Traveling by air with kids can be a bit of a juggling act, especially when you hit the security checkpoint. It’s like a mini-adventure where you’re the tour guide, only you’re balancing passports, toys, snacks, and trying to keep the little ones entertained. The chaos can be real, but the right strategies can make the process much smoother.
1. Prepare Your Kids (and Yourself) Ahead of Time
One aspect to anticipate is that kids may feel overwhelmed by the unfamiliar surroundings and procedures. Explaining to them beforehand what’s going to happen makes a huge difference and may help ease some anxiety.
- Talk About What’s Coming: Before the trip, I always tell my kids about what will happen at the airport—from checking in to getting on the plane. It’s amazing how much more relaxed they are when they’re prepared.
- Let Them Help Pack: I let my kids pack their own small backpacks with toys, books, and snacks. It’s a great way to keep them involved and excited about the journey. Plus, it keeps them occupied during waiting times.
2. Arrive Early
Airports are a whirlwind of activity, and with kids, you don’t want to feel rushed. I always aim to arrive an hour earlier than boarding time, This gives us plenty of time to check in, grab snacks, and hit the bathroom.
3. Utilize Family-Friendly Services
Many airports offer services to make traveling with kids easier, and I’ve learned to take full advantage of them.
- Priority Boarding: We’ve also used early boarding with the kids. I highly recommend it—it gives you extra time to get settled on the plane and helps avoid that last-minute rush.
- Airport Play Areas: If you have a little extra time, find an airport play area. My kids love to burn off energy before boarding, and it helps prevent meltdowns once we’re stuck on the plane.
4. What to Expect at Security: TSA PreCheck, CLEAR, Global Entry, and Regular Security
Going through security is often the most stressful part of airport travel, especially with kids. But with a little preparation and the right tools, it can be much smoother. There are several programs and options designed to make the process faster and more efficient, especially for frequent travelers. To get started with these programs, you’ll need to meet certain criteria and fill out an application. They might require some time and maybe a fee, but in many cases, it’s worth the investment for stress-free travel. Check online to find the application process for each program and see which suit your family best.
Here are the main security options:
TSA PreCheck
- What It Is: TSA PreCheck is a trusted traveler program that lets you go through expedited security lines. With TSA PreCheck, you don’t need to remove your shoes, belt, or light jacket, and you can keep your laptop and liquids in your carry-on. It’s available at most U.S. airports.
- What You Need to Know: If you have TSA PreCheck, your kids 12 and under can travel with you through the PreCheck lane. Children ages of 13 and 17 must be on the same airline reservation with a TSA PreCheck-eligible parent or guardian. Having TSA precheck makes the entire process quicker and much less stressful, especially when you’re juggling kids and bags.
CLEAR
- What It Is: CLEAR is a separate program that allows you to skip the regular security line and go straight to the screening area. You can verify your identity using your fingerprint or eye scan, which speeds up the process.
- What You Need to Know: CLEAR is not available at every airport, but it’s a great option if you’re traveling through a major hub. You’ll still need to go through the security screening, but CLEAR allows you to bypass the regular line, cutting down wait times significantly. It’s a fantastic option when traveling with kids to avoid the stress of long lines.
Global Entry
- What It Is: Global Entry is a program designed for international travelers. It allows you to bypass the long customs lines when entering the U.S. and is available for both adults and children.
- What You Need to Know: If you already have Global Entry, you can use the same benefits for TSA PreCheck at domestic airports. The Global Entry program is an excellent option for families who frequently travel internationally, as it expedites the entry process and eliminates long waits at customs.
Regular Security (Without PreCheck, CLEAR, or Global Entry)
- What to Expect: If you don’t have TSA PreCheck, CLEAR, or Global Entry, you’ll go through regular security. This means you and your kids will need to remove shoes, belts, jackets, and any electronics from your bags. Liquids will need to be in 3.4 oz containers and placed in a clear plastic bag. You’ll also need to place all your items in bins and send them through the x-ray machine.
- Tips for Regular Security:
- Prepare Ahead: Make sure your kids understand they’ll need to take off their shoes and jackets. You can make this part of the fun, helping them feel more like “big kids” and less anxious about the process.
- Stay Calm: Security lines can be long, but staying calm and patient helps keep your kids at ease. Remind them that the process is quick and we’ll be through it in no time.
Which Option is Best for You?
- Frequent Domestic Travelers: TSA PreCheck is probably the most beneficial if you only travel domestically.
- Frequent International Travelers: Global Entry is a fantastic option as it includes TSA PreCheck and expedited U.S. customs screening.
- Travelers Crossing U.S.-Canada or U.S.-Mexico Borders: NEXUS or SENTRI are the best options, depending on your primary travel routes.
5. Pack Smart for the Airport
Over the years, I’ve perfected the art of packing light and smart. With kids, it’s all about having easy access to what you need.
- Essentials in Easy Reach: I always keep diapers, wipes, snacks, and a change of clothes in an easily accessible spot. A small, organized bag within my carry-on makes it simple to grab what we need without digging through everything.
- Snacks and Entertainment: I pack plenty of snacks to keep everyone fed, and I also load up the tablet with shows, games, or movies. You never know when you’ll be stuck in a long line or waiting for your flight, so having entertainment on hand is crucial.
- Comfort Items: I always make sure to bring a blanket, a favorite stuffed animal, or something familiar to keep the kids comfortable during the flight. This can help them settle down, especially on longer journeys.
6. Let the Kids Help and Stay Involved
One thing I’ve learned from traveling with my kids is that giving them small responsibilities goes a long way. I’ll have my older kids help with finding our gate, carrying their own bags, or making small decisions like choosing a snack. This helps them feel more involved and less bored.
7. Prepare for the Flight: Comfort and Entertainment
Once we’re through security and heading to the gate, the fun really begins. But I’ve found that being prepared can make the flight much more enjoyable.
- Comfort Items: I always bring familiar items like blankets or stuffed animals to make the kids feel cozy. This is especially important if they need to sleep during the flight.
- Ear Protection: For younger kids, noise-canceling headphones can help with the loud sounds on the plane. I also make sure to have plenty of activities—coloring books, tablets, or small toys to keep them entertained.
Final Thoughts
Traveling with kids can definitely be a challenge, but it’s also an adventure. With a little preparation, patience, and the right tools (like TSA PreCheck, CLEAR, Global Entry, and understanding the regular security process), navigating airports can be much less stressful. I’ve learned that staying organized, keeping my kids involved, and staying calm through the inevitable hiccups makes all the difference. With these tips, I’m confident your next airport experience with your kids will be smoother and more enjoyable. Safe travels!
