TSA tips on traveling with small children through a security checkpoint at Philadelphia International Airport (2024)
A parent traveling with her toddler removes all liquids from outer pockets of a diaper bag and places them in a bid for ease of screening. (TSA photo)
PHILADELPHIA - Traveling through a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) security checkpoint with an infant, toddler or small child can go smoothly when travelers know what to expect and prepare in advance.
“If you’re traveling with your child, it helps to know what to expect before you get to the airport,” says Gerardo Spero, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Federal Security Director for the airport. “That’s why it’s valuable to become familiar with the security procedures for screening small children and the various paraphernalia that is needed for children during their trip. We have modified screening procedures for children who are 12-years-old and younger.”
Parents/guardians should remove infants and children from strollers and car seats and carry them in their arms through the walk-through metal detector.
Infants may be carried in a sling/carrier through the walk-through metal detector.
Children will not be separated from their parent/guardian.
Parents/guardians who are enrolled in TSA PreCheck® may bring their children with them through a TSA PreCheck® lane.
Children 12 and under can leave their shoes, light jackets and headwear on during screening.
Modified screening procedures are in place to reduce the likelihood of a pat-down on a child.
Children under age 18 do not need to present ID at the travel document checking podium.
Traveling with liquid formula, breast milk, toddler drinks and baby/toddler food
Formula, breast milk, toddler drinks, and baby/toddler food (to include puree pouches) in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters are allowed in carry-on baggage and do not need to fit within a quart-sized bag. These items are considered medically necessary liquids. This also applies to breast milk and formula cooling accessories, such as ice packs, freezer packs, and gel packs (regardless of presence of breast milk).
A child or infant does not need to be present or traveling with an adult for a traveler to bring breast milk, formula and/or related supplies onto their flight.
Parents/guardians should inform the TSA officer at the beginning of the screening process that they are carrying formula, breast milk, toddler drinks, and baby/toddler food (to include puree pouches) in excess of 3.4 ounces. These items should be removed from a carry-on bag to be screened separately from other belongings. It’s smart to pack all of these items together in one area of a carry-on bag so they are quickly divested. TSA officers may need to test liquids for explosives or any possible concealed prohibited items.
Although not required, to expedite the screening process, it is recommended that formula and breast milk be transported in clear, translucent bottles and not in plastic bags or pouches. Liquids in plastic bags or pouches may not be able to be screened by bottle liquid scanner technology units, you may be asked to open them (if feasible) for alternate screening such as explosive trace detection and vapor analysis for the presence of liquid explosives. Screening will never include placing anything into the medically necessary liquid.
Ice packs, freezer packs, frozen gel packs and other accessories required to cool formula, breast milk, toddler drinks, and baby/toddler–regardless of the presence of breast milk–are also allowed in carry-ons, along with liquid-filled teethers. If these items are partially frozen or slushy, they are subject to the same screening as described above.
Screening of children’s items
Parents/guardians should place all carry-on baggage such as children's toys, bags and blankets on the X-ray belt for screening.
Strollers, umbrella-strollers, baby carriers, car and booster seats as well as backpacks must also be screened by X-ray.
Parents/guardians should place items in the stroller pockets or baskets, in a carry-on bag or on the X-ray belt for screening.
Equipment that does not fit through the X-ray machine will undergo a visual/physical inspection by TSA officers.
Screening children with medical conditions, disabilities or mobility aids
Parents/guardians should inform the TSA officer if a child has a disability, medical condition or medical device, and advise the officer of the best way to relieve any concerns during the screening process.
Parents/guardians should tell the TSA officer if a child is able to walk through the metal detector or needs to be carried through the metal detector by the parent/guardian. Parents/guardians may carry their child to ease the screening process. The TSA officer will not remove a child from his/her mobility aid, wheelchair or scooter.
Request assistance. TSA Cares is a helpline to assist travelers with disabilities and medical conditions. Call TSA Cares 72 hours prior to traveling with questions about screening policies, procedures and what to expect at the security checkpoint. Parents/guardians may also call to request assistance at the checkpoint. Travelers requiring special accommodations or concerned about the security screening process at the airport may request assistance by contacting TSA Cares online at http://www.tsa.gov/contact-center/form/cares or by phone at (855) 787-2227 or federal relay 711.
