Bringing Milk, Water and Food on Plain, on International Flights

Visit http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/children/index.shtm

for the rules. HAve a good trip!

Call the airline you're using honey. The last 3 times I traveled last year, all 3 airlines were different.

You can bring all the dried food you want. Liquids are limited to no more than 3 oz. This includes creams, lotions, hairspray, food for baby etc. you might want to bring. All the liquids and lotion containers have fit into 1 1 quart sized ziploc.

You can get milk, juice, water on the flight, at almost anytime.

Happy travels

You can't bring any liquids bigger than in 3 oz bottles that can fit in a 1 quart ziplock bag---they have to be in one bag. (this includes chap stick, makeup, gels) on to a plane from outside the airport. You can however buy stuff in the airport once you get past security and stuff that in your bags. You also can bring breastmilk/formula/juice for children, you have to taste it to prove its real for TSA though.
You can bring foods though-however when flying international you can't go through customs with food. So if you take it with you either eat it all on the plane or leave it on the plane when you unload. I fly about 20 international flights a year so if you have anymore questions feel free to message me.
Here is the TSA site that should help you out!
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitt...

I went to the philippines in march last year. We went through O'Hare, stopped over in Japan, and then landed in Manila. My daughter was 1 years old. Dry snacks and cookies are fine. I am not sure about baby food.

Going through security, they will likely ask you to throw away water/drink bottles because you can purchase them inside the gates. Almost everyone had some type of drink in a bottle that had to be wasted and thrown away. What they allowed me to keep was my already mixed formula in a bottle. They will not keep babies from eating/drinking, so i would highly recommend keeping the milk in a bottle that can be easily identified as your child's (ie bottle or sippy cup). The other thing they told me when I called the airport was that securtiy might ask you to drink your child's milk. No one ever asked me to do this, but i did have to open the bottle once...and another time, they shined some kind of light around it.

Small 4 oz shampoos/lotions/hand gels, or medications are allowed. I brought liquid tylenol for my daughter during the long flight. My recommendation would be to purchase the drinks past the security check points. That way you won't waste your drinks and you'll get through faster. You can also call your airline to find out what their current regulations are.

Call the TSA- they will have the final, and correct, answer for you. Or go to www.TSA.gov.

Hi, you can bring food, but no liquids. Any liquids you bring on board have to be purchased after you go thru security.
A.

When I went on a trip last November I took my 2 year old and I had snacks and his sippy cup full of water. They didn't say anything BUT my parents( who were traveling with us also) had 2 unopened bottles of Gatorade and they took those away. They will have milk and what not on the flight. Just bring snacks and toys. That's all I did and we were fine.

I know on flights within the US you can take "reasonable" amounts of juice and milk and baby food, but no water.They let us take 4-4oz bottles of juice and 6 things of food on a 2 hour flight. Most airlines should have the information on thier web sites about international flights.

You cannot take baby food jars (considered a liquid consistency). I took my daughter on a flight not too long ago and had to have my husband take just about everything I packed home. I had small (sealed) containers of yogurt, applesauce, etc.

I would suggest making sandwiches, and other finger foods that do not contain anything liquid (fruits and veggies are fine). You can purchase any liquids from the stores in the terminals (but they are expensive). I would advise, however, just buying extra water. The flight I was on ran out of water and just had pop and coffee/juice left. So the one thing I would stock up on is water.

Hi Yvette,

I went to Europe when my little one was 3 months old, I was packed with ready top feed formula and had no problem at all, They need to let you carry the neccesary food to feed your baby.

Good luck and enjoy Europe.

This past January we were not allowed to bring baby yogurt past security. I think they allow a 'reasonable amount' of milk in a bottle, but dont know what the reasonable amount it. Check your airline's or airports website for more up-to-date restrictions. We had to buy water after security.

The general rule for travel is anything under 3 ounces is passable. If you have several containers (baby food, small water bottles, etc.) that are under 3 ounces each it should not be a problem. Food is not a problem to take onboard, there are no restrictions except on liquids. (My husband travels a LOT so I know all about the flying restrictions internationally and domestic.) Good luck traveling with your little one!

