The most important thing I’ve learned about being a mom is to have a game plan (if you are reading this blog, you know this). This applies doubly when traveling via air, so let’s talk TSA. So necessary, and yet it can be so, so slow when you have a baby/toddler/small child and all their gear in tow. A few tips to keep in mind as you prepare to go through US airport security.
1. Get organized. I bring two bags through security. One is a diaper bag or tote, one is a small insulated cooler for foods/liquids. If I am really on my game, I make sure EVERYTHING liquidy/foody is in the cooler, so only one bag gets pulled aside for extra screening. Sometimes TSA still checks the diaper bag (those darn wet wipes get pulled out and checked half the time), but this can cut down some of your TSA time if you’re only having one bag pulled aside and not two.
2. Keep it clean. When my cooler is inevitably pulled aside and the TSA agent comes over to check it, I ALWAYS ask first thing if the TSA agent would please put on clean gloves. My request is generally along the lines of “Would you mind changing into clean gloves? It’s cold and flu season, and those are his bottles” and keep it polite. Most agents have been super pleasant about it, to my surprise (and happiness). In a COVID-world, I would think they would be even happier to oblige!
3. Remember what you can bring. (Or do a quick search on the TSA website to refresh your memory.) TSA has a specific site here for kids. TSA rules provide that for babies and toddlers, you can bring liquids and foods over 3.4 ounces. We’re out of the breast milk/formula stage, so my liquids these days are milk and I typically have two bottles of 6-8 ounces of milk in the cooler. I also generally bring two ice gel packs (frozen), at least one container of yogurt, and one or two refrigerated fruits or veggies in the cooler. In all our trips, I have always been pulled aside, the cooler has always been checked, and I have never once been told I cannot have any of these items.
4. Stay patient. Build in a bit of extra time, as sometimes the TSA agents are all busy and can’t get to you right away. It’s easier to be patient if you aren’t about to miss your flight!
5. Remember to Enroll in TSA PreCheck or Global Entry. It pays to have TSA PreCheck, at least for yourself. Children under 12 may accompany adults in the PreCheck line. I generally opt for the full Global Entry, which includes PreCheck. It’s good for 5 years, so if you plan to travel internationally at least 1-2 times in 5 years, it’s worth your time to do and is $100 (PreCheck is $85, also good for 5 years).
What are your best TSA tips?