AboutNatalia Ippolito Expertise As a former TSA Security Screener I've searched thousands of carry-on and check-in bags, as well as thousands of passengers! I can answer questions on; what and what not to pack, what and what not to say, how to prepare for security checkpoint, family and individual safety at the airport, what and what not to wear and ways to make traveling with kids, pets, and firearms smooth and easy! I have clear and valuable advice for clearing airport security for those with disabilities, service animals and other sensitive situations.
Experience I am a former TSA Airport Dual Function Security Screener and have devoted thousands of hours in front of x-ray monitors and screening passengers and luggage. I am author of, I MIGHT AS WELL BE NAKED: How to Survive Airport Screening With Your Clothes On! an invaluable reference guide with personal front-line stories and over 368 tips to help you save, time, money and reduce travel stress.
Publications I have been featured in more that 25 radio and tv interviews and have many articles posted throughout the internet, and I am the published author of, I MIGHT AS WELL BE NAKED: How to Survive Airport Screening With Your Clothes On! My articles can be read at http://www.airportbook.com/articles
Education/Credentials I have a degree in Television Production and Communications.
Awards and Honors I am also a screenwriter and co-wrote the award winning screenplays for LITTLE NAPALI WARRIORS and the documentary BAY AREA GHOSTS.
Question QUESTION: hi we are travelling for the first time with our 16 month old son from canada to the usa and i was wondering how to make things smoother through security with a young child, and what should and shouldn't be in a diaper bag??
ANSWER: Hi Hayley- Just remember that all your carry-on items will need to be x-rayed. This includes your son's toys, diaper bag, favorite blanket and so on.
Dress your son in slip-on shoes and pull-up pants with no metal on his clothes. That means no overalls. Overall are a big NO-NO. If you carry your child through the walk-through metal detector and you or he alarms, you will both go through secondary screening which means a hand-wand and a patdown. Big Delays and Stress!
Make sure you think about what you are wearing as well. There is a collapsible stroller that doubles as a carry-on bag at my website. I recommend using this when you travel.
Remember your 3-1-1 rule.
3 means- No more than 3 ounces of liquid, gels and creams in your carry-on, with the exception of breast milk. Only carry-on what you need for the flight, no more than that.
1 means 1 quart zip-top bag
The last 1 means- 1 bag per person.
When you reach the metal detector- remember to place all metal objects into your carry-on before walking through. This means, cell phones, keys, coins, thick metal objects, gum wrappers, foil medication and so on. Avoid using the little bowls. A lot of passengers forget to pick up their items when they use the bowl. Do not take off your wedding rings and do not place paper money in any bin. Keep your money in your pocket.
Wear pants if you can. Do not wear anything baggy. This increases the chance of being selected for secondary screening.
Print your boarding passes out at home. Usually the airlines will allow you to do this no more than 24hours ahead.
I have 369 tips in my book- i might as well be naked: how to survive airport screening with your clothes on. I cover traveling with children in it.
Last, be sure to help one another out. Stick together and know that everyone will have to take off their shoes. This means whoever is holding the baby, the other person helps out to avoid stress and hassle.
Happy and Safe Travels!
Natalia Ippolito
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QUESTION: thankyou for all your very helpful info, i do have another question,my son drinks a full 6 ounce bottle with formula, so are you saying that i will not be aloud to have any of that on the flight ex (formula & water), i know you said you can have 3 ounces, but that just won't do, what will security think of the can of formula in the diaper bag is that allowed on board?? thanks for gettin back to me.
Answer Hi Hayley,
TSA encourages you to travel with only as much formula, breast milk, or juice in your carry-on needed to reach your destination.
You will do this in 2 stages.
First, pack your regular 3-1-1 items in 1 quart zip-top bag. This quart plastic bag will be placed in a bin separately for x-ray.
Second, pack your formula in a separate plastic bag to keep it sterile. Because your formula and juice is over 3 ounces, you will hand over your bag that contains your son's formula and juice to a screener at the divesting table. It must be declared. He or she will inspect it.
For your son you are allowed to bring gel or liquid-filled teethers, canned, jarred, or processed baby food in your carry-on baggage and aboard your plane.
Water isn't allowed through security checkpoint, so buy water in the airport after going through security.
