HELP! Flying from Heathrow - Baby forumla/food

[Susan&Daniel 0]

Okay, I am flying on Saturday with my 9 month old son. It's a 10hr flight from London to Dallas, with a 2hr lay-over, followed by a further 1hr flight from Dallas to San Antonio. So that's 13hrs (roughly) of travel time, if everything goes smoothly. He'll have about 3-4 bottles of formula in this time, with a bit of solid food as well.

Now, is it okay to bring two fully prepared bottles with me, plus 4 or 5 pre-made cartons of Cow & Gate formula? Will I be allowed through security at Heathrow with the cartons or will I have to fork out stupid amounts once I'm through to the departure lounge at the Boots there?

What about this type of solid food - http://www.ellaskitchen.co.uk/our-products/

And these snacks - http://www.organix.com/goodies/our-foods/carrot-stix

???

I know I must declare all of the above of the Customs Declaration forms for when I arrive in Dallas, but am I likely to encounter any issues here? Obviously I know people can fly with baby food, but I want to make sure I don't bring something with me that is likely to delay me in any way.

[canadian_wife 1,827]

I know the US has a strict 'no liquids or gels' on the plane and there have been heaps of stories of mothers not allowed to bring bottles or formula onto the plane. My sister in Canada was one of them.

good luck

[Susan&Daniel 0]

I know the US has a strict 'no liquids or gels' on the plane and there have been heaps of stories of mothers not allowed to bring bottles or formula onto the plane. My sister in Canada was one of them.

good luck

Source?

I really don't think that can be true, how can they expect a baby to fly 10+ hours without food?

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

There's a security pamphlet for families on Heathrow website. http://www.heathrowairport.com/assets/Internet/Heathrow/Heathrow%20downloads/Static%20files/FamilySecurityLeaflet_LHR.pdf

The following exceptions may be made to the 100ml rule:

•Baby food or baby milk: This exception is only permitted if you are travelling with a baby or infant. Please carry only what you need for the flight. You may be asked to open the containers and taste the contents. If you are not travelling with a baby or infant, excess liquids should be carried as hold luggage.

Security webpages http://www.heathrowairport.com/portal/page/Heathrow%5EGeneral%5EAirport+information%5EHeathrow+security/82adeae1d1a17210VgnVCM10000036821c0a____/448c6a4c7f1b0010VgnVCM200000357e120a____/

[Penguin_ie 5,996]

You can bring quite a lot. Last time, we brought mostly ready-made formula in cartons, about 2 days worth, and a whole big can of powdered (because baby was used to a certain formula and we didn't want to switch quickly), all in hand lugage, and there was no issue. iI you make up bottles before security, you will probably be asked to taste it (formlua is foul!).

Edited July 17, 2011 by Penguin_ie

[sarah278 0]

I fly through heathrow frequently with my 2 year old, about once a month in fact. I have never had a problem with taking bottles of juice or formula. Heathrow will ask that either you or the child to taste from the bottle to ensure that it really is what you claim. Once in the states, they will hold a test strip over the opened bottle. Its all very easy. Just put the bottles in a separate bin and know that once they go through the x-ray machine that you will have to wait for someone to be available to test them. I usually take 2-3 premade bottles or sippy cups and when Nathan was an infant I would have either the powder formula or sometimes the sealed liquid formula containers with me. If the formula is unopened from the store, you will not be asked to test or open it.

solid food and snacks are fine. You can even bring some for yourself

[canadian_wife 1,827]

Source?

I really don't think that can be true, how can they expect a baby to fly 10+ hours without food?

Um...my sister?!?!?

But then again, you are right, the flight was not 10+ hours. Glad that isn't the case for longer flights

Good luck

[Susan&Daniel 0]

Fantastic, thanks everyone!