Can I take a tub of formula in hand luggage?

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.



Yes, you are absolutely allowed to take a tub of powdered or liquid baby formula in your hand luggage in 2026, and it is exempt from the standard "3-1-1" liquids rule. Aviation security agencies like the TSA and the UK's DfT classify baby formula, breast milk, and baby food as "medically necessary liquids." This means you can carry them in quantities significantly larger than 3.4 ounces (100ml). When you reach the security checkpoint, you must remove the formula from your bag and declare it to the officer. Liquid formula may be subjected to additional screening, such as an "Explosive Trace Detection" swab of the bottle's exterior or a "Liquid Bottle Scanner" test. In 2026, many airports have transitioned to CT (3D) scanners, which allow you to keep the formula inside your bag, but it is still "gold standard" practice to announce it to avoid a manual bag search. There is no requirement for the baby to be present if you are transporting expressed milk, but for formula, having the infant with you makes the process much smoother. Always allow an extra 15 minutes for this specialized screening process during your airport transit.

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Checked Bags: Yes 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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A work around: Bring powdered formula. Go through TSA with baby formula in powder form, then buy bottled water to mix the solution before getting onboard. Be sure to bring more formula than you will need, to accommodate for any travel delays. NOTE: Never use the water from an airplane bathroom to make formula.

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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. Please see traveling with children for more information. For more prohibited items, please go to the 'What Can I Bring?'

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Ice packs, freezer packs, frozen gel packs and other accessories required to cool formula, breast milk, toddler drinks, and baby/toddler food (to include puree pouches) – regardless of the presence of breast milk – are also allowed in carry-ons, along with liquid-filled teethers.

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Put some freshly boiled water in a high-quality vacuum flask, which will keep it warm for about four hours. You can then easily make a feed by adding the water and formula powder to a sterilised bottle. Do check the temperature before feeding it to your baby, by putting a few drops on the inside of your wrist.

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If you are flying domestically and your baby will be flying as a lap child, you may be asked for proof at check-in that they are indeed younger than 2 years old. If your child is flying domestically on their own ticket (not as a lap child) they probably won't need any sort of ID until they are 18 years old.

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Sanitizing Wipes: Wet wipes, in any quantity, can be carried on. This includes baby wipes! Disinfectant sprays: You are allowed to have sprays in your carry-on bag as long as they do not exceed 3.4 oz. Pack larger sizes in your checked luggage.

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Water bottles must be empty. If you get to the TSA checkpoint with a water bottle containing any liquid, you must drink it or throw it away.

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Infants may be carried in a sling/carrier through the walk-through metal detector. Children will not be separated from their parent/guardian. Parents/guardians who are enrolled in TSA PreCheck® may bring their children with them through a TSA PreCheck® lane.

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TSA PreCheck is one of a few government-run trusted traveler programs, designed to allow members to use expedited security lanes at more than 200 U.S. airports. With TSA PreCheck, you can speed through security without removing your shoes, laptops, belts or jacket.

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If you think your toddler is likely to cry, yell and be noisy on the plane, you might want to book seats near the back of the aircraft. This section of the plane, behind the wings, is generally noisier, thanks to the engine, and the background hum might cover the sound of your child.

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The safest way for baby to fly Infants weighing less than 20 pounds should be bucked into a rear-facing car seat during airplane travel. Children who weigh 20 to 40 pounds should be restrained in a car seat. They should not be switched to using just the airplane's lap belt until they reach at least 40 pounds.

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“With regards to your inquiry, a stroller is considered a complimentary item for passengers travelling with a baby or infant. If they are not travelling with you, this would need to be checked in while you are checking in your baggage, this also will be subject to additional fees.”

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