Can I bring hot water for baby formula on a plane UK?

Baby food and baby milk When travelling with a baby you're allowed to take enough baby food, baby milk and sterilised water for the journey. There is no legal limit to how much you can take however check with your airport before you travel.



Yes, under UK airport security rules in 2026, you are permitted to carry hot water in a thermos or bottle for the purpose of making baby formula, even if it exceeds the standard 100ml liquid limit. The government classifies baby milk, sterilized water, and food as "medically necessary liquids." However, there are specific procedures: you must be traveling with the baby, and you must declare the water to the security officers for separate screening. They may use a specialized liquid analyzer to test the contents, and in some cases, they may ask you to taste the liquid or open the container. While you can bring your own water, most major UK airports (like Heathrow or Gatwick) also have "Reserve & Collect" services at Boots where you can pre-order pre-mixed formula for pickup after security. Additionally, once on board, almost all airlines will provide hot water for free to warm a bottle or mix formula, so you don't necessarily need to carry a heavy thermos through the airport if you prefer to wait until you are in the cabin.

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You can take expressed breast milk, boiled water to make up feeds or for drinking, formula powder and baby food on board. Take enough nappies and wipes, and a change of clothes for you and your child in your carry-on luggage.

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Water for babies is allowed in reasonable quantities in carry-on bags. Remove this item from your carry-on bag to be screened separately from the rest of your belongings.

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Both total coliform and E. coli are indicators that other disease-causing organisms (pathogens) may be present in the water and could potentially affect public health, the study noted. To make things worse, the EPA also found that of the 158 planes they looked at, two of the planes tested positive for E.

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First and foremost, you are allowed to bring baby formula in your carry-on bag in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces. This includes ready-to-feed formula, powdered formula, and liquid concentrate formula. It is important to note that you may be required to undergo additional screening at the security checkpoint.

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In short, there is currently no regulation against bringing hot water through those security gates, which means you can technically bring a hot water bottle with you. That being said, keep in mind that this may not be practical if you have a lot of luggage.

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When you're travelling, continue to give your baby their usual formula. However, it's best to use bottled water instead of tap water to make a feed.

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Again, this is why I love swaddle blankets when it comes to traveling on an airplane!! You can use your swaddle blanket between your skin and your warm, sleeping baby. Then, simply drape the extra blanket over your baby's head and tuck it into the seat behind you so it's a secure cover while your baby is sleeping.

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You can bring a water bottle, or container of water in your carry on. As long as it's in a 100 ml (3.4 oz.) or smaller container. There are some exceptions for babies needing formula or breast milk, and people with medical needs. Empty water bottles are allowed.

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If containers are larger than 3.4 ounces (100 ml), they won't be allowed through security, and the security officer will discard them. However, you can bring an empty reusable water bottle of any size through security and fill it up after you've gone through the checkpoint.

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You are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes in your carry-on bag and through the checkpoint. These are limited to travel-sized containers that are 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item.

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Formula, breast milk, toddler drinks, and baby/toddler food (to include puree pouches) in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters are allowed in carry-on baggage and do not need to fit within a quart-sized bag.

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