Flying internationally with Kids - How To make It Easy For You
Every year, a large number of American families make the decision to take a family vacation. Is your family planning to become one of those families? If so, do you know where you want to go? Although there is a good chance that you want to stay in the United States, there is also a good chance that you want to travel to a foreign country. Not only could it be a fun and exciting vacation, it could also be a learning experience for your children.
Once you and your family have decided that a visit to a foreign country is the way you want to spend your next family vacation, you will need to start planning the trip. Typically this includes choosing a final vacation destination, airline booking, and overnight hotel accommodations. After these travel arrangements have been made, you will need to wait for the “big day” to arrive. However, once that day arrives, it is important to remember that you are traveling with children. For that reason, additional accommodations may need to be made.
determine what these accommodations are before your flight is scheduled to take off
Perhaps it is best if you determine what these accommodations are before your flight is scheduled to take off. In fact, it is recommended that you start preparing for your trip in advance, especially if you are traveling with children. This is because, when it comes to international flights, the preparation, even for children, is different from that of domestic flights. You will see that, in most cases, the guidelines and procedures change. For starters, the proof of identification they will need changes dramatically.
underage children travel on domestic flights
When underage children travel on domestic flights, they do not need to show identification, if they are traveling with a parent or guardian. Often proof of parental identification is sufficient; however, it is not sufficient on international flights. Depending on where you are traveling, you will find that your child may need a passport. If your child does not yet have a passport, you will need to obtain one. This process can take a few days or even a few weeks. When organizing your child's passport, it is also recommended that you make sure yours is valid as well.
In addition to having the proper forms of identification, for international flights, you will also find that your child or children must go through the same security check as everyone else. This means that your carry-on baggage, as well as your checked baggage, will be thoroughly examined. This exam may include an x-ray test or a manual check. If a problem arises, they will likely be pushed aside, just like any other passenger. The only difference is that you should be able to accompany them, as long as this happens.
screening for kids in international airports
At international airports, passenger screening is as important as baggage screening. For that reason, your child, regardless of age, will also need to be tested. This mainly involves taking off your shoes and walking through a metal detector. In the event the alarm goes off, your child is likely to undergo additional tests. However, it is important to note that this additional control is required and is the same that all other passengers will go through, if necessary.
The situations mentioned above are just a few of the many you will have to prepare for if you are traveling internationally with a child. The rules, restrictions, and guidelines that you must follow tend to vary from one international airport to another, as well as from airlines. Although many of these rules are the same, there are some differences. All international airports have the ability to add their own air travel rules, if they wish. For that reason, it is recommended that you contact the international airline you will be flying with or the international airport from which you are departing directly for additional information.
