Question for those that have recently flown? Also a Magic Express question....

[bdiddy]

I'm trying to find out what the airports/airlines will allow you to take on the plane in terms of food/drinks for kids. I went on the TSA website but I was still a little confused.

Will I be able to take a couple of juice boxes and some snacks for my kids? They are 3 and 5 and I'm worried about them making it through the flight. Our flight is from 10:30 - almost 1 and while I can feed them a big breakfast before we leave the house and possible get them a snack at the airport I know they are going to be asking for something before we land.

The other thing I was wondering when you land - do you have to go immediately to check in to catch the Magic Express? Is there time to grab something to eat. I'm just thinking if we can't take anything on the plane then we are going to have to get something the second we land because there is no way the kids are going to make it until we get back to the resort.

Thanks for any advice!!

 

[Tozzie]

I'm trying to find out what the airports/airlines will allow you to take on the plane in terms of food/drinks for kids. I went on the TSA website but I was still a little confused.

Will I be able to take a couple of juice boxes and some snacks for my kids? They are 3 and 5 and I'm worried about them making it through the flight. Our flight is from 10:30 - almost 1 and while I can feed them a big breakfast before we leave the house and possible get them a snack at the airport I know they are going to be asking for something before we land.

The other thing I was wondering when you land - do you have to go immediately to check in to catch the Magic Express? Is there time to grab something to eat. I'm just thinking if we can't take anything on the plane then we are going to have to get something the second we land because there is no way the kids are going to make it until we get back to the resort.

Thanks for any advice!!

You can bring snacks that aren't liquid or gel but the juice boxes you can't take.

There is no set time with ME and you can check in whenever you want so you can go and get food and eat it before going to ME.

 

[bdiddy]

Thank you!!

Can you take any kind of liquid at all - like a small water bottle because that they could see through, right?

 

[DebbieB]

You can take on any liquid purchased after security. Before security, it has to be 3 oz or less. The concern is a liquid explosive, you would not be able to see it by looking through the bottle.

 

[malibuconlee]

You can bring empty water bottles thru security and fill them from a water fountain, but you cannot bring them thru security with liquid in them.

You could buy them milk or juice or whatever you can find at your local airport once past the security checkpoint and bring that on the plane with you. Airport food/drinks do get expensive, but it's just a part of travel I'm afraid. So, pack snacks from home and buy drinks once past security.

Now that my little one is past the formula stage milk is ALL she will drink. No juice and very little water if that's her only other option. We spend a LOT of money each trip on milk at the airport. (OK so it's not THAT much, but we could just buy several gallons for what we have to pay for a couple of milks from the restaurants LOL)

 

[tjmw2727]

Thank you!!

Can you take any kind of liquid at all - like a small water bottle because that they could see through, right?

No, no liquids or gels at all except toiletries & such in quantities 3.4oz or less and those must be in a quart ziplock.

I travel all the time with my kids, I make a "bag lunch" with foods they like - just avoid anything liquid and anything that doesn't hold its own shape like pudding or jello. Also watch the condiments, PBJ or mayo is fine on a sandwich but not by itself. So most food is fine - I use frozen grapes or carrots as an ice pack in an soft sided lunchbox or small cooler.

You can purchase drinks after you clear security and bring them onboard so you don't have to wait on the FA's to serve you. You can bring empty sippie cups or sports bottles but no, you can not bring water, or any drink even in a clear bottle.

Most airports have lots of choices for water, juice soda etc.

 

[bdiddy]

Thank you! That makes sense. I guess I forgot how you can buy things once you are through security. It has been a LOOONG time since I've flown if you can't tell! LOL

I'll definitely pack the snacks and buy them each a drink and that should be fine!

 

[disneyfaninaz]

The other thing I was wondering when you land - do you have to go immediately to check in to catch the Magic Express? Is there time to grab something to eat. I'm just thinking if we can't take anything on the plane then we are going to have to get something the second we land because there is no way the kids are going to make it until we get back to the resort.

