Flying with Infant Formula

[goofygal531]

I've never flown before with an infant. We'll be flying Jet Blue out of JFK on 11/15. With all these new carry-on rules what's the deal with infant formula? I usually put the formula in the travel container but they could say it's an "unknown" substance. I was thinking about bringing the 4oz pre packs so it's clearly labeled Similac Advance Infant Formula, but is there a limit of what I can bring on? I usually pre-fill the bottles with water. I plan to have all my bottles (5) with me (I'm so afraid of getting stuck on the tarmat!!) Should I just carry some bottled water? Does everything have to be sealed and in it's original container (formula, water, milk, etc..)

For my 4 year old, I plan on bringing some parmalot milk in the small boxes in a cooler - is this okay???

I really appreciate your help.
Mare

 

[zurgswife]

Here is the TSA link which should answer most of your questions.

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/children/formula.shtm

 

[PlutoPony]

The "official" rules for an infant are you can bring enough for immediate needs (or something like that) but quantity is not specifically defined. It will depend largely on who your TSA screener is and how they interpret things at that time - definitely a YMMV situation. The safest solution would be to bring maybe one bottle premixede, then fill the ones with water after you get thru security - either at a fountain or purchase bottled water at the airport after security. I'd be very surprised if you get away with taking much plain water in bottles thru security and concerned that they may toss the whole bottle w/ water (again depends on who you get, etc.)

You are allowed one quart zip lock bag of liquids per ticketed passenger and the liquids in that bag must be in containers no larger than 3 oz/100 ml. So unless you can find parmalot in very small containers, that's a no go I'm afraid. You can purchase things to drink after you get thru security and take them on the plane.

All of these requirements apply only to carry-on bags. HTH and have a good trip!

 

[goofygal531]

Thank you so much!

I wasn't sure if you could bring food and beverages on the plane that's purchased in the airport. You couldn't for awhile right?? That works for my son's milk.

I will bring one premixed bottle and then just purchase bottled water, that's fine. Plus they should have bottled water on board the plane too.

I didn't know what the most recent rules were. They are constantly changing!

Thank you!!!
Mare

 

[laughinplace199]

I've flown four times with an infant since these new rules went into effect. Each time, I brought 4 of the 6 oz nursette (ready to feed formula) bottles in my diaper bag. In addition, I packed a small can of powder and a couple of empty bottles in the diaper bag, and I bought a bottle of water after going through security. I always make sure I have enough formula for 24 hours. You never know when you'll be delayed or have a flight cancelled. I always bring a day's worth of diapers and wipes too!

For my older kids, I buy them a drink after we go through security.

Have a fun trip!

 

[n2mm]

My daughter just buys the ready to feed cans 8oz and brings empty bottles. She uses the bigger ready to feed bottles while there, we have a rental car so go to walmart and buy them when we arrive. She takes several of the ready to feed on the plane with no problem. Yes you can buy whatever you need after security and take it on the plane then. We usually get water after we go through security. The resorts also see whatever you need and if you can't find it there, the babycare centers at the parks sell a huge selection of baby items and medical stuff.

 

[Lilysmom]

You won't be able to take water thru security for the powder formula. You will have to buy it on the other side. I bring the small 8 oz cans of formula with me. When I get to the front of the security line I tell the TSA agent that I have a bag of baby formula and I put it in the bin. They've always been very helpful and I've never had any problems.

 

[squirrlygirl]

You won't be able to take water thru security for the powder formula. You will have to buy it on the other side. I bring the small 8 oz cans of formula with me. When I get to the front of the security line I tell the TSA agent that I have a bag of baby formula and I put it in the bin. They've always been very helpful and I've never had any problems.

Clearly a YMMV thing, then, because I just flew a couple of weeks ago through DTW and MCO with water. We had measured water in bottles with powdered formula in a formula dispenser packed in a small insulated lunch bag. We handed it to the agent and said it was for the baby. In Detroit they yelled "baby formula coming through!" and in MCO they had us just throw it in the tub with our other stuff. This next trip I think I'll just pick up water afterwards or get it on the plane, though, because one of my bottles leaked