Flying with Children
Security Checks, Liquids and Carry On Luggage

Here is what you can expect in advance so that you can plan carefully and be a step ahead of most other travellers.

When the time comes you and your little air travel baby should be able to whiz through and on your merry way, stress free.

Liquids

These liquid items must be no greater than 100ml and must all be placed in a zip lock, clear (that means see through), approx 1L plastic bag.

There are usually plenty of plastic bags at the entrance to airport security, but when flying with children its best you are organised beforehand.

NOTE: double check with your particular departure airport as to the size of the plastic bag – my hubby recently experienced a fiasco when he used a slightly larger bag than the specified size – YES they are that pedantic about it!

You also must place in the bag any essential prescription medicines in liquid form (e.g. diabetic kit) and you may be asked to verify their authenticity – with a GPs letter or proof of prescription.

From our research the definition of liquids includes:

• Gels, pastes, lotions, liquid/solid mixtures.
• The contents of pressurised containers, e.g. toothpaste, hair gel, drinks, soups, syrups, perfume, deodorant, shaving foam, aerosols, certain lipsticks.
• Any air travel babies milk (formula or stored breast milk) and liquid baby food.

What to expect at Security Checks

Contrary to many flying with children advice sites stating that you won’t be asked to taste juice, milk or breast milk – I have not yet experienced a security check where I was not asked to taste the baby liquids.

Once you are through security check points and are ‘flightside’ – you can purchase liquids (alcohol, baby milk, shampoo etc) that are considered cleared for takeoff.

Carry on Luggage Restrictions

Flying with children means you are generally given the extra allowance of an additional carry on baby bag – however, once again, check with your airline first.

As a general rule of thumb the dimensions of hand luggage must not exceed 56cm x 45cm x 25cm (22in x 17.7in x 9.8in approx), including wheels, handles and side pockets. This is equivalent to the size of a SMALL roller suitcase.

However – each airline has its own carry on luggage dimension specifications – IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO CHECK BEFORE YOU FLY! (Stuck record, I know…but good preparation definately pays off)

Most of the large commonly recognised airlines allow the standard carry on luggage size (56/45/25cm) at a weight of no more than 7kg.

This does vary between airlines – in both size and weight allowances (For example in our experience – slightly smaller/lighter in size at 55/40/20 are Ryan air, Easyjet, Thompson etc, whilst BA recently allowed us 20kg carry on so long as we could lift it into the overhead locker unaided!).

The key point is (sing it with me) it is imperative you double check you airlines individual restrictions before setting off!

If your stroller folds down to the required dimensions and weighs within the airlines restriction (email me!) – you may be able to take it on board. This will only be confirmed on the day at check in. See checking in with baby for more information on this.