If you are looking to send your child on a flight unaccompanied by an adult, note that the FAA does not regulate, and is not responsible for, unaccompanied minors. You must first consult the airline on which your child will fly to find out about specific rules and regulations regarding unaccompanied travel for minors.
Something else to consider before flying with an infant or toddler is carry-on liquids and medications. According to the TSA, "all liquids, gels, and aerosols must be in 3.4 ounce (100ml) or smaller containers" and in one, quart-size plastic bag. Therefore, you should only carry on liquids and medications needed for your child's "immediate comfort." Liquids in larger quantities should be stowed in your checked luggage for future use.
Everyone who is traveling must be screened, regardless of age or gender. The TSA assures passengers that all of its security officers are specially trained to deal with the concerns of parents or guardians flying with children. Airport security personnel will never separate a parent or guardian from a child during the screening process. All infant carriers need to be screened, just like all other carry-on luggage, but adults should remove babies from infant carriers before placing the carriers on the X-ray belt. All child-related equipment must be folded or collapsed and screened. When walking through the metal detector, let your child walk through alone, if possible. If your child is too small, remove her from her carrier and carry her through the metal detector.
According to the FAA, many airlines now offer discounted fares for children under the age of 2. Some child fares are up to 50 percent off a normal ticket price, but different airlines have different age restrictions, so double-check with your airline before booking to find out about discounted fares for your child. The FAA also recommends reserving adjoining seats for you and your child. Other tips include asking your airline for help with a connecting flight, as navigating a busy airport can be challenging, especially with a child. Also, be sure to pack a bag of toys and snacks to keep your child busy during the flight.
As of 2006, the FAA approved a new type of child safety device called CARES (Child Aviation Restraint System) for children on commercial flights. CARES is to be used as an alternative to hard-backed safety chairs. According to the FAA website, CARES "uses an additional belt and shoulder harness that goes around the seat back and attaches to the passenger lap belt to provide restraint for the upper part of the body." Ideally, the device is to be used on children weighing 22 to 44 pounds.
According to the TSA, there are a number of things parents or guardians should do differently when traveling with a child who has a disability or medical condition. During the screening process, be sure to inform the security officers if your child has special needs or will become upset by the screening process. A parent or guardian should also feel comfortable asking the security officers for assistance with putting items onto the X-ray belt. You should never be separated from your child by a security officer, or asked to remove your child from any kind of mobility aid. Security officers are not permitted to remove your child. If your child cannot stand or walk, a security officer may conduct a "pat-down" search of your child while he remains in his wheelchair or other mobility aid.
The safest place for your child during turbulence or an air emergency is in a CRS rather than on a parent's lap. A CRS (Child Restraint System) should always be placed in a window seat, so reserve the window seat for your child. In order to bring a CRS on board with you, it must be government approved and have the words "this restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft" printed somewhere on the outside of it. The FAA argues, however, that unlike many other hard-backed safety seats approved for cars or other land vehicles, CARES is designed for use in airplanes only, and is therefore the most suitable kind of CRS for flying purposes.