Thanks for any advice!!

You are not assigned a specific bus for DME at a specific time. So, you can take as long as you like after you land to grab a bite to eat or shop or whatever. When you are ready to catch your DME bus, go to the DME counter and check in. You will then be put on the next available bus to your resort.

 

[Cedarmom]

You can bring your own juice boxes b/c you are flying with children. It just has to be in reasonable quantities (I've taken up to three per kid and never had an issue) and you have to declare it at security. Usually they don't even look twice at them, but they do reserve the right to test them.

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

 

[tjmw2727]

You can bring your own juice boxes b/c you are flying with children. It just has to be in reasonable quantities (I've taken up to three per kid and never had an issue) and you have to declare it at security. Usually they don't even look twice at them, but they do reserve the right to test them.

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

The TSA exception quoted above is for parents traveling with milk or formual for "infants & toddlers". Since the OP's Children are 3 and 5 I would not count on the TSA agent to allow any liquid through for older children.

I have seen juice boxes confiscated and sippie cups emptied on every single trip. If you can just bing a sippie cup and purchase what you need after security why risk any attention at the screening checkpoint?

 

[backyardponder]

Note that the rules posted are for the United States. In January we flew back from Costa Rica. Everything being carried onto the plane was inspected at the gate. Liquids such as sealed, bottled water, were confiscated even if they had been purchased inside the secure area.

 

[Cedarmom]

The TSA exception quoted above is for parents traveling with milk or formual for "infants & toddlers". Since the OP's Children are 3 and 5 I would not count on the TSA agent to allow any liquid through for older children.

I have seen juice boxes confiscated and sippie cups emptied on every single trip. If you can just bing a sippie cup and purchase what you need after security why risk any attention at the screening checkpoint?

Hmmm. I consider a 3 yo a toddler? On our last long trip where juice boxes were involved, we flew with a 2 yo and a 5 yo, out of Dulles. Went through security at LAX and in Hawaii as well. They never even blinked. The link specifically mentions juice as well, fwiw.

 

[tjmw2727]

Hmmm. I consider a 3 yo a toddler? On our last long trip where juice boxes were involved, we flew with a 2 yo and a 5 yo, out of Dulles. Went through security at LAX and in Hawaii as well. They never even blinked. The link specifically mentions juice as well, fwiw.

Sorry I hope I didn't sound argumentative.

Since you had a 2yo they probably assumed the juice was for him/her. A 2yo is clearly a toddler. As is IMHO a 3yo but it doesn't matter what your or I think, it's up to the discretion of the TSA agent. A 3yo could go either way depending on the agent especially if the child is closer to 4 years old.

We fly often, almost monthly and I have seen parents of toddlers made to discard juice and milk boxes, and empty out sippie cups.

All I was trying to say is why take a chance? Sure you had no problems (and I am glad) but many parents do have problems. IMHO a few juice boxes aren't worth the trouble when you can just purchase them after security.

 

[CLR4321]

You will be able to bring food snacks, but juice and other drinks are out of the question. If they find them at the security check point, you will be told to drink them before you come through or toss them in the trash. These days you will find soda machines or snack counters inside of almost all gate areas at the airport. You can bring powdered drink mix and empty water bottles through security and make juice by using drinking fountain water. If it is important that you have something other than the drinks the airline offers, this will be your best option. As far as food goes, it would be best to eat before getting on the plane to avoid hungry kids on the flight. When you get to MCO you can take your time, stop and eat before going to get on the ME bus.

 

[seashoreCM]

Would you consider powdered milk that you mix after security (after boarding if it is Costa Rica)?

OT: For going home you need to be at the Magical Express bus platform at your rsort 15 minutes before your assigned bus time. No dilly dallying at the food court, gift shop, etc.

 

[maxiesmom]

There is no set time with ME and you can check in whenever you want so you can go and get food and eat it before going to ME.

Just keep in mind that this only relates to taking ME to your resort. When you are leaving Disney World you will have a specific ME pick up time.