Owais Crawford
Travelling with an infant can be stressful, especially when it comes to airport security. However, it is possible to go through airport security with an infant. According to the TSA, infants must be removed from their baby carriers at the checkpoint and carried through the metal detector. Items such as strollers, car seats, and baby carriers will need to be screened by X-ray, and any liquids or foods for the infant are exempt from the standard liquid restrictions. It is recommended to arrive at the airport early to account for the additional time needed for security screening.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Liquids | Liquids in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces or 100 ml are allowed for infants and do not need to be in a quart-sized bag. |
| Infant food | Baby food, formula, breast milk, toddler drinks, and food pouches are allowed in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces or 100 ml. |
| Infant screening | Infants can be carried through the metal detector. |
| Infant gear | Strollers, car seats, baby carriers, and other infant gear must be screened by X-ray. If they do not fit, they will be physically inspected by TSA officers. |
| Infant ID | For domestic flights, infants under 18 do not need ID. For international flights, a passport is required for everyone, including infants. |
| Infant care | Airports like Philadelphia International Airport have nursing rooms and family restrooms for travelling mothers. |
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What You'll Learn
Liquids and gels must be in a see-through bag
Liquids and gels are permitted in hand luggage, but only in small quantities. Containers must be no larger than 3.4 ounces or 100ml. This includes drinks, sun lotion, fragrances, cosmetics, toiletries, and frozen liquids. These items must be placed in a single, transparent bag that closes properly. The bag should be placed in a tray at security control, along with other items.
There are some exceptions to the 100ml rule. Medically necessary liquids, such as liquid formula, breast milk, toddler drinks, and baby/toddler food, are allowed in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces or 100ml and do not need to fit within a quart-sized bag. Breast milk can be carried in the cabin when stored in a clear, transparent container or bag. Cooling accessories for breast milk and formula, such as ice packs, freezer packs, and gel packs, are also exempt from the 100ml limit.
It is important to note that the rules for liquids in hand luggage may vary depending on the airport. Some airports may allow containers holding up to 2 litres of liquid. It is recommended to pack liquids that are in containers larger than 3.4 ounces or 100ml in checked baggage.
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Baby liquids not meeting the 3.4 oz rule must be declared
Liquids for babies such as formula, breast milk, juice, and toddler drinks are exempt from the 3.4 oz rule. These liquids are considered medically necessary and are allowed in carry-on baggage. They do not need to fit within a quart-sized bag. However, it is important to declare these items to TSA officers at the checkpoint for inspection.
The same rule applies to breast milk and formula cooling accessories, such as ice packs, freezer packs, and gel packs, regardless of the presence of breast milk. These items are also exempt from the 3.4 oz rule and can be included in carry-on baggage.
It is important to note that only certain items are exempt from the 3.4 oz rule. Medications, both prescription and over-the-counter, are also exempt. However, these items must be declared to TSA officers at the checkpoint. Exempt items should be separated from other belongings before screening begins to facilitate a smoother security screening process.
When packing liquids for air travel, it is important to follow the 3-1-1 rule. This rule states that each liquid container should be 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less and placed in a clear, quart-sized, resealable bag. Only one such bag is allowed per passenger, and it must be presented separately during the airport security screening. Non-compliance with the 3-1-1 rule can lead to inconveniences such as manual bag searches, delays, and disposal of non-compliant items.
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Parents/guardians enrolled in TSA PreCheck can bring children through a dedicated lane
If you are a parent or guardian enrolled in TSA PreCheck, you can bring your children through a dedicated lane. This is one of the benefits of the program, which is designed to make the airport security process easier for travellers.
To use the TSA PreCheck lane, you must have the TSA PreCheck indicator on your boarding pass. If you are travelling with a child, the child's name should be on the same airline reservation as yours, and their boarding pass should also have the TSA PreCheck indicator. If your child does not have their own Known Traveller Number (KTN), leave the KTN field blank when making the reservation.
If your child is on a separate airline reservation, they will not be able to access the TSA PreCheck lane unless they have their own KTN. Unaccompanied minors without an adult escort in the TSA PreCheck lanes must show an acceptable ID to receive expedited screening. If you are escorting your child with a gate pass, you will be directed to standard screening as TSA PreCheck benefits do not apply to gate passes.
