No need to worry about liquid limits if you’re traveling with breast milk or formula
This month, actress, and new mom, Keke Palmer made headlines when she tweeted about her experience at the Houston Airport, asserting that airport security officers threatened to throw out more than 16 ounces of breast milk. If the officers did indeed ask Palmer to dispose of her breast milk, it looks like they were unequivocally in the wrong.
According to a spokesperson from the Transportation Security Administration, the agency does not know about the incident. However, USA Today notes that the spokesperson did mention that travelers are advised to report any issues they encounter during the screening process by submitting comments and concerns directly to the agency.
According to TSA regulations, ample provisions are made for milk and formula.
Baby and toddler food (including puree pouches) and milk (formula or breast) in containers larger than 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters are permitted in carry-on luggage, and the total volume of these items does not need to fit within a quart-sized bag. Baby and toddler food (including puree pouches) and other liquids, such as formula and breast milk, are considered medical necessities. The same holds for ice packs, freezer packs, and gel packs used for cooling breast milk and formula (regardless of the presence of breast milk). Bringing breast milk, formula, or other supplies is fine, even if you don’t have your baby.
If a passenger intends to bring medically necessary liquids, they can also inform the TSA. Parents should be aware of their rights when traveling with such liquids, according to Nikeytha Ramsey, founder and CEO of Junobie. This company makes sustainable, plastic-free breast milk and infant formula storage containers.
“It says it right here on your website that I am allowed to fly. Breast milk does not count against the 3.4-ounce rule. Neither does baby formula,” Ramsey said. “So just like what your website says ... I would appreciate it if you can honor this right now for us.”
Ramsey added that telling TSA officers about any breast milk or formula you might bring before your screening begins is typically a good idea.
“You never know what TSA agent you are going to get,” she continued. “You can get a really, really pleasant TSA agent and they’re not going to really give you any issues.
Sens. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), and Steve Danes (R-Mont.) reintroduced legislation in May requiring the TSA to better educate its officers about its policies in light of reports from constituents of complaints like Palmer’s.
It’s all too common, according to Duckworth, for traveling mothers to be “mistreated and denied access” to the breast milk and breastfeeding equipment they need to feed their babies.
“Many of these incidents are inconsistent with TSA’s screening policies, which is why I’m proud to reintroduce this bipartisan legislation to ensure TSA keeps its employees up to speed on their own policies and updates those policies as necessary. It’s the least we can do to help make sure parents traveling through our airports are given the respect and dignity they deserve,” she further elaborated.
According to the Bottles and Breastfeeding Equipment Screening Enhancement (BABES) Act, TSA must:
Provide instructions encouraging the clean handling of breast milk, infant formula, other infant nutrition products, and any accessories moving through checkpoints.
Consult with nationally renowned organizations for maternal health when developing and distributing instructions to officers and travelers.
Every five years, the guidance should be updated to reflect changes in technology and new parent needs.
The TSA advises that, for the time being, passengers carrying breast milk or formula should do so in transparent bottles rather than bags, which can be more difficult to screen.
Check out the TSA’s complete guidelines to know your rights when traveling with breast milk, formula, or related devices.
Evie Blanco is a journalist with nearly a decade of experience born in the Dominican Republic and raised in Queens, New York. She is extremely well-versed in hip-hop music and culture and is always aware of its developments. Whether it’s the latest in pop culture, a fascinating foreign destination, a truly amazing new restaurant, or breaking news, she loves to write about it all. Evie can be reached at evieblanco@detourxp.com.
This story was originally published June 26, 2023 at 5:40 PM.