Air Travel with Children

Infants

Every passenger is allowed to carry on a quart-size zip-top plastic bag to hold 3-ounce or smaller containers of liquids. Luckily for small babies, there is an exception to this rule:

• Baby formula, baby food, and breast milk can exceed 3 ounces (in reasonable quantities) and can be separated from the items you carry in your quart-size zip-top plastic bag.
• Note: parents traveling with infants are no longer asked to test or taste breast milk or formula, but you still have to declare these items for inspection at the checkpoint.

Toddlers

• Variety is the name of the game: bring an assortment of easy-to-eat food such as halved grapes, raisins, thawed peas and carrots, and crackers.
• Present the food in very small portions unless you want to share with your neighbors or decorate your space.
• Juice is allowed in quantities of more than 3 ounces and does not have to be included in your quart-size zip-top plastic bag.
• Note: juice boxes can expand at high altitudes and might be a little messy when opened. Traveling with a sippy cup can eliminate the spilling.

• Go for lots of healthy choices in interesting parcels that are fun to open and fun to eat.
• Pack food in small resealable plastic bags for easy self-serve, or use mini food storage boxes.
• Kids love small sandwiches cut into shapes like triangles, squares, or circles, or try using large cookie cutters--dinosaurs, stars and moons.
• Keep containers of tuna or chicken salads properly chilled in an insulted bag with an ice pack. Do consider the length of your trip--will your ice melt before you get to eat your food?
• Yogurt and applesauce are allowed in 3-ounce or smaller containers. Look for them packaged in tubes; it is easier to transport and eat. 
• Be sure to include the standby favs: cheesy crackers, dried fruit, nuts, or a homemade trail mix.

Involve your older children in the food selection process and they'll be more likely to eat what you pack. Don't forget a fork and spoon for each traveler because you can't count on the airline to supply them. Here are some easily transportable ideas.

• Sandwiches and wraps are portable and can be made to order. Pack in an insulated bag with an ice pack.
• Hummus and bean dips are highly nutritious and can be carried in an insulated bag with an ice pack. Serve with pita bread.
• For salads, put washed greens and vegetables in plastic tubs, and bring small amount of salad dressing separately. (Many grocery stores sell individual serving size packages of popular salad dressings.) If you would like to include meat in your salad, store it on ice. 
• Pack nuts and dried fruit for healthy snacks.