When going through security with an infant, you will need to carry them in your arms through the walk-through metal detector. Infants may be carried in a sling or carrier, but they may be subject to additional screening. Children 12 and under can leave their shoes, light jackets, and headwear on during screening. Modified screening procedures are in place to reduce the likelihood of a pat-down on a child.
TSA PreCheck is a helpful option for parents or guardians travelling with infants, as it streamlines the security process and provides some flexibility with regards to carrying liquids and electronics in your bag.
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Baby carriers must be screened by X-ray
When travelling with an infant, it is important to be aware of the security procedures at the airport. All passengers, regardless of age, must undergo screening at the airport. This includes infants and their belongings. While children 12 and under can leave their shoes, light jackets and headwear on during screening, their belongings must be screened by X-ray. This includes strollers, umbrella strollers, baby carriers, car and booster seats, and backpacks. Any items that do not fit through the X-ray machine will undergo a visual/physical inspection by TSA officers.
Infants may be carried through the metal detector in a sling or baby carrier. If the alarm sounds, additional screening is required. This may include a pat-down, but TSA officers will attempt to resolve the alarm using other procedures first to reduce the need for a pat-down. Parents or guardians may carry their infants through the metal detector, and children will not be separated from their parents or guardians during screening.
It is important to note that formula, breast milk, toddler drinks, and baby/toddler food in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces or 100 millilitres are allowed in carry-on baggage and do not need to fit within a quart-sized bag. These items are considered medically necessary liquids. This also applies to breast milk and formula cooling accessories, such as ice packs, freezer packs, and gel packs. However, it is helpful to have these liquids in clear, translucent bottles, as liquids in plastic bags or pouches may not be able to be screened by Bottle Liquid Scanners.
Travellers who require special accommodations or who are concerned about the security screening process may request assistance from TSA Cares. This can be done online or by phone. TSA Cares provides information to passengers with disabilities, medical conditions, or those who need additional assistance. It is recommended to call 72 hours before travelling with any questions or to request assistance at the checkpoint.
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Breastfeeding and pumping facilities are available at some airports
Breastfeeding and pumping can be challenging for travelling mothers. Airports with lactation spaces can make the experience of breastfeeding and pumping at the airport much easier for mothers.
Federal legislation like the Friendly Airports for Mothers Act and the Friendly Airports for Mothers Improvement Act require all airports to have a lactation space in every terminal. Some airports go above and beyond to provide peaceful, clean, and private spaces for pumping and nursing.
Philadelphia International Airport, for example, has a variety of options for nursing a child or pumping breast milk. There are four Mamava Suites located post-security in Terminals A-West, between Terminals B and C, between Terminals D and E, and Terminal F. There are also Minute Suites located on the secure-side walkway between Terminals B and A-East. Mothers can also take advantage of using one of the airport's 42 companion care or family restrooms, which are equipped with electrical outlets and are located both pre-security and on the secure side of the TSA checkpoint throughout the airport.
ORD has the most lactation spaces of any airport, with 22 lactation spaces, including 10 Mother's Rooms and 12 Mamava pods open 24/7. MCO has 19 lactation spaces, including 15 Nursing Rooms and four Mamava pods. SLC also excels at supporting breastfeeding travellers with 17 lactation spaces, all located near women's restrooms across two concourses. DTW has nine lactation spaces (called Nursing Rooms) for travellers across the airport: three are located in Evans Terminal and five are in the McNamara Terminal. LGA also has nine lactation spaces (seven Nursing Rooms and two Mamava pods) throughout their four redesigned terminals. MIA has nine lactation spaces—eight Mamava pods and one lactation room—throughout their three terminals.
Breast milk, formula, toddler drinks, and baby/toddler food (including 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. These items are considered medically necessary liquids. This also applies to breast milk and formula cooling accessories, such as ice packs, freezer packs, and gel packs (regardless of the presence of breast milk).
The Mamava app provides details about finding (and accessing) lactation spaces in airports and thousands of other pump-and-nursing-friendly places.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, all passengers, regardless of age, must undergo screening at the airport.
According to the TSA, babies must be removed from their carriers at the checkpoint. However, you can carry your infant through the metal detector in a sling.
If the alarm goes off, you may be asked to undergo additional screening, which may include a pat-down.
Liquids such as formula, breast milk, toddler drinks, and baby/toddler food in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces or 100ml are allowed and do not need to fit within a quart-sized bag.
For domestic flights, children under 18 do not need ID. However, for international flights, a passport is required for every person, including children.
