"How do I keep track of everything in the TSA screening line and make sure my son stays close by? And worst case, I certainly don't want to be on the TSA security checkpoint line realizing the identification I need for my son is at home in the file cabinet."
License: check. Boarding passes: check. Earbuds: check. iPad: check. Social story: check. One carry-on per person that fits under the seat: of course.
With all the airline traveling we've done as a family, we knew exactly what we needed for our flight to see Grandpa and Grandma for the Holidays.
Even though airline travel with a special needs child is tricky, we've managed to breeze through security checkpoints, crowded planes, and baggage claims.
There's a lot to juggle at an airport, but when our son was younger (and much smaller) we had skilled arms that could steer us in the right direction without hassle. TSA never questioned that our child belonged to us and with us. Easy-peasy.
Fast-forward to now, however. Our child is a teen who is taller than his mom. He has a fuzzy upper lip and chin and a man's size 10 shoe. He doesn't hold hands like he used to. His OCD gives him a desire to shut every door in sight.
And because of his special needs, he does not have a driver's license to use as an I.D. , and we're still working on getting him his State I.D. Card (it's on "The List")
If TSA were to ask my son his name, he could not verbally respond. He may not even look the agent in the eye, which in this day and age could be misconstrued as suspicious behavior.
Our breezy airport experience just got turbulent.
The school-issued bus pass isn't adequate identification at an airport. The outdated photo doesn't even look like him. What to do?
Having paper copies of his birth certificate, diagnostic reports, conservatorship papers, etc. is essential - right?
Do I want to be hindered by remembering where I put those copies each time I need them?
What if they become worn, faded, illegible, coffee-stained?
How do I keep track of everything in the TSA screening line and make sure my son stays close by?
And worst case, I certainly don't want to be on the security checkpoint line realizing the identification I need for my son is at home in the file cabinet.
Here's Where Vest Comes to the Rescue!
With Vest, I just take all of my son's important documents, scan or take a picture of them, and simply upload everything to our Vest App, in just a few minutes.
Now, I will always have every piece of proof I need for a trouble-free TSA checkpoint and boarding procedure. Always available, at my fingertips, from my phone, tablet and pc!
Vest is our amazing travel companion that puts the control where I need it: at the touch of a button in my hands. All paperwork accessible, retrievable, easy to read. AND NEVER LOST!
Just a finger's touch and I can lift my phone for the TSA agent to check mys son's identity and verify I have parental rights.
With Vest, this Holiday season we'll be flying through TSA security like super heroes!
Thanks for reading :)
Keri H. - Chief Blogger, Vest
P.S.: I'd love to hear from you - drop me a line in Comments below!
About the Author:
Keri Horon is a special needs parent and a veteran high school English and journalism teacher turned writer. She enjoys reading, hiking, gardening, cooking, traveling, wine tasting, and practicing yoga. She has a passion for educating people on all things autism. Keri works as Vest's Chief Blogger and Digitial Media Manager.