Features for families at Philadelphia International Airport
Philadelphia International Airport supports mothers who are breast feeding and the airport has a variety of options for nursing a child or pumping breast milk in the airport. Four Mamava Suites are located post-security in Terminals A-West, between Terminals B and C, between Terminals D and E and Terminal F. Additionally, Minute Suites are located on the secure-side walkway between Terminals B and A-East. Traveling mothers also can take advantage of using one of the airport’s 42 companion care or family restrooms, which are equipped with electrical outlets and are located both pre-security and on the secure side of the TSA checkpoint throughout the airport, and PHL’s first built-in lactation suite in the B/C food court.
Additionally, the airport’s terminals are filled with exhibitions featuring the work of artists from across the Philadelphia region. In addition to viewing the art, families can take a break and play with the beanbag toss or relax in the Artport Lounge in Terminal F or read at the Give a Book/Take a Book library in Terminal A-West.
Children 12 and under can leave their shoes, light jackets and headwear on during screening. For AIT screening, light jackets must be removed and placed on the X-ray belt. Children will not be separated from their parent/guardian.
Children 12 and under can leave their shoes, light jackets and headwear on during screening. For AIT screening, light jackets must be removed and placed on the X-ray belt. Children will not be separated from their parent/guardian.
Children 12 and under may accompany an enrolled parent or guardian in the TSA PreCheck lanes without restriction. Children 13-17 must have the TSA PreCheck logo on their boarding pass.
Water for babies is allowed in reasonable quantities in carry-on bags. Remove this item from your carry-on bag to be screened separately from the rest of your belongings.
Typically, minors under the age of 18 do not have to present identification for domestic U.S. travel. Airlines will accept identification from the responsible adult on behalf of the minor(s). For international travel, minors under the age of 18 must present the same travel documents as the adult.
You can take through airport security any amount that is needed for your baby or toddler to eat or drink on a flight. Consider how long your flight is and how much your baby / toddler will really need and then add a bit extra in case of any delays!
Under age 12 kids can go through with parents that are pre-check. Age 12 or over they can't and have to get their own. Do seniors automatically get TSA pre-check? No - not at all.
With TSA PreCheck™, you can breeze through airport security. Best part, children 12 and under can accompany a parent or guardian who has TSA PreCheck™ on their boarding pass. Travelers 13 and older who do not have a TSA PreCheck™ boarding pass must go through standard security lanes or apply for TSA PreCheck™.
Firearms, ammunition, and fireworks are prohibited, as are all knives and safety razors (including pocket knives and Swiss Army knives). Straight razors and replacement blades for straight razors are also not allowed. Most tools also cannot be packed in carry-on luggage, as they have the potential to cause harm.
Yes, you may pack food in your carry-on or checked bag, but remember all food must undergo x-ray screening. Foods that are liquids, gels, or aerosols must comply with the 3-1-1 liquids rule. TSA officers make the final decision on whether certain items are permitted into the secured areas of the airport.
The 3.4 Ounces (100 mL) Rule: TSA's Liquid Restrictions
This may seem like an inconvenience, but it's a rule put in place to ensure air travel safety. So, if you're planning on bringing a water bottle on a plane, it must be empty when you pass through security.
This rule generally excludes bringing regular-sized cans or bottles of soda through security in your carry-on luggage. However, mini bottles or small containers of soda that are 3.4 ounces (100ml) or less can be placed in your quart-sized bag along with your other liquid items.
TSA officers aren't too keen on needing to conduct pat-downs either. Place your mobile phone inside your carry-on bag at the checkpoint. Don't put it in a bin where other people have placed their shoes. You don't want to put your phone in a bin and then hold it up to your face.
Place laptops and large electrical items separately in a tray. Put coins, keys, mobile phones and other small items in your coat or hand baggage. Place your hand baggage and coat into a tray. Place any liquid items (important: see 'Liquids - 100ml rule' above), correctly bagged, into the tray.
Parents need to fill out paperwork before their child boards. Usually, parents are given a pass that allows them to go through airport security and accompany their child to the gate. Children are sometimes given badges that state their unaccompanied minor status.
Navigating airport security can be daunting for families. Prepare your little ones by explaining the process in a simple, child-friendly manner. Pack all liquids in accessible, clear bags and remove them from your kids hard shell suitcase before you reach the security belt.
Gate Passes Allow You to Escort Your Loved One – If you are not traveling with your loved one and need to accompany them through the security checkpoint to the gate, obtain a gate pass from your airline ticket counter when you check them in and present it to the TSA security officer.
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A parent traveling with her toddler removes all liquids from outer pockets of a diaper bag and places them in a bid for ease of screening. (TSA photo) 
