Flying to the US with a baby.

[lexxity]

I am flying to the USA in early Ocotber and the charming security people at Manchester have told me that I can take calpol with me if it is purchased airside. However, we have to change aircraft and carrier at ORD and I am wondering if there is any discrection shown by the TSA on these matters.

To be honest I am not holding my breath that security at MAN will stick to their word, but the thought of an 8hr flight without the good old standby is not worth thinking about. If he gets earache or is teething that day then it will be a barrel of laughs for me and everybody else onboard. The other question is will teething granules be allowed? These are a homeopathic remedy for relieveing the pain of pushy teeth.

The only other time the baby has flown was a short hop to EDI, he didn't seem to have any ear problems then, but things change.

[PAXboy]

As far as I know (which means I know nothing!) The rules are about flights into the USA and that US domestic flights have not been subject to this new madness. Which would indicate that you could purchase airside at MAN and then carry forward but ask your carriers (both if there two). Also, don't forget that madness is catching.

[SXB]

From experience with my own children I've found that ear problems on flights to be completely unpredictable, when they were babies sometimes they had problems and sometimes they didn't, no pattern to it.

Here in France the equivelent product to the Calpol (range) is Doliprane (paracetamol based fever products), though here you go and see your doctor and he gives you a prescription for it (people do this because they get most of the cost refunded, I don't know if it's available over the counter) The point being that it then becomes prescription medicine.

It's a long time since I've lived in the UK but I remember Doctors were quite happy to issue prescriptions for items also available over the counter, especially if they were cheaper than the cost of a prescription. It's just a thought but this might be one area worth exploring. Like I said, it's been a long time since I lived in the UK so Doctors might not be so willing to issue a prescription for an over the counter drug like Calpol anymore.

Good luck with the flight.

[lexxity]

Now there's a good idea, I'm off to the docs today so I'll see if he'll prescribe calpol for the baby, at least I can say "look it has his name on the bottle".

Better to be prepared than annoy all my fellow pax.

[slim_slag]

lexxity,

The TSA are not the ogres some on here say they are. The only problem I can think of, and I don't see it being anything more than theoretical, is that paracetamol is called acetominophen in the States so if they look at the ingredients they might not recognise it. The most well known trade name for Calpol is Tylenol. I really don't think they will care but just so you are aware. Also if you run out over there you don't spend all day looking at labels on a shop shelf and not finding any. Calpol is great stuff, magic even, and in the States it's also an over-the-counter medicine.

[Globaliser]

Originally Posted by PAXboy

The rules are about flights into the USA and that US domestic flights have not been subject to this new madness. Which would indicate that you could purchase airside at MAN and then carry forward but ask your carriers (both if there two). Also, don't forget that madness is catching.

Catching, indeed - but they have not yet caught it quite as badly as we have. The TSA website says this:-

Can I Take It?

Due to enhanced security measures liquids, gels, lotions and other items of similar consistency will not be permitted in carry-on baggage. These types of items must be packed in your checked baggage.

Additionally, liquids, gels and lotions purchased beyond the checkpoint but must be disposed of before boarding the aircraft.

To ensure the health and welfare of certain air travelers the following items are permitted.

• Small amounts of Baby formula and breast milk if a baby or small child is traveling
• Liquid prescription medicine with a name that matches the passenger’s ticket
• Up to 5 oz. (148ml) of liquid or gel low blood sugar treatment
• Up to 4 oz. of essential non-prescription liquid medications including saline solution, eye care products and KY jelly
• Gel-filled bras and similar prostethics
• Gel-filled wheelchair cushions
• Life support and life sustaining liquids such as bone marrow, blood products, and transplant organs carried for medical reasons
• You are permitted to bring solid cosmetics and personal hygiene items as such lipstick, lip balm and similar solids. Please remember these items must be solid and not liquid, gel or aerosol.

Please keep in mind, that while we can not provide an exhaustive list of items covering all eventualities, all liquids, gels, or aerosols of any kind are prohibited at security checkpoints, in airport sterile areas, and aboard aircraft. You can pack these items in your checked baggage.

I'll leave it to others to titter about the KY Jelly ...

[lexxity]

One bottle of calpol picked up on prescription this morning.

I checked Uniteds website too (they are are onward carrier) and they have the TSA list posted above.

I can't for the life of me think why you'd need KY jelly on a flight, the mind boggles!

[Pax Vobiscum]

KY jelly has many valid medical uses (for which it was originally developed) not just the ones you may be thinking of

(OK, I admit it, I smirked too ...)

[newarksmells]

Lexx;

I was out in Vegas with our infant when this started. The bottom line is the baby is on Zantac for Acid Refux (prescribed and his name on bottle) and a nebulizer for Asthma with associated capsules for inhaling. Obviously carrying formula too.

We disclosed ALL of this at security and none of it was a problem. We didn't even have to drink the formula as was advertised on T.V.

Enjoy your time here.

Newarksmells

[lexxity]

Thanks Newark, we always enjoy our time in the US.