I 've travelled with my 2 1/2 y girl 4 times to europe, changing 2 or 3 flights ... So I could say I'm experienced. First of all depends of the check point, sometimes they even let me take even three bottles of ready made formula and sometime just one. Be careful with liquids, put them in ziploc and take a lot of pack snacks. No water, you can get as much as you want from attendants or even better, get some after the checkpoint, since they 're not right next to you when you need em. If you tell me what's your airline, how long is your flight and what's your experience flying with kids, I may help you a little more. Is another adult travelling with you? Do you have a seat for the little one or is he travelling as an infant in your lap? You can even ask for toddler's food, depends on the airline.

We've flown a couple of times and with the new rules we've packed our own snacks--I don't know about actual baby food but if its sealed I wouldn't think there would be a problem--and then have bought water, milk, drinks at the airport to bring on the plane. Its expensive to buy them there, but then you don't have to worry about secruity throwing them out for being too large. Good luck!!

It seems the rules are always changing, so I would check w/ the airline first. For children, I believe the rule is no more than 4oz of liquid before you go through security. Once you go through security you can buy what you need. I just flew last week and they wouldn't even let me bring a bottled water that was half gone through security. So apparently that's not allowed at all. I could have purchased it though after going through security. I know that you can bring food, but still check the airline website for any restrictions.

Hi, I just travelled with my son to Hawaii this past month. I too was very concerned about what I could bring on. He has some eating issues and is very limited in what he can eat even though he is 2. I emailed the TSA. They said you can bring special food items on and liquids and are not limited in the amount. But anything that exceeds 3 ounces or cannot be contained in a one quart zip lock must be declared for futher inspection. They said that ice is available past the check point to keep any thing from spoiling. I would suggest emailing them and then printing the response and presenting that if you run into any trouble at the airport. It took about 3 days for me to get the response from the TSA so plan ahead. I also got a doctor's note (just in case)that said my son required certain liquid foods (yogurt, applesauce, baby food, etc.) that may not be available past security in the airport. When we went through security at O'Hare the TSA guy did say we had too much. I was ready for a fight but he said with a baby it wasn't a problem. I doubt they will let you bring water through bc you can get that through security but I think they will let you through with some milk. Good luck!

The best thing to do is call the international flight you will be traveling with and ask them the regulations directly. Yes, many things have changed, but they must also realize that small children and babies will be traveling. Have a great trip!

I would not guess, or assume, as to what is generally done.
Best to call the specific airline you are flying and ask them...or check their website. Rules vary.

I just lifted this directly from the TSA website, hope it helps:

Now, a mother flying without her child will be able to bring breast milk through the checkpoint, provided it is declared prior to screening.

TSA is also modifying the rules associated with carrying breast milk through security checkpoints. Mothers flying with, and now without, their child will be permitted to bring breast milk in quantities greater than three ounces as long as it is declared for inspection at the security checkpoint.

Breast milk is in the same category as liquid medications.

When carrying formula, breast milk, or juice through the checkpoint, they will be inspected, however, you or your baby or toddler will not be asked to test or taste breast milk, formula, or juice. Our Security Officers may test liquid exemptions (exempt items more than 3 ounces) for explosives.

When traveling with a child, in the absence of suspicious activity or items, greater than 3 ounces of baby formula, breast milk, or juice are permitted through the security checkpoint in reasonable quantities for the duration of your itinerary, if you perform the following:

Separate these items from the liquids, gels, and aerosols in your quart-size and zip-top bag.
Declare you have the items to one of our Security Officers at the security checkpoint.
Present these items for additional inspection once reaching the X-ray. These items are subject to additional screening.
You are encouraged to travel with only as much formula, breast milk, or juice in your carry-on needed to reach your destination.

You are allowed to bring gel or liquid-filled teethers, canned, jarred, or processed baby food in your carry-on baggage and aboard your plane.

For information on creams, medicines, or other essential items for your child, please read our guidance on these items. Click here for the list of permitted and prohibited items.

Liquids and gels, including baby formula, breast milk, or juice, may be packed in your luggage and checked with your airline.

After clearing security, travelers can now bring beverages and other items purchased in the secure boarding area on-board aircraft.

