What food can you take on a plane for baby?

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.



As of early 2026, the TSA and international security agencies maintain specific exemptions for "medically necessary liquids" which include baby formula, breast milk, and baby food. Unlike standard liquids, parents can carry these items in quantities exceeding 3.4 ounces (100ml) in their carry-on luggage. This includes liquid formula, expressed breast milk, distilled water for mixing powder, and purée pouches. You are also permitted to bring "solid" baby snacks such as crackers, fruit, and sandwiches. To ensure a smooth screening process, you should inform the TSA officer at the start of the security line and place these items in a separate bin for inspection. Cooling accessories like gel packs or ice packs are also allowed to keep the milk or food fresh, even if the baby is not traveling with you. It is worth noting that while X-ray machines are safe for baby food, you can request a manual inspection if you prefer. Always pack these items so they are easily accessible, as officers may perform additional vapor or trace detection tests on the containers.

People Also Ask

Dried fruits, nuts, granola bars, cereals, cracker, pretzel and cookies are all good options. Creamy items such as jams, peanut butter and yogurt however, are limited to travel-sized containers that are 3.4 ounces or less per item and will need to fit into a quart-sized bag.

MORE DETAILS

TSA X-ray machines do not adversely affect food or medicines. However, if you do not want the formula, breast milk, toddler drinks, and baby/toddler food (to include puree pouches) to be X-rayed or opened, please inform the TSA officer.

MORE DETAILS

Keep snacks in zippered plastic bags. As much as we love reusable baggies, dealing with reusables during travel is a huge pain. Pack snacks in individual portions that are easy to get and hand to kids one at a time. Then hand the empty baggies to the flight attendant when he comes down the aisle.

MORE DETAILS

Foods you can't pack in your carry-on
Think: creamy cheeses, liquid chocolate, liquid coffee, creamy dips and spreads, gravy, honey, hummus, ice cream, jam, jelly, juice, syrup, peanut butter, salad dressing, sauce, salsa, soda, soup and yogurt.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

Yes, you may pack food in your carry-on or checked bag, but remember all food must undergo x-ray screening. Foods that are liquids, gels, or aerosols must comply with the 3-1-1 liquids rule. TSA officers make the final decision on whether certain items are permitted into the secured areas of the airport.

MORE DETAILS

You can check one car seat and one stroller or folding wagon per child you're traveling with, for free. This can be done at the gate or ticket counter.

MORE DETAILS

Checked Bags: Yes
Solid food items (not liquids or gels) can be transported in either your carry-on or checked bags. Liquid or gel food items larger than 3.4 oz are not allowed in carry-on bags and should be placed in your checked bags if possible.

MORE DETAILS

Feeding Baby While Flying Seal the bottle with a screw-on travel cap, and once the cabin is pressurized, you're good to put the parts back in and use the bottle as normal. If you want to warm the contents of the bottle, just ask your flight attendant to warm it up in a cup of hot water.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

Can you take food through airport security? Are you allowed to bring your own food/snacks on board a plane, or eat your own meal while waiting for your flight to depart? Yes, you are! Did you know that (in theory) you can even take a cheeseburger with you?

MORE DETAILS

Tip #2: Reduce waste and save some money by bringing a reusable water bottle. So you can't bring H20 or any other liquids more than 3.4 oz. (well there are some exceptions) through security, but you CAN bring an empty bottle. Just fill it up on your way to boarding your flight after screening.

MORE DETAILS