Question about flying with a 6-month-old baby

We're going to the States in April with our baby who will be 6 months old by then, flying with Air France. I'm expressing milk exclusively (breastfeeding never worked) and so will need to carry a few bottles of milk and cartons of formula. How does that work with the restrictions on carrying liquids? I don't mind if I have to take a swig of breastmilk, but if I have to open the cartons of formula, that's them spoiled unless fed nearly right away. Plus the cartons are really messy and tend to spew everywhere while you're trying to pour into a bottle.

When my sister-in-law came over here last year she had to open every carton of formula that she had with her in her carry-on and take a taste. I'm really hoping to avoid that. We've got a carton of powdered formula but have never used it because we feed formula so rarely - just as a top-up - so the ready to feed cartons are easier. I'm thinking it might be a good idea to make up the powder in meal-sized packets, thereby avoiding the cartons. I'm assuming there are bottle-warming facilities on the plane?

If anybody has had experience with Air France and Charles de Gaulle airport when flying with babies I'd welcome any advice. I've already phoned and booked seats with the bassinet, so that's taken care of.

Also, do you know if you can request a carseat when booking rental cars?

Thanks a lot
Lee

When I flew over I brought a cooler with 3 bottles of EBM in it and I think they just smelled it and let me through. I brought a hand held electric pump with me so I could pump in the toilet if need be (Medela Mini Electric) it was no problem. I might have dipped my finger in, but I don't remember, but I know I didn't have to drink it. There are no bottle warming facilities on the plane, but you might ask for some hot water from their kettle. I think you can buy small 8 oz size sachets of some brands of formula, or you can just make it up in containers or something....I brought cartons of RTF with me (juice box kind) and they didn't make me open them or taste them. But I would bring powdered formula with me, that would make it easier.

I don't know what airport you are flying from, but at our airport there is a Boots in the terminal after you go through security, so you can buy what you need before boarding the plane. I always bring no liquids with me and buy my son juice and milk at WH Smiths when we go through security, have a look at an airport map.

You can request a carseat when booking a rental car (I just did this about 10 minutes ago) BUT the car rental company does say that a car seat MIGHT NOT be available at the time of rental, its a bit silly really, but I have a plan B in case of an emergency...

I don't have time to reply now, but will later today. I flew AF to the US about 2 years ago. My experience was very mixed but I'll try to recall all the details and report back!

There is a thread very similar to this in the parents section.  In my experience I had brought EBM as a backup and was asked to taste leaving Newcastle but not from the US.  That was the only liquid I took with.  Just check with the airport or TSA to see.  I know it changes all the time.  Also have a look on the other thread there is lots of info there.

OK, basically I did not enjoy flying with Air France at all.

2 years ago, I had made up bottles of formula and I was allowed through with them (I think I had to taste them, but I can't recall). I had been told I could put them in a fridge on the plane, but it turns out AF don't have fridges! So definitely have a good quality cooler bag.

If I had to do it again, I'd bring powdered formula and buy spring water at the airport after security. If you are expressing, bring the pump,too, but the powdered formula is a good back up (just make sure your baby will drink it first!). I've also had problems with the formula boxes  - I had to pour them all out into bottles at Manchester airport this past November. That's why I think powder and water are best.

The bassinet was good, but they fought me at every turn over my stroller. Because I had to connect at CDG, I wanted the stroller on the plane rather than in the hold. They wouldn't do it. So I ended up walking the entire length of CDG with an 8 month old and all my carry-on luggage to get to the connecting gate. If you use a Baby Bjorn or similar, do so. I didn't bring mine then as I didn't think I need it!

My stroller was also broken by the time it got to the US. After a long fight with AF, I got money for it and bought a new one.

But, bear in mind this was all 2 years ago. I hope my experience was mostly a fluke. But forewarned is best!

Good luck!

Thanks for all the advice. I think the powdered formula is the way to go, plus I'll bring my small battery powered pump to use on the plane. And I'll definitely get a cool bag, great idea. We're going to bring a lightweight umbrella stroller and try hard to get it on the plane. Last time we flew with Air France our flight from Aberdeen to Paris was late and we missed our overseas connection. Fine if it's just two adults, but throw a baby into the mix and I think it'd be a nightmare having to carry him everywhere while we wait hours for the next flight.

Lee