Baby Formula in Checked Luggage?

[mandream]

We'll be flying from Chicago to Sao Paulo and are planning on bringing a hefty supply of pre-made baby formula. We have powder too - but have been warned that not all bottled water we find will be safe, so we are bringing enough formula to cover us for a while.

 

We're concerned about it freezing - either in flight, or while it's checked in Chicago before we leave.

 

Do the airlines (we're flying United) have any type of special handling options for situations like this? Any other suggestions?

 

Thanks,

 

Mike

[spongerob]

Make sure that you check in early enough ahead of your flight so that TSA can physically check the bag. Anything containing large amounts of liquids will most likely be inspected by hand.

[FlyerTalker]

Three thoughts:

 

1) Carrying liquids will really boost the weight of your luggage. Each gallon of water weighs 8.3 lbs.

 

2) Your bottled water won't be "safe"??? Just where are you getting that information? Your ship won't provide you with "safe" water??

 

3) You're taking a baby on formula to Brazil for a cruise??

[spongerob]

How long will pre-made formula remain usable if left without refrigeration? Just because water is bottled in the US does not mean it's sterile.

[waterbug123]

W

 

We're concerned about it freezing - either in flight, or while it's checked in Chicago before we leave.

 

Do the airlines (we're flying United) have any type of special handling options for situations like this? Any other suggestions?

 

 

In a word, no. And if it freezes, it will thaw. ;)

[cb at sea]

The ship's water will be more than fine for mixing powdered formula...that's all I'd bring..it's lighter!

If you need to mix some while ashore, simply bring a refillable bottle for water from the ship...mix as needed.

You can carry-on liquid formula in needed amounts...that seems to be exempt from the "no-liquids" rule, but they will check it to make sure it is what it is!

 

Since most lines require babies to be over 6 mos....you'll probably be feeding some table food (mushy stuff) by that time, to supplement the formula.