The short answer for parents
You can pack unlimited solid snacks for your kids in hand luggage. Drinks are liquids — so juice, water, smoothies, yoghurts and pouches all follow the 100ml rule (or 2L at CT-scanner airports). Milk and formula for babies and toddlers are a special case with more generous limits at UK, EU and US airports, even if the airport is otherwise on 100ml.
Solid snacks — always fine in cabin
- Sandwiches, wraps and rolls
- Fresh fruit, dried fruit and fruit bars
- Crackers, biscuits, cereal bars, crisps
- Cheese (hard cheese; soft cheese counts as a liquid)
- Chocolate and sweets
- Cooked pasta, rice or cold chicken (no sauce)
Drinks — treated as liquids
| Item | Airport on 100ml rule | Airport on 2L rule |
|---|---|---|
| Juice carton (200ml) | Not allowed | Allowed |
| Water bottle (500ml) | Not allowed (empty is fine) | Allowed |
| Yoghurt pouch (85ml) | Allowed in clear bag | Allowed |
| Smoothie pouch (150ml) | Not allowed | Allowed |
| Baby formula (any size) | Allowed with infant | Allowed |
| Expressed breast milk | Allowed with infant | Allowed |
Baby milk, formula and infant drinks
If you're travelling with a baby or toddler, UK, EU and US airports let you carry enough milk, formula, expressed breast milk, cooled boiled water, or ready-made baby food for the journey — in containers over 100ml. Tell the security officer at the start of screening. Expect containers to be swabbed or opened for testing.
Tips for stress-free security with kids
- Put snacks in an easy-to-reach outer pocket — you may be asked to show them
- Empty water bottles before joining the security queue
- Buy drinks airside once you're through — every terminal has shops
- Take formula out of your bag before the belt, ready to show
- For toddlers, a spill-proof cup filled airside beats fighting the liquid rule
What about US flights?
TSA follows the same principle: solids are fine, drinks over 3.4oz (100ml) are not, and formula / breast milk / juice for infants are exempt with a child. TSA also allows medically necessary liquids for children over 100ml if declared at screening.