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Stuffed animals are among the most often found things in young children’s carry-on luggage that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has begun seizing. That’s correct—hundreds of those innocuous toys that soothe our kids and keep them safe from nightmares have found their way into TSA officers’ garbage cans at airports.
Additionally, they are often innocuous. Do you realize the devastation a child can experience when they witness their best friend being destroyed in front of them? The TSA has begun inspecting all of these stuffed animals from top to bottom, even cutting them open in front of kids. to actually discover what’s inside these plush creatures, as though they didn’t have access to cutting-edge scanners to do so
TSA vs. Stuffed animals
It all began when Petey, the child’s favorite stuffed animal, was traveling with a family whose six-year-old son also has autism spectrum condition. His best companion and favorite toy was Petey. However, the TSA ruled that Petey was not permitted to accompany the family on their trip.
A recent incident at a U.S. airport is the source of it all. A family attempted to take their son on a flight with his favorite stuffed animal, a plush dog, which helped him relax. At the security checkpoint, suspicions were aroused when they found that the plush animal was filled with glass beads to make it heavier.
Designed as sensory toys, these so-called weighted stuffed animals may include lead, osmium, or metal balls to help toddlers relax when they hug them. However, if the content of these items is difficult to verify, they are deemed harmful.
However, be aware that although they are permitted, the agent has the last say over whether or not to confiscate them based on what the scanner finds. Consequently, Petey remained on the ground, and the child
Testimonials from frustrated parents
Of course, they are not alone in this; TikTok has rapidly become crowded with parents who have experienced similar things. These parents are aware that it is crucial for their children with autism or anxiety to have their stuffed animals with them on flights, especially lengthy ones.
On social media, a mother described how her six-year-old son was horrified to see his plush animal taken away. Other customers mentioned instances in which they even used blades to open the plush animals in order to see their insides.
Similar circumstances are described in over a thousand comments. Many weren’t as fortunate, although some were able to pass the checkpoint after describing the contents of the toy. Hundreds of parents have rethought what to pack in their carry-on bags as a result of the experience.
What does the TSA officially say?
A TSA representative admitted that there isn’t a clear protocol on this when questioned directly. In the event of uncertainty, it was suggested that these toys be checked as luggage. In this manner, they won’t be opened or seized and won’t cause scanner warnings.
Even still, a lot of parents believe that this is not a workable approach. Many children use these stuffed animals as part of their emotional support techniques when traveling long distances because they typically have a very high emotional value.
How can parents prepare before flying?
The best course of action is to speak with TSA directly prior to the travel. You can text the word “Travel” to the number 275-872 to reach a service called AskTSA as well. But when it comes to weighted stuffed animals, the same response is given to many parents: it depends on the substance and the agent.
Therefore, our advice—which you probably don’t want to hear—is to either buy a special toy for your kids specifically for travel days or bring a backup toy in case the TSA officer decides the stuffed animal cannot travel. This way, there won’t be any emotional attachment, and if the agent decides to cut it open or throw it away, they won’t suffer as much as if they lose their best friend.
Beyond the luggage
The resources for emotional support that many kids require to handle the stress of a flight are at risk, not just a basic toy. Maintaining empathy for families traveling with little children or those with special needs is just as crucial as keeping flights safe.
Although it’s the TSA’s responsibility to protect travelers, it might not be the greatest course of action to put young people in distressing situations.
