I hate to complain....but here I go!

We recently flew to PCB, which was Samantha Jane's first
time on an airplane. We had all the usual anxieties- will
her ears hurt? have we packed enough for her to do on
the plane (at that time we didn't realize it was only a
50 minute flight)? will she talk.the.whole.entire.time.and.
drive.everyone.on.the.plane.crazy? I know, I know- it's
not important what other people think because she's 2.
But still.

I was also curious about the identification process for
a toddler. No driver's license, criminal record, etc.
But the woman that I spoke with assured me that all
they needed was her birth certificate. "The official one?"
I asked (twice). "Oh, no honey. A copy is fine." I was
glad that we didn't need to carry the original around,
but still.

So we check bags...nothing. Go through the first round
of security....nothing. I tried to hand each person her
b.c. copy with her ticket, but was told that they would
check it at the next check point. They scrutinized our
driver's licenses, but didn't bother asking about Sam.

Now, I am thankful for the fact that as a white family
we will probably always travel hassle-free. I can only
imagine how frustrating it is to be stereotyped and
held up at check points just because of skin color,
clothing, etc. It's a scary time for travelers and I hate
to complain......but this is my child we're talking about
here! My pride and joy! The smartest thing that Caleb
and I have ever done! HASSLE ME!! Please make sure
that the person taking my child on a plane for God-knows
where is supposed to have my child!!
At no point did anyone look at the birth certificate. Not
once. A few people acted (in my opinion) like I was being
overly cautious for handing it to them.
Caleb did point out that she looks like she belongs with us,
that anyone attempting to travel with a child that is a
registered sex offender, etc. would be flagged. But my
mama-bear argument is that all kidnappers, sexual
predators, etc. have their first time at some point. And
the above categorized people can just as easily look like
the wonderful parents that we so obviously appear to be :)

So what to do? Discuss our safe meeting place
for a house fire, never talk to strangers, look both ways
before crossing the street.......oh, and if anyone tries to
take you on an airplane, scream like hell and demand
that someone ask for your birth certificate.