Expert: Roberto Gomes - 11/26/2007

Question
we are going to CA and I need advice on traveling with my son. Ticket pricing for him, how many bags to check and carry on, taking a stroller, etc. Anything else you can think of that I may need to know. I've never done this before! We are going to see my husband who has started a new job in CA, and we plan to join him permanently once we sell our house here in Kentucky. Thanks in advance for your help! Jennifer

Answer
Dear Jennifer,

If your child is under 2 years of age, he/she can travel in your lap for free domestically in the US (you will need to check with your airline of choice). Also you are travelling with your own stroller, when doing check-in advise airport staff that you will be checking it at the gate. They will load it after your board the aircraft and will be delivered back to you when you land.

A good idea is bring some food for the baby and diapers. If you need to warm up milk a little bit, the flight attendants can do it for you.

Also for security purposes please follow the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) below recommendations:

Traveling With Children
Important Information on Traveling With Formula, Breast Milk, and Juice

Now, a mother flying without her child will be able to bring breast milk through the checkpoint, provided it is declared prior to screening.

TSA is also modifying the rules associated with carrying breast milk through security checkpoints. Mothers flying with, and now without, their child will be permitted to bring breast milk in quantities greater than three ounces as long as it is declared for inspection at the security checkpoint.

Breast milk is in the same category as liquid medications.

When carrying formula, breast milk, or juice through the checkpoint, they will be inspected, however, you or your baby or toddler will not be asked to test or taste breast milk, formula, or juice. Our Security Officers may
test liquid exemptions (exempt items more than 3 ounces) for explosives.

When traveling with a child, in the absence of suspicious activity or items, greater than 3 ounces of baby formula, breast milk, or juice are permitted through the security checkpoint in reasonable quantities for the duration of your itinerary, if you perform the following:

Separate these items from the liquids, gels, and aerosols in your quart-size and zip-top bag.
Declare you have the items to one of our Security Officers at the security checkpoint.
Present these items for additional inspection once reaching the X-ray. These items are subject to additional screening.
You are encouraged to travel with only as much formula, breast milk, or juice in your carry-on needed to reach your destination.

You are allowed to bring gel or liquid-filled teethers, canned, jarred, or processed baby food in your carry-on baggage and aboard your plane.

For information on creams, medicines, or other essential items for your child, please read our guidance on these items. Click here for the list of permitted and prohibited items.

Liquids and gels, including baby formula, breast milk, or juice, may be packed in your luggage and checked with your airline.

After clearing security, travelers can now bring beverages and other items purchased in the secure boarding area on-board aircraft.


Make Your Trip Better Using 3-1-1
3-1-1 for carry-ons = 3 ounce bottle or less (by volume) ; 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag; 1 bag per passenger placed in screening bin. One-quart bag per person limits the total liquid volume each traveler can bring. 3 oz. container size is a security measure.

Consolidate bottles into one bag and X-ray separately to speed screening.

Be prepared. Each time TSA searches a carry-on it slows down the line. Practicing 3-1-1 will ensure a faster and easier checkpoint experience.

3-1-1 is for short trips. If in doubt, put your liquids in checked luggage.

Declare larger liquids. Medications, baby formula and food, breast milk, and juice are allowed in reasonable quantities exceeding three ounces and are not required to be in the zip-top bag. Declare these items for inspection at the checkpoint.

Come early and be patient. Heavy travel volumes and the enhanced security process may mean longer lines at security checkpoints.



Hope this helps. Have a great flight.

Best Regards,
R. Gomes