Last Updated: November 17, 2023
Can You Bring Formula on a Plane? (TSA Rules)
So you’re planning for your first family vacation with your newborn baby? Packing and traveling with your little ones might be tricky, and one question always pops up. Can you bring formula on a plane?
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Quick Summary
- You can bring baby formula on a plane according to the TSA
- You can also bring toddler drinks, breast milk and baby food
- Exceptions are made to the 3-4 ounce rules in this case
- Bring it in a clear bottle for security inspection.
Can You Bring Formula on a Domestic Flight?
The good news is that the TSA allows travelers to pack baby formula, toddler drinks, breast milk, and baby food in any amount.
Usually, passengers can bring only 3.4 ounces (100ml) of liquid in their carry-on bags. But that’s not the case with baby formula. The TSA considers baby formula medically necessary liquids. That’s why there’s no limit on how much you can bring.
Carry-On Bags
If you bring baby formula in your carry-on bags, we recommend placing it in a clear bottle for easy inspection by TSA officers.
For example, bottle liquid scanners usually fail to screen liquids in plastic bags. In such cases, the officers proceed with alternative screening procedures such as vapor analysis and explosive trace detection.
Formula cooling accessories like gel and ice packs should be solidly frozen. If they’re partially melted, the security officer will likely confiscate them.
Checked Bags
Pack to prevent leakage or damage if you’re carrying baby formula in your checked bags. Placing your formula in checked bags saves you time as they won’t undergo screening. This also saves you space in your carry-on luggage for other essential items.
Can You Bring Formula on an International Flight?
If you are traveling outside the USA, the same rules apply. Most airlines allow passengers to bring baby formula in their carry-on or checked bags in containers larger than 3.4oz/100ml.
You should be aware there can be slightly different rules for each country. It’s best to check with your airline for any additional requirements or restrictions regarding baby formula.
Type of Baby Formula You Can Bring on a Plane
As per the TSA, you can bring any baby formula in your carry-on or checked bags. That includes breast milk, toddler/baby food, toddler drinks, and formula.
Baby food such as fruits, milk, vegetables, and cereal are also allowed in carry-on and checked luggage.
How Much Formula Can I Bring on a Plane
Since baby formula is considered a medically necessary liquid, there’s no limit on how much you pack in your checked or carry-on bags. The same goes for powdered baby formula. So, no matter how much baby formula you want to bring, you should have no problem.
However, remember that if your powdered baby formula is larger than 12 oz, you must remove it from your bag and place it in a separate tray for additional screening.
How to Pack Baby Formula for Air Travel
Traveling with your infant for the first time can be daunting, especially when packing baby formula. Here are some tips to help you breeze through airport security with everything you need for your baby:
- Contact your airline and ask if they have specific rules regarding traveling with baby formula.
- Pre-measure and prepare powdered formulas before your trip to avoid mixing and measuring during the flight.
- Store additional bottles, prepared formula, and bottles in your checked-in luggage if your flight is delayed.
- Explain to the TSA officer that you have baby formula before the screening process
- Don’t forget to pack sterilizing items such as sterilizing wipes
Is It Necessary to Declare Baby Formula at Security Checkpoints?
While carrying baby formula on an airplane isn’t prohibited, you must declare your baby formula to TSA officers at the beginning of the screening process. If you carry any baby formula, food, or drinks over 3.4 ounces, you’ll have to take it out of your carry-on bag for further inspection.
Officers will need to check these liquids for prohibited items and explosives. You should also be ready for further inspections, such as vapor analysis and explosive trace detection.
If you have problems with TSA X-ray machines scanning your baby formula, inform the TSA officer so that he finds another way to scan your items.
Can You Use Baby Formula During the Flight to Feed Your Baby?
Sure you can! But keep in mind that after the plane takes off, you might not have access to hot water to warm the formula. For example, the crew might refuse to give you hot water due to spills.
That’s why it’s a good idea to bring a thermos flask filled with hot water just in case you don’t have access to hot water on the plane.
Feeding your baby during the flight shouldn’t be a problem as long as you have enough formula. Some airlines, like American Airlines, allow passengers to bring car seats on board to make sure the baby is safe and secure during the flight. This makes feeding your baby much easier.
Can You Bring Hot Water for Baby Formula on a Plane?
The TSA doesn’t prohibit passengers from carrying hot water for baby formula in their checked or carry-on bags. However, you can only bring 100 ml of hot water as per the 3-1-1 liquid rule.
To Sum Up
Can you bring formula on a plane? Fortunately, yes. The TSA considers baby nutritional supplements such as formula, toddle drinks, and breast milk medically necessary liquids. Passengers are allowed to bring in these liquids in their carry-on or checked baggage.
Moreover, these liquids don’t follow the 3-1-1 liquids rule that restricts passengers to bring only 3.4 ounces of liquids in their carry-on baggage.
If you have baby formula of more than 3.4 ounces, inform the TSA officer before screening. He’ll ask you to remove the liquids from your bags for further inspection, and then you’re good to go.
About the Author Anna Timbrook
Anna is the co-owner of expert world travel and can't wait to share her travel experience with the world. With over 54 countries under her belt she has a lot to write about! Including those insane encounters with black bears in Canada.
