Airport Security – practice it first….
Traveling with a child through a busy airport, with all your possessions can be a lot to juggle, even with kids who have traveled before. So is there a way of making family travel less complicated without involving too many experts such as luxury travel experts? I am hoping that the information I am about to share on single parent travel will help you avoid a headache often experienced with airport security and procedures.
My child was younger when we last traveled. We had fewer possessions with us and also fewer valuables.
So I got to thinking – the time when things can possibly go wrong could well be at Airport Security. So time to get it right before the big event.
Grab yourselves a couple of backpacks and stuff them so they have a bit of weight with clothes and books etc, and a couple of cereal boxes that act like laptops.
Visit the airport one middle of the day when it is less busy if this is possible. Make it a bit of an adventure.
Ask the Security if they can test your ID bracelets before you walk through, as they can be hard for a child to unclip.
Try to put jackets and any other loose items in your backpacks (after you have spoken to security) and worked out what might set off the beeps.
Speak to the security staff and tell them what you are doing. Speak to your child or children, and have a plan in place.
Count how many things in total go through: i.e. 2 bags, 2 laptops, and a tray of personal effects.
Note: In some countries, You might be forced to take off your jewelry to walk through the screens. So what are you going to do with your jewelry when you travel? Plan ahead.
I suggest your child goes ahead of you so they remain in your view, once they have stripped off anything metal.
Have the child stand next to your laptops (boxes) and backpacks and be the guard as you come after.
I remember being detained last time. If this occurs ask a security to stand with your child and possessions.
I personally know someone whose designer belt and shoes, were donned by the man ahead, and he was left with the daggy ones. Security never found the man. The chap I knew was off to a job interview. In other words, your items are never safe; so guard them.
Reward your child with a trip on the travelator, or a milkshake; make it a fun outing and watch some planes, then head home.
- What went wrong?
- Could your child manage his own bag?
- Do you ever get tense when traveling with your child?
- Have you ever lost any valuable item?
- What tricks do you use to ensure you keep your child and belongings safe while undergoing a security check?
- Please share your opinions with us.
