Infant formula on airline flight - need scissors to open?

Question

Has anyone had any experience with taking prepackaged baby formula on airline flights? I will be travelling with my 6 month old and was thinking of taking the prepackaged liquid baby formula with me so that I don't have to worry about mixing on the plane; however, I will need clean scissors to open and I'm pretty sure that scissors are not going to be allowed in my carry-on luggage. Do the flight attendants have scissors that I can use? Any thoughts/ suggestions are appreciated.

Answer 1

The TSA does not limit you on the amout of formula you can take on a flight. http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/children/formula.shtm

You should be able to purchase the little packets of pre measured powedered formula at the grocery store and open it without scissors. My friend uses these and doesn't need scissors to open them. If you do need scissors you can carry a small pair in your bag according to the TSA (Scissors - metal with pointed tips and blades shorter than four inches http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm#4) The flight attendant will be able to provide you with water to mix the formula. Make sure you take enough with you to make a few extra bottles in case you're delayed.

If you want to take the premade forumla I suggest using the bottled type. All you have to do it take the lid off and replace it with a nipple. It's much easier than trying to pour the formula into a bottle. The premade bottles are a little more difficult to find, but not impossible.

This is from the Enfamil web site:
What is the most convenient way to travel with my baby's formula?
Enfamil® gives you lots of great feeding options for when you're on the go with your baby. Enfamil's ready-to-feed bottles, known as Nursette® bottles, are probably the most convenient. Just attach any clean, standard-size nipple to a Nursette bottle and you're ready to feed your baby.
Another excellent option, if you feed your baby Enfamil LIPIL®, is Single-Serve Powder Packets. The powdered formula is premeasured, making it especially easy to mix.
Any Enfamil powder is convenient for travel. Simply prefill your bottles with water and carry the powder separately. When you're ready to feed your baby, just combine the powder and water, cap the bottle and shake well.
Enfamil Nursette bottles, single-serve powder packets, and all Enfamil formulas are available through our convenient Home Delivery program.

Answer 2

Actually the flight attendants may NOT have anything, we (I'm a flight attendant) aren't allowed to have scissors either. Sometimes we are allowed to have the small kindergarten size blunt scissors but security has been taking them away regularly. We don't have any kind of knives either, the ones that come with the meal trays are not sharp at all.

The trouble is, you are allowed to bring formula through security BUT they limit the amount. (Please check with the TSA website to get the most up-to-date information). It may be more difficult for you but you may need to bring the powder and mix it on board. The most convenient thing to do would be to bring a large mouth plastic bottle with a tight fitting cap, like a sports water bottle (you can get them at Walmart). It will be easier to get the powder in and then ask the flight attendant for water. If you need warm water they can help you out. Then you can shake it up and pour the amount you need into the bottle.

Have a great trip!

Answer 3

Rather than asking to borrow some scissors (because as you can't take scissors on flights, the Attendants wont let you have them), ask the Flight Attendant to open the container for you.

There shouldn't be a problem especially if you are polite and explain why you can't do it yourself.

The Attendants are there to assist after all!

If you're off on Holiday, enjoy yourself!
Have Fun.


:~}

Answer 4

Before flying you should check to see the amount of liquids allowed in your carry on. Usually it is only 100ml. In this case you may want to consider powdered formula. I am sure that the attendants will be happy to mix this for you. Hopefully your baby will drink it. If you have never tried it, I would suggest slowly introducing it ahead of time. Start by mixing small amounts into baby's regular formula. Good luck and Happy travels.

Answer 5

Yes,the flight attendants will have something to open it.

Answer 6

Flight attendants should have, but will probably want to do it for you.

Have you considered zip-lock bags, though you'd have to be very careful.

Answer 7

Yes, they will do it for you.