New Air Travel Restrictions
Posted: Fri Aug 11, 2006 2:00 am
If you are getting ready to go on a trip that involves flying with your children, it's particularly important for you to familiarize yourself with the new security measures that are being implemented at airports across America as a result of the terrorist attack that struck the United States on Sept. 11, 2001.
Prior to that date, experts here at drSpock.com already had provided some practical information on how to make your air travel with children go more smoothly in the article "Kids and Plane Travel: Practical Considerations." However, the new security precautions will provide even more challenges for parents. Careful planning can help you keep your children as comfortable as possible while you deal with the long lines, unpredictable delays, and countless other frustrations you are bound to encounter.
Allow extra time
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) suggests that you call your airline in advance to see how much time you should allow. Following the disaster, some airport officials are recommending that passengers arrive as much as four hours early until airport personnel have had a chance to get used to the new security systems.
Get a ride to the airport
Although many parents have become quite adroit at parking the car and juggling kids and baggage, the fact is that now you'll be facing other challenges once you reach the airport. Because of that, you might want to consider getting a ride from a friend or family member, or taking an airport shuttle or taxi that will drop you off.
Keep your identification handy
It's possible that you will need to present your identification several times before boarding. To keep your ID conveniently close at hand, consider using a special travel pouch that can be worn around the neck.
If you need help getting to the gate
Since people without tickets will no longer be allowed beyond the security checkpoint, you won't have the luxury of being able to enlist friends and relatives to help you shepherd your children and gear to the gate, nor will loved ones be able to meet you there when you arrive. The FAA suggests checking with your airline ahead of time about special provisions if you think you will need help or if you need to meet an unaccompanied minor.
Carry-on bags
I'm sure that you have heard by now that sharp objects like box cutters and knives of any size and any kind--even plastic ones--are being banned in passenger compartments on airplanes. Items that are being confiscated by security agents at checkpoints include such items as metal nail files, scissors, ice picks, corkscrews, and sports equipment such as baseball bats, hockey sticks, and golf clubs. These items may be transported in your checked luggage.
Some airlines also may issue new restrictions on the amount of carry-on luggage they permit (possibly even limiting it to wallets and purses), so it's a good idea to verify carry-on restrictions with your airline before packing to be sure you don't end up having to check in essential baby supplies at the last minute.
Luggage
Some airlines also may cut back the total number of bags they permit you to check. If you face severe baggage restrictions, you might want to wait and buy bulky baby supplies, such as diapers, after you arrive. Or, if you are visiting close friends or relatives, see if you can send them a list of supplies ahead of time so that they can have everything ready for you.
Snacks and entertainment
Be prepared for long waits by having plenty of snacks and small toys or books readily available to help occupy your child. Since people will most likely have to spend a lot longer in airports each time they fly from now on, it is quite possible that lines for food may get longer and you may not be able to quickly appease a hungry child unless you bring something yourself.
Your child's safety on board the plane
The new security measures do not affect safety guidelines for airplane seat restraints required for children at different ages. Please see our article "Keeping Your Child Safely Secured on an Airplane" for more information.
Armed security guards and canine patrols
The FAA has announced that there will be armed Federal Air Marshals on at least some flights, and more guards in airports. These people have been well trained in the use of firearms and specially trained for anti-hijacking missions. You may want to be prepared to deal with your child's questions and concerns if you encounter guards carrying weapons out in the open. Since most children in this country aren't used to seeing guns in public places, they are likely to be curious and/or afraid. The presence of armed personnel also makes it prudent that you have your child under control at all times and not let him interfere with the guards' duties.
FAA canine teams are likely to be a common sight in many airports and, naturally, children will be curious about them and may want to pet the dogs. You might want to tell your child something to the effect that the dog's job is to smell things and that you can't pet him while he is busy "working."
Wait until someone can travel with you
Many parents have successfully traveled alone with one or more children in the past, thanks to the ability to check luggage at the curb, use e-tickets to avoid standing in the ticket line, and have someone accompany them right to the gate to help them get everybody--and everything--on board. With implementation of the new restrictions, you might need to wait to travel until some other adult can come with you.
Explore other options
Because you undoubtedly will face new challenges traveling with children--and because you may have some lingering concerns about flying, despite the stringent precautions that are being implemented to ensure your safety--you may want to consider other options for now
Postpone your trip. Some families are opting to stay home for a while or are rescheduling their trips for a later date.
Invite others to visit you. Although many families have a tradition of bringing the new baby to visit grandparents or other relatives, this isn't the case with all families. Talk this issue over with your family and be realistic about who can travel more conveniently.
Consider other forms of transportation. You might want to think about using a different mode of transportation, such as your family car or the train, for your next trip. If you are like many Americans, you have never taken a family trip by rail, yet you and your family could find it to be a great adventure. Trains go to most locations in the U.S., and they allow you to sit back and relish the views of the countryside as you go. Also, because trains tend to be roomier than planes, your children can have a little more freedom.
