Expert: Roberto Gomes - 11/30/2004

Question
Hello, I will be travleing dec. 20 with my 18 month old son. Do i need to call the airline and let them know he will be in my lap or is this a standard rule everywhere? also, any ideas about getting thru security painlessly? last time here at seatac (seattle) it took two hours in mid july and i almost missed my flight. i know it will be horrible during christmas..and one more question..how much baggage may i bring? can i take a stoller and a backpack as carryon? hey thanks for your time!

Answer
Daar Jessie,

Yes, please call the airline and tell them about your son. It will avoid any problems during check-in.

Since I do not know your travel plans, take a look at
http://waittime.tsa.dhs.gov/stateResolver?state=WA&submit=SUBMIT

to check historical security checkpoint wait times for SEA airport.Of course these times may change due to weather and the proximity of the holidays. A good advice is to arrive at least 2,5 hours before departure just o play safe.

Also in order not to bore you with a long answer, the TSA site has everything you need to know about your concerns.
You can take a look at
http://www.tsa.gov/public/display?theme=175

Take a particular and close attention to the section Travelling with children.

As far as stroller and a backpack, you can carry-on them with you. A good idea is to check at the gate the stroller, because depending on the aircraft will be stressfull to store it. And it will be Xmas times and stress is something you won't need.

Have a safe and pleasant trip.

Best Regards and Happy Christmas.
R. Gomes