baby – Flying Comfortably

Today, more than at any other time in history, people are taking more trips around the world. According to the United Nation World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), there were over 1.4 billion international travelers in 2018, and this figure is expected to be higher in 2019. The exponential increase in traveling has resulted in more families traveling with younger children and infants, which has caused some challenges for airlines. One of the main challenges faced by airlines today is the issue of baby food and allowing it on board. We will examine some of the things that you should be aware of in terms of regulations surrounding taking baby food on an airplane. Amount of baby food you can take on an airplane The TSA guidelines allow baby food in containers of over 3.4 ounces in size, whether it is formula, juice, breast milk or any other liquid forms of baby food to be taken unto the plane in your carry-on luggage. You can also take canned or processed baby food onboard the airplane. Baby food also does not have to fit in a quart size bag. Also, icepacks or gel packs used to keep baby food cool are allowed in your carry-on. You are however required to declare the items and make them available for scanning by a TSA Agent. These items are generally checked using x-ray, there are some instances when you might be asked to store some of the baby food in a separate container depending on the amount that you are traveling with. It is a great idea to travel with a moderate amount of baby food in a liquid form to avoid the possibility of delays at the airport. Additionally, you have the right to request a manual check of your baby food if you are not comfortable running it through the x-ray machine. The X-ray machine, however, does not affect the quality of the baby food in any way per the TSA. Conclusion When traveling with your infant on an airplane, you should have no issues with taking the requisite amount of baby food required to ensure that your bundle of joy is well fed and happy while in-flight. You should, however, be mindful of the airlines and TSA guidelines to prevent any mishaps while embarking on your travels across the globe with your family. We look forward to seeing you on the next flight! Can you bring homemade baby food on a plane? Cans, pouches, and jars of baby food are allowed on the plane as long as they follow the same rules as breastfeeding. You can also bring gel or liquid-filled toys for your kids! You can bring baby food on board a plane, including puree food. Just make sure to bring it in its own pouches or bags. What can I bring on a plane for a baby? Pack your usual diaper bag with all the items you need to take with you on an upcoming trip. This bag should include: diapers, changing pads, blankets, toys, and a hat to keep the baby's head warm. Although baby food and breast milk are allowed to be carried on a plane, they should be separated from other liquid carry-on items. Does a diaper bag count as a carry-on? If traveling with a child or an infant, you can bring along all of the necessary items to board. This includes a carry-on bag, diaper bag, and additional items for infants and children. It is permitted to carry infant formula, breast milk, and juice for infants and toddlers in reasonable quantities. How much baby formula can I bring on a plane? You can pack more than enough formula and water for babies in your checked luggage. If you have been storing food cubes in the freezer bag method, then you should now take out the bags and arrange them in the cooler. They should be able to stand up to a journey of around 6 hours. Do babies get their own carry-on? Although infants get the same checked baggage allowance as children on paid tickets, they are not allowed to carry it on their lap when flying with free. If you're planning on keeping milk cold during a trip, then bring it in a thermos or bottle. It's also a good idea to screen the milk by itself to avoid getting caught with a full body search. When can I take a baby on a plane? Although it's usually safe to travel with a newborn, doctors suggest waiting a few months to a year before flying. When traveling with an infant or a toddler, breast milk is allowed as long as it is in a carry-on bag. Can I bring dry baby formula on a plane? The Transportation Security Administration now allows parents to carry a "reasonable amount of liquid or powdered formula" in their carry-on luggage. This includes empty bottles of water and ice packs. It's important to avoid feeding babies while the car is moving. Also, don't feed babies solid food that could be choking hazards, such as grapes.