Last week, my sons (a 3 year old and a 2 month old) and I were onboard KL1766 and KL803. The former was an hour's flight from Frankfurt to Amsterdam and the latter was a 14-hour direct flight from Frankfurt to Manila.

We survived! If they were giving out awards during the flight, I would have won, without a doubt, the Best Mom onBoard Award.

My preparation was perfect. My toddler kept himself busy with all my surprise goodies for him. It was a pretty uneventful flight.

The security control was another matter, though. The European Union's relatively new carry-on restrictions was not the problem. I have traveled often enough and have read the guidelines so I was well-prepared. The problem was going through that beeping thing where they scan everything.

Since I was traveling with kids, we were given priority. We were ushered forward, bypassing the long line. However, the process of putting all of our jackets, bags and the stroller on the x-ray belt was made impossible because I had a scared 3-year old hugging my leg and a 2-month old strapped to my body in his baby bjorn.

To make the above requirement even more exciting, they also asked me to take my shoes off and the baby out of the baby carrier. I needed 2 more extra hands and NOT ONE of the security helped me.

During this trip, I am giving myself and the KLM staff, 5 stars for efficiency, preparedness and sensitivity.

I am giving the Security Staff over at the Terminal 2 of Frankfurt International Airport, 2 stars for efficiency and preparedness & -5 stars for sensitivity.

No matter how much you prepare, it still is not enough if the people you would have to depend on (up to a certain degree) are not helpful.