How do you feed formula on a plane?

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.



Feeding formula on a plane in 2026 requires a bit of logistical planning but is very manageable. First, remember that baby formula is exempt from the standard 3.4oz (100ml) liquid limit; you can carry pre-mixed liquid formula or sterilized water in larger quantities through security. For the most efficient feeding, use pre-measured formula dispensers and carry your own room-temperature bottled water. While flight attendants can provide hot water to warm a bottle, it is often too hot to use immediately, so bringing a small thermos of "perfect temp" water is a pro-tip. During takeoff and landing, feeding is highly recommended as the sucking and swallowing action helps the baby equalize their ear pressure, preventing the pain caused by rapid altitude changes. If you need to wash bottles mid-flight, do NOT use the tap water in the airplane lavatory, as it is not potable; use bottled water or ask for extra water from the galley. In 2026, most major airlines also allow you to request a "bassinet seat" in advance, which provides a small fold-down table area that makes the ergonomics of bottle-feeding significantly easier during a long-haul flight.

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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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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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You are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes through the checkpoint. These are limited to 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item. This is also known as the 3-1-1 liquids rule.

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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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bring that sippy cup! Did you know formula, breast milk, juice, baby food, and even liquid medications in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces are exempt to the 3-1-1 liquids rule! That's right, when it comes to baby bottles and sippy cups you are in the clear!

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Think the usuals, like shampoo, toothpaste, and aerosol or roll-on liquid deodorant (solid deodorant isn't regulated by the 3-1-1 rule). But here are some surprising items that the TSA prohibits in carry-on luggage.

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The 3-1-1 Rule refers to three core components that govern how many liquids you can bring in your carry-on bags: Each liquid must be in a 3.4-ounce or less container (3), all containers must be placed inside one clear quart-sized plastic bag (1), and each passenger is only allowed one plastic bag (1).

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Standard strollers, folding wagons, and car seats can be used to get to your gate and then checked for free. They'll be returned to you on arrival. Collapsible strollers can be stored in-cabin. Car seats can be used onboard your flight too.

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Help the Parents
If a baby is crying and the parents are having trouble consoling them, a flight attendant may offer to help out. This could involve anything from holding the baby for a few minutes so the parents can take a break, have their own bathroom visits, etc.

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The TSA's liquid limit for carry-ons—known as the 3-1-1 rule—allows travelers to pack liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes under 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) in their carry-on bags. Passengers are allowed up to one quart-sized bag per person, or roughly nine 3.4-ounce containers in a single quart-sized bag.

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Firearms, ammunition, and fireworks are prohibited, as are all knives and safety razors (including pocket knives and Swiss Army knives). Straight razors and replacement blades for straight razors are also not allowed. Most tools also cannot be packed in carry-on luggage, as they have the potential to cause harm.

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Toothpaste is considered a liquid by the TSA (Transport Security Agency), even though it's technically a paste. In fact, all pastes, gels, waxes, and lotions are also classified as liquids. And even today, these substances are still restricted by the 3-1-1 rule in hand luggage due to safety threats.

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Do babies need an I.D.? Babies from the U.S. don't need an ID when flying domestically, says the TSA. This is actually true of anyone under the age of 18. But they will need a passport to fly internationally.

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