For more details on navigating the screening process with your children, please read our information on traveling with children.

It's not the airline you need to check with, but TSA like someone else suggested. I go a lot and bring milk and juice in a sippy cup or bottle. I tried a juice box recently and the guy let me through even though he shouldn't have and we "agreed" it was milk, not juice. Snacks and baby food are fine. I usually keep everything in a little cooler or bag and take it out of my bag when I go through security so they can see what it is. They're a little more lenient in Europe - usually whatever you can get through with on this end will be fine for the way back. Have a good trip!

Hi Yvette,

Yes you can bring food, snacks and milk for the baby. You just have to have it readily accessible so that they can inspect it. We went to Florida in October and on the flight down they did not even have us get it out of the carryon. On the way back we did have to take it out of our bag. I don't know about water:)

K

You have to buy all the liquids after the security point. Unless you have premade formula. Most food is okay.

Yes, you can. I traveled with my 2 1/2 yr old and 7 month old boys to Hawaii in January. We had no problem with water ( I packed it in baby bottles), baby food snacks, for my big boy (including ore-packed fruit in juice and applesauce). I kept it all separate and told the TSA what was in that cooler before sending it through. No questions asked. The TSA website has changed rules about baby food, they are very clear that baby food in jars is fine. Bring as much as you can, we were in Italy with out oldest when he was 10 mos old and we thankfully brought plenty because kids eat different things in other countries (jars of pureed bunny and trout!)

I would call the airline on which you're traveling. THe rules change regularly. In August, I flew with my family to Europe and one set of rules applied. On the way home, in September, some of the rules had changed. I did see moms carrying baby formula onto the flight tho and they did also have baby foods, so you may want to go to the source and ask the airline. I recognize that these are not airline rules, but federal and int'l regulations, but I have found airline staff to be helpful even if it's in referring you to a reliable source. You can also go online to the gov't. web site re: international travel rules.

We recently flew with American Airlines this past year. They told me I was allowed to bring baby food (in a jar or plastic), but it had to be the smaller jars. They said they allow already mixed formula. They DO NOT let you bring water onto the plane, unless it was purchased from the airport. That's what we did, we just bought a bottle there so we weren't looked at differently. I'd check with the airlines you are going with though. Not sure if they are all the same or not.

I suggest you go to the TSA website others have given. You are no longer required to taste things you bring on board, or at least milk and breast milk. You are allowed to bring as much milk, breast milk, and juice as reasonablely needed for the duration of the flight and you or your child will not be required to taste it.

You can't brink milk and water through security. You can purchase it at one of the little stores in the airport and take that with you.

I would check with your airline. There are so many rules now about how much liquid you can bring on board. It is worse now then when my husband and I went to China to bring home our daughter. We even brought back an open container of formula that probably would not be allowed now.

Mom to a beautiful 6 year old from China!

When you're traveling with an infant you are allowed to bring appropriate amounts of food/milk/formula/breastmilk. The key is that they may require you to take a drink/bite of everything. I once had to open every jar of baby food and take a bite (Not cool!!). And to take a sip of the water in the bottles and the juice in my daughter's cup. Check the website of the airport you are flying out of, they update regularly. Arrive early with a good additude and be prepared for anything. Also remember that many international airports (especially in Europe) are much more strict than the US so you may run into more rules depending on where you are going.

I would not rely on anyone's word except for the airlines policies. They are listed online. Just go to your airline's webpage (or google it if you don't know). They will give you the details.

Call them, I've heard all different kinds of stories. I had to pour out a sippy of water, but I've heard of people pouring out formula and milk, etc.

Amy,
You can bring the baby food and snacks without a problem. In regards to milk, after you go through security you can buy what you need. Go to mcdonalds or we had starbucks warm some milk for us. you can buy water or juice before you board or they will give you some on the plane.
Also, buy some huggies overnight diapers or you will be changing the baby's clothes in addition to the diapers(still bring a change of clothes for everyone).They drink alot more on the plane for some reason(it helps with the ear popping too)
you can bring a stroller right up to the gate and check it in right there.If the baby doesn't have his/her own seat it gets a little tricky keeping them occupied .At some point in the trip, the baby will cry and you will have no control over it so try to remain calm or it will get worse. try to relax and don't worry about what others say. It will be such a nice getaway and it is worth the change of scenery:)

As far as snacks we did not have a problem with them. We just loaded up our backpack. Now for drinks I do believe you can't go through security with them. You will have to purchase them at a little shop before boarding the plan. I don't know if you still use formula but they did change the rules about that and breast milk.

yes. make sure it is in a baby bottle or sippy cup. They will have water on the flight, so you won't need to bring that. But baby snacks are a good idea.

