Flying With Formula: 8 Things You Should Know
The first time I was flying with formula, I remember feeling completely overwhelmed because I had no idea what to expect. I didn’t know how security worked, how to keep everything clean, or how much formula to bring to make sure my baby had enough to eat.
If you’ve had the same worries, I promise it’s not as complicated as it seems. With a little preparation, flying with formula becomes so much easier, and you’ll be glad you didn’t let it hold you back from traveling.
I’m here to share the tips and tricks that helped me feel more confident. Yes, you’ll need to think ahead and pack a few essentials to keep your little one fed and happy, so let’s walk through exactly what to bring and how to use it.
What are the rules for flying with baby formula?
The rules for flying with baby formula are pretty straight forward. According to TSA website:
- Formula, breast milk, toddler drinks, and baby/toddler food (including puree pouches) are allowed in carry-on bags in amounts over 3.4 oz / 100 mL.
- They do not need to fit inside a quart-sized liquids bag.
- These items are considered medically necessary liquids.
- Cooling accessories like ice packs, freezer packs, and gel packs are also allowed (even if you’re not carrying breast milk with you).
- You can bring breast milk or formula even if your baby isn’t traveling with you.
At TSA / Security:
- Let the officer know you’re carrying formula, breast milk, toddler drinks, or baby food.
- Take these items out of your carry-on to be screened separately.
- TSA may test the liquids for safety, but they are still permitted.
Does formula need to be sealed to go through TSA?
Formula does NOT need to be sealed to go through TSA, however, they will be testing it so give yourself plenty of time.
How to travel with a baby drinking formula?
To travel with a baby drinking formula, pack all the necessary things such as bottles, bottle sanitizing/cleaning wipes, plenty of formula for the travel day.
Be mindful, TSA will test formula and baby bottles either them swabbing the bottle, or putting every bottle in a machine to scan it so make sure to give yourself extra time to through security.
1. Create a Clean Feeding Space
When you’re flying with formula, the last thing you want is to prepare a bottle on a dirty surface. Airplanes aren’t exactly known for being germ-free, so taking a minute to create a clean and safe space makes all the difference.
I always pack Honest wipes to wipe down the tray table, armrests, and headrests before we settle in. They’re gentle enough not to irritate my baby’s skin but tough enough to kill 99.9% of germs.
After wiping everything down, I like to cover the tray with a disposable sticky placemat (pictured above). It gives me peace of mind knowing that my formula and bottle feeding supplies are on a clean surface.
Bonus tip: if your baby uses a pacifier, bring paci wipes or grab one of these handy pacifier holders to prevent it from ever hitting the floor in the first place.
2. Pack Your Own Formula
When you’re flying with formula, one of the biggest rules is to always bring your own. Airlines don’t supply formula, and the last thing you want is to test out and experiment with a new brand while you’re mid-trip. Sticking to what your baby already knows keeps their tummy happy and your flight much smoother.
Pre-measuring your formula and putting them into travel formula containers makes for easy and convenient use. This way, you can quickly mix a bottle without fumbling through bags or measuring scoops mid-flight.
And remember, when flying with formula, always pack extra. Delays, spills, or even just a hungrier-than-usual baby can happen, and it’s always better to have more than you think you’ll need.
PS: I also love keeping disposable pad liners in my diaper bag. They’re so versatile—perfect for mixing bottles on a clean surface or laying over a changing pad to keep things mess-free.
3. Don’t Use Hot Water From The Plane
When you’re flying with formula, one rule I never break: don’t use the plane’s hot water. It might seem convenient, but that water comes from large storage tanks on the aircraft and those tanks rarely get cleaned. Using it to mix formula could expose your baby to bacteria you don’t want anywhere near their bottles.
For the same reason, I usually skip coffee or tea on the plane too, since it’s made from the same water source. The only exception? If I need to fill my bottle warmer, then I’ll use the plane’s hot water, but only for that purpose. Otherwise, stick with bottled water to mix formula safely every time you’re flying with formula.
4. Bring a Bottle Warmer
Flying with formula is much easier when you have a way to warm bottles on the go. At the airport, finding someone to heat up a bottle for you can be tricky—most food vendors won’t do it due to health and safety rules.
My advice is to either get your baby used to room-temperature milk or bring a bottle warmer (pictured below) with you. One I absolutely love is the BPA-free Tommee Tippee travel bottle warmer. The best part? It doesn’t need plugs or batteries—it’s a well-insulated thermos that keeps water warm and works perfectly for travel.
5. Consider Ready to Feed Formula
When you’re flying with formula, ready-to-feed (or ready-to-use) formula can be a real game-changer. This type of formula comes pre-packaged in single-use bottles and is super convenient.
A quick note: these bottles do not come with nipples, so you’ll need to purchase them separately. I personally use Dr. Brown’s nipples, which fit perfectly and make feeding on the plane much smoother.
6. Check TSA Guidelines
Flying with formula can feel overwhelming, but a little preparation goes a long way. You’re allowed to bring quite a bit with you when you travel with a baby!
The following is information directly from TSA website:
“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.
Formula, breast milk, toddler drinks, and baby/toddler food (to include puree pouches) 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). Your child or infant does not need to be present or traveling with you to bring breast milk, formula, and/or related supplies”.
There’s a lot more info on traveling with children on the TSA website.
PS: When going through TSA, I always give agents a heads-up about having baby formula, bottles, pouches, or food with me. I store it in a separate bag at the very top of my diaper bag so I can easily access it. They ask me to put it in a bin then they test it. It does take a few extra minutes so plan for that ahead of time.
7. Bring a Travel Bottle Cleaning Kit
One of the biggest concerns parents have when flying with formula is how to keep bottles clean and ready. There are a couple of ways you can do this while traveling. One, you can bring a ton of bottles with you to where you don’t have to worry about cleaning and reusing them until you get to your destination… OR you can use one of these two things: either a sterilizing bag or a travel brush cleaning set.
1. Medela makes these super easy-to-use microwavable Sterilizing Bags. Just place the bottles and parts in the bag and steam in the microwave. So if your hotel or theme park has microwaves available for use then these are great.
2. Another option is to bring this Travel Baby Bottle Brush Set with you. It’s super compact and comes with a drying rack, baby bottle brush, straw brush, nipple brush, bottle soap dispenser, and a storage cup that doubles as a bottle warmer. Let me tell you… it is a LIFE saver. It’s great for travel in general, not just the airport (pictured below).
8. Find Lactation Rooms at the Airport Ahead of Time
Lactation rooms, sometimes called “mothers rooms” are available at some airports and can be a nice break from all the chaos at the airport. I’ve used these quite a bit and was surprised at everything available.
They have changing tables, rocking chairs, toilets, sinks, and some even offered supplies. It can be a nice little break from all the noise and overstimulation at the busy airports. I like to search for these rooms ahead of time so I know if the airport I’m traveling through offers them and where they’re located.
Quick Shopping List of Suggested Items
3. Honest wipes
6. Disposable nipples for premade formula bottles
7. Disposable Changing Pad Liners
Flying With Formula FAQs
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Written by: Melanie Suggs
Updated August 16, 2025
Melanie is a nurse, a coffee-lovin’ mama of two, and a frequent flier who has visited 17+ countries, lived overseas in Asia, Europe, and the States, and has taken her toddlers on over 30 international flights and even more domestic ones .
With her extensive experience in flying and traveling with her family, she developed a passion for helping parents travel with ease through tips, suggestions, and reviews on her blogs.
