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Each Airline has different guidelines. The information below was obtained from personal experiences by members of LHAECPTA then collected to help other families. Below are helpful links about TSA procedures and information from commonly traveled airlines:

 

 

CHILD IDENTIFICATION, Security check, and boarding

A child younger than 2 years of age is considered a lap child and does not need a separate purchased ticket (unless sitting in a car seat - see EQUIPMENT below). A lap ticket will be provided to you at the airline's check-in counter. If you are traveling with a lap child you must have proof the child is younger than 2 years of age. The most common acceptable form of identification is a birth certificate. If your time frame restricts you from locating and/or obtaining a birth certificate, a shot record is also acceptable. Each airline is different so call to confirm.

 

A child older than 2 years of age will need a purchased ticket but will not need identification with parent/guardian. Check with the airline for confirmation.

 

Children traveling with parent/guardian who has TSA Pre-check will also have the same privileges. Every family member must have Global Entry (even children) to use the Global Entry lane. Children 12 and under can leave on their shoes, light jackets, and headwear. Children will not be separated from parent/guardian. Strollers and car seats will need to be placed on the X-ray belt for screening. Children will walk through the metal detector. Infants may be carried (in arms or sling) through a metal detector.

 

If an airline does not have assigned seats (Southwest Airlines) they will have a family boarding group. Southwest will board families with small children between the A and B groups. This is to ensure families will be able to find seats together. Children are not allowed to sit in emergency exit rows.

 

 

 

THE eQUIPMENT

Car seats and strollers are not counted as standard baggage and can be checked for free when traveling on any U.S. airline with a child. For your convenience, these items may be checked at the curbside, the ticket counter or at the gate. Some stroller sizes are too large to be checked at the gate. Umbrella strollers are always best (small and light). Check with the airline if you wish to bring a jogging stroller. 

 

Not all car seats are FAA approved. Check with airline if you wish to use a car seat for your child during the flight. 

  

Pack-n-Play guidelines vary per airline. Most airlines will count them against your checked baggage allowance or will cost a checked bag fee.

 

Equipment can also be rented at your destination (if services are provided). 

 

The above information is for travel within the U.S. Check if same rules apply for international travel. Example - CAA (Civil Airline Association - in the UK) 

BREASTMILK

 

Breast milk is allowed in carry on bags and will be subjected to special inspection. It is not recommended to keep breast milk in a checked bag in case that bag becomes lost and therefore potentially ruining the breast milk. TSA rules allow you to bring breastmilk with or without your baby. Here are a few tips recommended by our members:

 

1. Inform the TSA agent of the breast milk

2. Request that they do not open the container (if not frozen) due to it being a sterile medical necessity.

3. Ask the TSA agent to change their gloves before touching

4. Packaging breast milk in 3oz or less eliminates the need for special inspection

5. Frozen breast milk is much easier to transport. 

6. To keep breast milk cold - blue ice packets must be completely frozen. Ice can also be used in a plastic bag but must be dumped before proceeding to the security check. Refill any ice packets at a restaurant inside the airport. 

 

Several airports have pumping pods. Click here to see if the airports you are traveling to offer pumping pods. Download the app for more instructions. 

 

Breast milk can also be shipped home by special shipping services

 

TSA rules are invalid at airports outside the US. The security checks at airports in other countries could differ but should largely be the same. Check with the visiting security administration for their procedures. Other tips are to follow the above guidelines. If your baby is not with you while traveling, explain to the agent that your baby is in the US and is very young. The breastmilk is a medical necessity that is needed once you arrive. It also helps if you can explain or say a few key words in the language of the country you are visiting. 

TRAVEL ENTERTAINMENT 

 
  • Coloring books and crayons
  • Magic Water Pen books
  • Sticker books or reusable stickers to place on window
  • Action Figures/Dolls or toy cars
  • Favorite or new stuffed animals
  • SNACKS - lots of snacks
  • Tissue Box- tear tissues out and place back in (please pick up after child and do not leave a mess)
  • Pipe Cleaners - make flowers, shapes, etc. Punch holes in paper and thread pipe cleaner through holes
  • Favorite Book
  • Favorite cartoon series or movie downloaded to tablet device

 

 

Packing List

 

  • Hand Sanitizer/wipes
  • Sippy Cups (recommend 2 per child- 1 for water the other for milk)
  • SNACKS- applesauce pouches, crackers, cookies, fruit snacks

 

FAQ

Q:  How will my child equalize his/her ears during the flight?

A:  Plan to feed baby a bottle during take off/landing. Bring pacifier during the flight. Offer drinks and snacks to encourage child to swallow. 

 

Q:  Where do I change my baby's diaper?

A:  There is a changing table in the laboratory on the plane.