Travel with Children - Can I bring water thru security CDG (w/ kids)

Not sure if this is the better place or the France forum. We're going back home to the States from CDG. We're able to bring water thru security in the US if we have the kids w/ us; anyone know if we'll be able to do the same here?

You are allowed to bring baby food, etc., but not sure they would consider a bottle of water necessary, as you can purchase after security. You could try. The worst they could do is make you empty out your entire carryon and throw the water away.

Place it in your bag and say it's for the kid when they find it (if at all).

Not sure if this is the better place or the France forum. We're going back home to the States from CDG. We're able to bring water thru security in the US if we have the kids w/ us; anyone know if we'll be able to do the same here?

NO

I wouldn't even try, as that could hold up people behind you in the security line. Just bring an empty bottle and fill it up from a fountain after you get through security.

As long as the rule is there, i would find it very strange and bad if it was allowed to bring water which is readily available after security. Why on earth should they allow that? And why would you want to try when you can buy bottle water or get tap water for free after security.

Just an update: we did wind up bringing water through with no problem. As for why I would try: we wound up buying bottled water at Monoprix by the six pack (less than 1/3 the price of buying it by the bottle in Paris, and saving probably even more than that with airport prices. Although it wound up being a nonissue since we went to the AA lounge in CDG and so we had access to free bottled water there as well).

And no, even if they hadn’t allowed it, it would not hold up anyone in line at security. I see people try to take things thru all the time (bottled water, soda, big shampoo bottles, etc) and they just throw it out right there. It isn’t like an inquisition that stops the line.

Since we’ve started traveling with our twins, I’ve found that security gives fairly wide latitude with what you can bring. I just wasn’t sure if it would be the same in Europe. But in our case, it was.

I just wasn’t sure if it would be the same in Europe. But in our case, it was.

In my experience, CDG is generally very helpful towards the elderly, those requiring physical assistance, and families with small children. (And most airports I use around Europe tend to be the same; there isn't the bullying attitude one finds in the US towards those less able)

CDG has a poor reputation but I think that much of it is actually quite undeserved and some of it due to perhaps cultural bias.

I used to work at CDG (2 1/2 years). I don't have a "cultural bias" but I can say that Terminal 1 is not the same experience as 2. I've also flown out of T3 (charters).

It's grim if you have to change terminals. I recommend CDG for those stopping in Paris and for those who can change planes in the same terminal (usually 2).

CDG is still badly designed and doesn't hold up next to most major airports around the world.

The design of the airport isn't the issue here; it is the staff. And the staff at all CDG terminals which I use have been very good over the years, especially as I noted to those who may have extra needs. That includes the airport staff as well as the local airline staff at CDG. I've also seen how they handled families, and those with mobility issues, etc during a terminal dump.

Every airport has unpleasant people working there, and certainly I have encountered many unpleasant people around the world. But if my choice is the American TSA or the French airport security, I will take the French version every single time. Even when I carry prohibited items to the checkpoint, or questionable items, I prefer the French version. They may be firm, and they may follow their rules carefully, but they have always been respectful.

I'm glad that OP was able to experience what I experience at airports in France.

So people with children are allowed to bring water through security in the U.S.? Really? What airport do you fly out of off? Never heard of this.

From the TSA website:

Medically necessary liquids and gels, including medications, baby formula and food, breast milk, and juice are exempt from the 3-1-1 rules, and are allowed in reasonable quantities exceeding 3.4 ounces (100ml). They are not required to be in a zip-top bag. Officers may ask travelers to open these items to conduct additional screening and passengers should declare them for inspection at the checkpoint. http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/children/index.shtm

And from this very forum here on FT: (Note that I asked for clarification on that thread if the airport was a US or non-US airport, and OP did return to say that it was a TSA/US encounter)

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/travel-children/1293829-allowed-take-open-water-bottle-thru-security.html

As with any TSA encounter, however, be forewarned the actual experiences may vary greatly, and the information on their own website may not actually be followed.

I was the OP in this thread and the one quoted above. I didn't realize it was possible either, until we did it. We mostly fly out of PHL, and we've found the same at BNA, SDF, ORD, and CDG.

How old are your twins btw? it only seems as kids get older that taking water etc through security for them becomes a problem :(

19 months, although they're on the small side and everyone thinks they're younger. Eventually the jig will be up, but we haven't had a problem yet.