Ruth Haines
When travelling with a baby, different rules apply for bringing water through airport security. While adults are not permitted to bring full water bottles through security, parents travelling with babies are allowed to bring water in reasonable quantities. This water can be in any type of bottle, including a sealed or open plastic bottle, a reusable bottle, or a baby bottle. It is recommended to remove the water from your carry-on luggage to be screened separately, and to inform the TSA agent that it is for your baby. They will likely test the water by swabbing the outside or hovering a test strip above it.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Allowed quantity | A "reasonable" amount or “reasonable quantity” |
| Container type | Baby bottles, sippy cups, straw cups, plastic water bottles, thermoses, tumblers, gallon containers, etc. |
| Container state | Opened, still sealed, empty, pre-filled, reusable, plastic, etc. |
| Temperature | Hot, warm, room temperature, cold |
| Screening process | Separate screening, swabbing, vapor test, advanced imaging technology screening, etc. |
| Other | Bring water post-security, inform TSA officers about screening preferences, travel with stroller, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
Water for babies is allowed in reasonable quantities in carry-on bags
Water for babies is permitted in carry-on bags in "reasonable quantities". This means that you can bring more than 3.4 ounces (100ml) of water for your baby, and it does not need to be stored in a quart-sized clear plastic bag. The exact allowed quantity varies depending on the airport and TSA agent, so it is recommended to check the guidelines of the specific airport before travelling.
When passing through security, it is best to remove the water from your carry-on bag and place it in a separate security bin. Inform the TSA agent that the water is for your baby, and they will likely test it by swabbing the outside or hovering a test strip above the liquid. They should not tamper with or open the bottle unless you give explicit permission.
Water for babies can be stored in a variety of ways, including factory-sealed water bottles, empty baby bottles, pre-filled baby bottles, reusable bottles, plastic bottles, or metal tumblers. Clear bottles are preferable as they make testing easier, but TSA agents do not care whether the bottle is see-through or not. It is also possible to bring frozen water bottles or empty bottles and fill them up once you have passed through security.
In addition to water, you are also allowed to bring other liquids such as juice, milk, purees, formula, and baby food through security and on the plane. These liquids do not need to be discarded before passing through security and can be packaged in unopened or opened bottles, or the baby's personal reusable bottle or cup.
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Water containers will be swabbed for explosives
When bringing water for a baby through airport security, you can expect that the water containers will be swabbed for explosives. This is a standard procedure and you should allow for a little extra time at security as a result. It is important to inform the TSA agent that the water is for your baby, and to have the water containers easily accessible for testing.
The TSA will allow a "reasonable" amount of water for babies and children. It is recommended to check the guidelines of the specific airport you are travelling through, as these can vary. Some sources suggest that bringing empty water bottles and filling them up after passing through security is a good option, as is buying water at the gate. However, if you are travelling with an infant, it is understandable that you may need to bring water with you.
To make the process as smooth as possible, it is recommended to have the water containers easily accessible and separate from your other belongings. Clear containers may also speed up the process, as testing can be easier. Ultimately, it is at the discretion of the TSA agent whether to swab for explosives, but it is a common procedure and one that parents should be prepared for when travelling with water for their baby.
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Water for babies does not need to be in a quart-sized bag
When travelling with a baby, you can bring more than 3.4 ounces (100ml) of water for your baby, and it does not need to be stored in a quart-sized clear plastic bag. Water for babies is considered a medically necessary liquid and is therefore not bound to the same restrictions as other non-medically necessary liquids.
The TSA rules state that water for babies is allowed in reasonable quantities in carry-on bags. However, what constitutes a "reasonable quantity" is up for interpretation and will vary depending on the airport and TSA agent. It is recommended to check the guidelines for the specific airport before travelling.
When going through security, remove the water from your carry-on bag to be screened separately from the rest of your belongings. TSA agents may open the water container and wave a test strip above it, or swab the outside of the container for explosives. To facilitate this process, it is recommended to use clear bottles or containers for the water.
Some travellers suggest bringing empty water bottles and filling them up once you have passed through security, as it can be inconvenient to carry heavy water bottles and there is always the risk of leakage. However, this may not be an option if your baby requires warm water for formula, in which case you could bring a thermos of hot water and mix it with room-temperature water to achieve the desired temperature.
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Water bottles for babies must be transparent for light testing
When travelling with a baby, different rules apply to the liquids you can carry through airport security. While adults travelling alone are generally not permitted to carry full water bottles through security, parents travelling with babies are allowed to take water bottles on board. This is because water for babies is considered a medically necessary liquid.
Water bottles for babies must be removed from the carry-on bag and placed in a separate security bin for screening. Security staff may ask whether the water is for the baby, and they will test it by swabbing the outside or hovering over the liquid with a test strip. Clear or transparent bottles are preferable, as they make testing easier. However, security staff will also accept water in a non-transparent baby bottle or a regular water bottle.
It is recommended that you carry a reasonable amount of water for your baby, but there is no specified upper limit on how much baby formula or breast milk you can bring on board. You can carry pre-filled baby bottles, empty bottles, sealed or opened bottles, or a reusable water bottle. It is also possible to bring bottled water and fill the baby's bottle after passing through security.
In addition to water, you can carry other consumable liquids for your baby, such as milk, juice, purees, baby food pouches, and breast milk or formula. It is important to note that different countries may have different rules regarding liquids for babies, so it is always best to check the guidelines for your specific airport.
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If water is for formula, hot water can be obtained post-security
If you need hot water for your baby's formula, it's advisable to obtain it after you've passed through security. Rules vary from country to country, but generally, water for babies is allowed in "reasonable quantities" in carry-on bags. However, it's often necessary to remove the water from your bag to be screened separately, which can be time-consuming.
To avoid any potential issues or delays, some parents recommend bringing empty bottles and then filling them with hot water from a water fountain or buying bottled water after passing through security. This way, you can ensure you have enough hot water for your baby's formula without worrying about leaks or spills in your luggage.
If you do decide to bring hot water through security, it's a good idea to store it in a thermos or metal tumbler and clearly communicate to the TSA agents that it's for your baby's formula. They may swab the container for explosives or wave a test strip above the water, but as long as you declare it, you shouldn't have any issues.
Additionally, keep in mind that breast milk and formula are considered medically necessary liquids and are exempt from the typical liquid restrictions for cabin luggage. So, if you're travelling with breast milk or pre-made formula, you can bring more than the standard allowance without worrying about disposal or testing.
Remember to check the guidelines for both your departure and arrival airports, as they may differ, and don't be afraid to advocate for yourself and your baby if you encounter any confusion or pushback from TSA agents.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, water for babies is allowed in reasonable quantities in carry-on bags.
A reasonable amount is permitted, but the exact quantity allowed varies. Some travellers suggest bringing enough for a one-week trip, while others recommend bringing 12-14 oz. It's important to check the guidelines of the specific airport you're travelling through.
It's recommended to keep water for your baby in the same luggage/bag as the rest of the baby stuff. If you're using a thermos or another opaque container, it will need to be opened for inspection. Clear bottles can be swabbed and put through a light test without being opened.
Yes, inform the TSA officer that you are carrying water for your baby. They will test it using a swab or a test strip. If you do not want the water to be X-rayed or opened, you can request additional screening procedures.
