WHBM - don't comment unless you know the truth, and indeed the facts. Utter garbage.
1. Is it company policy to split a young family?
By split up I assume you mean at the gate rather than seated separately on board. As the posters above have said, it's a process of random selection as well as some 'informed' selections that is carried out by ICTS (independent security company) and dictated by the Yanks. So the airline has no say in these. I'm sure there wouldn't have been a fuss if your family wanted to wait with your boy.
3. Why do they delay an aircraft for 3 1/2 hours for aircraft security checks?
I believe it's illegal to depart the aircraft without the necessary checks being carried out. Aircraft travelling to the US of A require passenger checks, as well as aircraft security checks (check the hold, make sure there aren't any foreign objects etc). I'd certainly rather take the delay, than take the risk!
