New TSA Rules and Opt-Out choice for Children

Traveling during the holiday season is always nerve-racking, and the new TSA rules are tending to cause greater tension.  There is concern for the x-rays that the new scanning system emits are a health issue.  Our   ( http://www.luckylittletravelers.com/ )best recommendation is to check with your child's pediatrician for their opinion.  A quick call to the pediatrician's office can alleviate anxiety for parents, and help guide them in the best choice for their child.


If the recommendation from the pediatrician is to Opt-Out of the full body scan in favor of a pat-down, we suggest that the parent lead by example.  Ask the TSA agent if you can go first, so that your child can watch what happens.  Parents should be friendly and say hello to the agent, addressing the agent by name.  Ask your child to watch what is happening.  Then when it is your child's turn, be polite and friendly to the TSA agent.  It may help to calm your child if they can see that you are not alarmed by what is happening.  Your child should never be out of your sight during any screening procedure.  TSA agents are currently doing a modified pat-down on children.  Although, the modified pat-down is not currently described on their site.


It may also help your child if you describe before you get to the airport what is going to happen, so that it doesn't take them by surprise.  Explain to your child that you must be present in order for anyone to touch them.  Make it clear to your child that you will never allow anyone to hurt them, and no one will even try as long as you are present.

For more travel tips and information about traveling with children, please look at our new website:  http://www.luckylittletravelers.com/ .  We have printable packing list for children for both cold and warm weather vacations, packing list for in-flight entertainment for children, and family orientated vacation destinations.  We are a new site that is currently building, so if you don't find what you are looking for, please check back.  We are improving.

New TSA Rules for Children Traveling During the Holidays

Traveling during the holidays can be a difficult under normal conditions, but this year it is an even tougher decision for parents.  The new TSA security measure of full-body scanners involving x-rays or enhanced pat-downs are taking away from the joy of the season.  Either way, it is not an easy choice for parents.  Many pediatricians don’t approve of the x-ray exposure to young children.  Our best advice (http://www.luckylittletravelers.com/ ) is to check with your children's pediatrician, before you book your tickets, for their recommendation on how you should handle the new TSA methods.  The good that comes from the TSA’s new rules is the assurance that everyone onboard your plane is there with the same intention as you, to reach their destination without harm.

As you are emptying your pockets make sure to empty your children's pockets as well.  Check your children’s pockets for items that may generate problems.  I have seen many parents empty their own pockets and completely forget about checking their children.
Take a look at our new website for other advice on traveling with children:  http://www.luckylittletravelers.com/   We have printable packing list for flight entertainment for children.  We also have packing list for children for both warm and cold weather vacations that can assist you with keeping your packing organized for a stress free vacation.

Lucky Little Travelers

I started a new website (http://www.luckylittletravelers.com/) dedicated to traveling with children, and fun activities that families can do together once they have reached their destinations.  We have printable packing list for cold weather, warm weather, flight entertainment, carry-on luggage, and checked luggage.   Packing for a vacation is one of the most exhausting and stressful parts of any vacation.  We think we can aid you with our comprehensive packing lists.  Please check our new website.