help with your travel preparation:

 

 

Do you know anyone who just had a baby or who might benefit from tips about traveling by airplane with small children?  If so, help them prepare for their next family vacation by sharing the Flying Rugrats web site with them.  By doing so, you will be providing them with lots of family travel tips and advice that has been gathered from families who have faced the same challenges before them. 

Send your friends with newborn babies or small children an email to tell them about Flying Rugrats!



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Flying Rugrats
 Flying Kids Mission

As parents, we are responsible for molding our precious babies into well rounded adults who have an appreciation for the variety of opportunities that they have available to them as they grow and develop as individuals.  Exposing children to varying geographical locations and cultures around the world is an important teaching method that many parents have the option to use for developing generations of culturally aware future leaders who have childhood experiences that help them understand and personally relate to global issues.  It is the mission of Flying Rugrats to arm parents with information about flying with children, toddlers or infants strategies in an effort to dispel fear or apprehension about family travel so that families may travel freely and better educate our future world citizens through positive travel experiences. 

The Airport Screening Process when Traveling with Children

At the X-Ray

  • 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.

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

The Walk-Through Metal Detector

If your child can walk without your assistance, it is recommended 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 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.

  • A Security Officer may ask for your help screening your child.

Parents with children passing through an airport security check point

(Courtesy of the TSA)

 

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