BABY TRAVEL GUIDE

Important New Information Concerning Traveling With Children

INFORMATION FROM THE TRANSPORTATION SECURITY ADMINISTRATION

UPDATED JUNE 18, 2007

Due to enhanced security measures most liquids, gels, lotions and other items of similar consistency will not be permitted in carry-on baggage. These types of items must be packed in your checked baggage.

However, baby formula, breast milk, juice and baby food if a baby or small child is traveling is allowed.

Travelers may now carry through security checkpoints travel-size toiletries (3 ounces or less) that fit comfortably in ONE, QUART-SIZE, clear plastic, zip-top bag.

After clearing security, travelers can now bring beverages and other items purchased in the secure boarding area on-board aircraft.

At the checkpoint travelers will be asked to remove the zip-top bag of liquids and place it in a bin or on the conveyor belt. X-raying separately will allow TSA security officers to more easily examine the declared items.

We have to screen everyone, regardless of age (even babies), before they can go through the security checkpoint.

We will not ask you to do anything that will separate you from your child or children .

We specially train our Security Officers and they understand your concern for your children.  They will approach your children gently and treat them with respect.  If your child becomes uncomfortable or upset, security officers will consult you about the best way to relieve your child's concern.

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

The Screening Process

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.

The Walk-Through Metal Detector

If your child can walk without your assistance, we recommend 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, our Security Officer will have to additionally screen both you and your child.

• Remove babies and children from their strollers or infant carriers so that our 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 our Security Officer to hold.
• Our Security Officer may ask for your help screening your child.

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 their 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.

Baby Formula, Breast Milk, Juice, and Other Liquids

Baby formula, breast milk, and juice 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. If you're not traveling with a baby or toddler, any formula, breast milk, or juice you're carrying must meet the requirements for carrying liquids, gels and aerosols (3-1-1).

All items including formula, breast milk, and juice will be inspected, however, you or your baby or toddler will not be asked to test or taste breast milk, formula, or juice. Our Security Officers will not test or taste formula, breast milk, or juice.

Except for for prescription and over-the-counter medicines, baby formula, breast milk, juice, 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.

3 - All 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.

1 - All 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.

1 - Each 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.

Make sure you understand what you can and cannot bring aboard your flight.

You should only carry on the liquids and gels needed for you and your child's immediate comfort. You should pack larger volumes needed for your trip in your checked bag.

Always check with your airline or check www.tsa.gov before you travel because the rules can and do change constantly. 

See also:

List of Quick Tips To Make Air Travel With Small Children Easier During The Liquid Ban

Traveling With A Baby During The Liquid Ban Security Procedures

Traveling With Formula, Breast Milk, And Baby Food

The TSA's List of Prohibited Items - August 14, 2006

Copyright © June 18, 2007 TSA.com & Babies Travel Lite. All rights reserved.

Babies Travel Lite does not guarantee the accuracy of the information contained herein. Please visit tsa.gov to verify that the information is still current.

Traveling with small children can be exciting and rewarding, but it is also challenging and tiring. Our goal at Babies Travel Lite is to make traveling with small children easier and more enjoyable. By delivering the changing, feeding, and bathing supplies you will need while away from home, to your travel destination, we lessen your load. However, we know that there are many other aspects of traveling that can be demanding or difficult. We maintain this travel guide as a special service to our customers with the hope that the information, tips, and suggestions that we share with you will enhance your travel experience.