Jet With Kids

Some of us just have more stuff. Some just have more needs. And some do this so often that it is torture watching the time tick by as a “newbie” tries to figure it all out, potentially causing a missed flight for those passengers in the “rear view mirror”.

Airport security – oh the joy of turning the corner and seeing the line. Remove the shoes, belt, pocket change, cell phone, and laptop. For some frequent travelers, this is a science and done with lightning-fast accuracy. The computer is in a TSA friendly bag, the little stuff mentioned above is inside a bag, and not an issue. Flashing the Boarding pass on their phone screen, removing the shoes while walking briskly – this is the life of a true business traveler. Airport security is a blip in the process…. UNTIL…. the “newbie” stops to read all the signs, questions why they can’t bring their large bottle of hairspray on the plane or arguing with the agent that their water isn’t liquid – it’s only water! Yes, these things happen EVERY DAY.

TSA finally has had some compassion on those of us who could go through airport security with our eyes closed, walking backwards. Family Lanes will now be available at all US airports for those needing extra time with airport security. http://www.tsa.gov/press/releases/2008/1110.shtm Whether due to special needs (liquid medication, infant formula, etc.) or just needing extra time (moving slower due to age, illness, multi-tasking: folding the stroller, holding the baby and toddler’s hand while balancing on one foot removing shoes, at the same time showing empty sippy cup and infant formula).

AND thank you TSA – for finally having compassion on the newbie, the family traveler, and those with special needs.

I remember very clearly the near-tears feeling I had when I rounded the corner in London’s Heathrow airport to see the unbelievably long-no-end-in-sight security line. We had gotten up before dawn to catch a flight out of Vienna and were connecting through Heathrow. With a full day of overseas travel ahead of us, my irritable, overtired and NOT-going-to-wait-in line-for-long-without-complaining toddler was already squirming in the stroller.

I cannot tell you the absolute relief I felt when an airport security “angel” pulled us out of the LONG line into the family lane. No longer worried about the business traveler on his phone call in front of us – my son was now surrounded with other families who understood and actually interacted with him. *This was 2 years ago. When I asked TSA here about family lanes, they stated it was not a possibility.

Thank you TSA – for finally understanding, acknowledging, and encouraging travelers to face airport security in lines according to their needs. The Family Lane is a BIG step toward happiness on planes -the mutual respect between the business, family, and special needs traveler must begin the moment we all come together for the same purpose – air transport.