More information
Individual airlines may impose even stricter security measures than those required by the FAA, so be sure to call your airline or check its website for its policies. You also can get more information on FAA guidelines on the FAA website at www.faa.gov.
Prior to that date, experts here at drSpock.com already had provided some practical information on how to make your air travel with children go more smoothly in the article "Kids and Plane Travel: Practical Considerations." However, the new security precautions will provide even more challenges for parents. Careful planning can help you keep your children as comfortable as possible while you deal with the long lines, unpredictable delays, and countless other frustrations you are bound to encounter.
Allow extra time
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) suggests that you call your airline in advance to see how much time you should allow. Following the disaster, some airport officials are recommending that passengers arrive as much as four hours early until airport personnel have had a chance to get used to the new security systems.
Get a ride to the airport
Although many parents have become quite adroit at parking the car and juggling kids and baggage, the fact is that now you'll be facing other challenges once you reach the airport. Because of that, you might want to consider getting a ride from a friend or family member, or taking an airport shuttle or taxi that will drop you off.
Keep your identification handy
It's possible that you will need to present your identification several times before boarding. To keep your ID conveniently close at hand, consider using a special travel pouch that can be worn around the neck.
If you need help getting to the gate
Since people without tickets will no longer be allowed beyond the security checkpoint, you won't have the luxury of being able to enlist friends and relatives to help you shepherd your children and gear to the gate, nor will loved ones be able to meet you there when you arrive. The FAA suggests checking with your airline ahead of time about special provisions if you think you will need help or if you need to meet an unaccompanied minor.
Carry-on bags
I'm sure that you have heard by now that sharp objects like box cutters and knives of any size and any kind--even plastic ones--are being banned in passenger compartments on airplanes. Items that are being confiscated by security agents at checkpoints include such items as metal nail files, scissors, ice picks, corkscrews, and sports equipment such as baseball bats, hockey sticks, and golf clubs. These items may be transported in your checked luggage.
Some airlines also may issue new restrictions on the amount of carry-on luggage they permit (possibly even limiting it to wallets and purses), so it's a good idea to verify carry-on restrictions with your airline before packing to be sure you don't end up having to check in essential baby supplies at the last minute.
Luggage
Some airlines also may cut back the total number of bags they permit you to check. If you face severe baggage restrictions, you might want to wait and buy bulky baby supplies, such as diapers, after you arrive. Or, if you are visiting close friends or relatives, see if you can send them a list of supplies ahead of time so that they can have everything ready for you.
Snacks and entertainment
Be prepared for long waits by having plenty of snacks and small toys or books readily available to help occupy your child. Since people will most likely have to spend a lot longer in airports each time they fly from now on, it is quite possible that lines for food may get longer and you may not be able to quickly appease a hungry child unless you bring something yourself.
Your child's safety on board the plane
The new security measures do not affect safety guidelines for airplane seat restraints required for children at different ages. Please see our article "Keeping Your Child Safely Secured on an Airplane" for more information.
Armed security guards and canine patrols
The FAA has announced that there will be armed Federal Air Marshals on at least some flights, and more guards in airports. These people have been well trained in the use of firearms and specially trained for anti-hijacking missions. You may want to be prepared to deal with your child's questions and concerns if you encounter guards carrying weapons out in the open. Since most children in this country aren't used to seeing guns in public places, they are likely to be curious and/or afraid. The presence of armed personnel also makes it prudent that you have your child under control at all times and not let him interfere with the guards' duties.
FAA canine teams are likely to be a common sight in many airports and, naturally, children will be curious about them and may want to pet the dogs. You might want to tell your child something to the effect that the dog's job is to smell things and that you can't pet him while he is busy "working."
Wait until someone can travel with you
Many parents have successfully traveled alone with one or more children in the past, thanks to the ability to check luggage at the curb, use e-tickets to avoid standing in the ticket line, and have someone accompany them right to the gate to help them get everybody--and everything--on board. With implementation of the new restrictions, you might need to wait to travel until some other adult can come with you.
Explore other options
Because you undoubtedly will face new challenges traveling with children--and because you may have some lingering concerns about flying, despite the stringent precautions that are being implemented to ensure your safety--you may want to consider other options for now
Postpone your trip. Some families are opting to stay home for a while or are rescheduling their trips for a later date.
Invite others to visit you. Although many families have a tradition of bringing the new baby to visit grandparents or other relatives, this isn't the case with all families. Talk this issue over with your family and be realistic about who can travel more conveniently.
Consider other forms of transportation. You might want to think about using a different mode of transportation, such as your family car or the train, for your next trip. If you are like many Americans, you have never taken a family trip by rail, yet you and your family could find it to be a great adventure. Trains go to most locations in the U.S., and they allow you to sit back and relish the views of the countryside as you go. Also, because trains tend to be roomier than planes, your children can have a little more freedom.
More information
Individual airlines may impose even stricter security measures than those required by the FAA, so be sure to call your airline or check its website for its policies. You also can get more information on FAA guidelines on the FAA website at www.faa.gov.