As far as the cash, do not just hand them your wallet. If they try to take it from you, take all of the cash and credit cards out, and hang on to those. TSA agents are known for having sticky fingers..

Yes, they will allow one person to stand back with all the carry-ons. We do it the same way. I go through while DH has everything. He puts it in bins, refuses to be hurried (they cannot make you hurry) and waits till I have been cleared before sending everything through.

It has worked very well so far. I am so distractible (and the TSA does everything possible to distract a person, IMO), it would be a bad idea for my stuff to be in the x-ray machine and on the belt with just me watching it.

Does anyone know how our 8 year old will factor into this?

we will not do the scan for him for health reasons...we will do it for us if needed, so how will they handle the order?

Child first? Or do they clear one or both parents first?

Does anyone know how our 8 year old will factor into this?

we will not do the scan for him for health reasons...we will do it for us if needed, so how will they handle the order?

Child first? Or do they clear one or both parents first?

Why not have all three of you opt-out? That would get rid of the need for you or your wife to be irradiated..

That would mean we ALL get the pat down?

Were OK with that as well... but will one of us be able to watch our child or do they put them to the side until were done?

My guess would be the order that the pax are lined up in, so you can choose. Didn't even think about the issue with opting out... my wallet would probably still be separated from me... even though it goes thru the traditional metal detectors with no real issue...

There is no reason for all three of you to go through at the same time. You should stand in line first, with several people between you and your wife and child (they stand and go through together). You take the fewest items with you. Lock your wallet and other valuables in a bag that goes through with your wife.

Frankly, I think all of you should opt out of any body scanning, for health reasons. Make sure you are finished with all screening before your wife and child start through. You can pick up their items coming off the x-ray belt while they are dealing with the pat-downs. Stand nearby in case of any problems.