Yvette, you will be allowed to take the food on board, they shouldn't have a problem with that, but they will not allow anything liquid.

They usually have water and milk available on board though, so you just have to ask for it once you're on the plan.

I went to Greece in october & brought my daughters milk in a sippy cup & used a luch sack with blue ice sticks to keep it cold--I also brought a full metal thermos (from costco) filled with milk & even the guys at the check points told me it was a great idea!! Go figure---I had to dump out my water before the check point but they were real helpful on the plane--I asked if they could put my blue ice sticks on ice & they did.. I guess they have some milk on the plane but when I asked they were out so I am glad I had my own. also various snacks in containers.

I agree, you have to check with the airline carrier you're flying to see what their restrictions are. You may also be able to get this information on their website but it's good to call.

Thank You Yvette for the question and all the moms/people responding. I'm also travelling to Europe (1 stop over & 7 hr time difference) with my daughter who'll be 18 mo's old at that time and trying to prepare for it. THANK YOU!

food is fine, it's liquids that are restricted. call your airlines for specifics. But once you are past the security checkpoint, you can buy water, etc. at the airport. And you can bring all of that on, as long as it fits in your carry on bag.

I am a frequent traveler (both international and abroad) with two children (5 yr. and 18 mo.). I must travel with food/milk with my 5 yr. old due to severe food allergies. Since we have allergies and we travel with food and emergency meds, I do carry a note from my doctor. I have never been asked to show it.

I would not bother trying to check water through securtiy, because you can bring an empty bottle and fill it after clearing the check point or buy as many bottles as you'd like to carry.

I carry small, juice-box sized rice milks for my daughter, and I declare them to the TSA screeners prior to departure, and have not had a problem. However, if your children do not have special dietary needs, just buy milk once you clear security or it's available on the plane.

Food has never been a problem except for one time. I was traveling through SW Intl. and my bag was searched because the jar of baby food I was carrying was not in a quart size baggy. Those TSA screeners considered "sauce" a liquid! It did make it through.

When in doubt, whatever liquids or sauces you carry, just declare them in advance and stash them in quart sized baggies if possible. Also, if you keep them all together, you can pull them out and put them in a separate bin when you send them through the xray.

Enjoy your trip!

Yes as long as you put it in a zippy cup or a baby bottle nothing you buy in stores, like plasic containers are exepted. I travel almost every 2 months so I know its a pain in the butt to go through security
baby food should be ok too

Hi Yvette,

I just came back from Hong Kong with my little George who just turned one. It was okay for me to bring breastmilk, formula and baby food on board. Snacks are definitely okay too!!!

Yvette,
I haven't flown international yet, but I've flown a bunch within the country with my now 15 month old son (first flight at 4 months). The rule is that you can only carry 3 oz worth of any fluid or gel and all of your 3 oz containers must fit in one, quart-sized, ziploc baggie. The only exception is SEALED containers of commercial baby food or baby formula. There is no restriction on solid food. I brought tupperware containers of chopped up chicken and veggies and wrapped up sandwiches - but had to bring empty bottles - even when I was using powdered formula - I tried bringing my bottles filled with just water so that I could mix the powdered formula when he was ready for a bottle, but they made me dump it and buy water once I was at my gate. I've heard that they will make an exception for breast milk if it's in a bottle - but I've heard of moms having trouble getting that through. Definitely call your airline or airport to get confirmation before you try to go through security.
Hope that helps. Have a good trip!

Hi Yvette-
I called United Airlines this past December. They said as long as you buy it after you pass security, there is no problem bringing on the plane...just like the previous poster said. As far as food, bring as much as you can carry! Have a great time!