The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) offers some basic travel tips that parents can consider when planning to travel with small children, infants or toddlers.

Consider the TSA advice for preparing children for the airport routines and begin coaching your children about the upcoming experiences well in advance of your trip.

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.
  

(Courtesy of TSA)

The FlyingRugrats.com
 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.