Do Airlines Heat Baby Food Jars In-Flight?

Do Airlines Heat Baby Food Jars In-Flight?

Of all the things you have to worry about when travelling with a baby, what and how they eat can be quite a challenge. Most parents worry about this, especially when it comes to warming baby food or milk. After all, you can’t just walk into an aeroplane kitchen and pop a jar into the microwave!

Image: A photo of a young baby seated upright in a chair, wearing a bib, with big, curious eyes, being fed by an adult.

Do Airlines Heat Baby Food Jars?

The short answer is yes, most airlines do help, but not in the way you might expect.

Airlines usually cannot put baby food jars or bottles directly into ovens or microwaves, because these are not safe for baby food. Aeroplane galleys use convection ovens, which are meant for heating packaged meals, not glass jars or liquids. The heat in those ovens is uneven and can cause food to overheat or be dangerously hot in some spots and cold in others.

Instead, flight attendants usually do this by placing the jar or bottle in a container of warm water for a few minutes. This warms it gently without overheating.

So, while airlines may not “heat” food in the traditional sense, they can warm it enough for your baby to eat comfortably.

What Baby Food Can You Bring Onboard?

Airlines understand that babies have special needs, and they make exceptions for baby food and liquids. Usually, passengers can’t carry more than 100 ml of liquid in their hand luggage, but this rule doesn’t apply to baby food, milk, or formula.

You can bring baby food jars or pouches, formula or powdered milk, bottled breast milk, and water for mixing formula. Security officers might ask you to open or test some of these items at the airport, but as long as it is clearly for your baby, there is no problem bringing it on board.

Image: A photo of a baby dressed in a floral onesie resting peacefully on a soft white cloth, on a woman's chest, while the woman gently cradles its head.

Tips for Bringing/ Packing Baby Food 

• Bring pre-portioned baby food. Pack it in small, travel-size containers so you can open only what you need.
• Use pouches instead of jars. They are lighter, easier to store, and less likely to spill.
• Use a spill-proof container or pouch.
• Pack a thermos with warm water. Some airports allow you to bring a thermos filled with hot water for preparing formula. If not, flight attendants can give you warm water once on board.
• Bring a spoon and a bib.
• Check food temperature carefully. Always test the food or milk before giving it to your baby, as aeroplane conditions can make things cool or warm up unevenly.
• If your baby is older, bring a few snacks or finger foods.
• Don’t forget to bring wet wipes or paper towels for cleanup.
• Once opened, don’t store leftover baby food for later. It is highly advised to discard it after one use for safety.
• Always pack baby food in an easy-to-reach spot in your bag. This will save time when you need to take it out during security checks or during the flight.

Conclusion

Airlines don't exactly heat baby food jars in-flight, but they will help you warm them safely. Most flight attendants use warm water instead of ovens or microwaves.

The good thing is that you can bring your own baby food, milk, and formula on board without worrying about liquid limits, and the crew will gladly assist you when needed. Just remember to carry some essentials like a spoon and wipes, and always be patient.

Travelling with a baby might take a little more planning, but with the right preparation, feeding your child while flying can be just as easy as feeding them at home.