Parents traveling with breast milk are allowed through airport security. Here's what to do about TSA screening issues.
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- TSA's website says breastmilk, formula, and other baby and toddler food can be taken through security.
- Parents should let TSA agents know they are traveling with these things
- Actress Keke Palmer said she recently experienced "breast milk discrimination."
Actress Keke Palmer, who starred in the 2022 film "Nope," said that security agents threatened to throw away 16 ounces of breast milk that she was trying to bring through airport security.
"Breast milk discrimination at the Houston airport ruined my mood," she Tweeted. "I should've popped my tit out right then because the discretion and comfort of pumping is thwarted with threats to throw out over 16oz my babies food?!?!!! Why is that not a crime?? I'M A MOTHER for crying out loud."
TSA policies allow breastmilk and other baby food to go through security. Here's what you can pack in your carry-on bag when you're traveling with kids and what to do if — like Palmer — you have a frustrating experience at security.
Breastmilk, formula, and even snack pouches can go through security
Travelers have the right to bring milk, formula, and food for their babies or toddlers through security, according to the TSA. You can bring any amount, and you can pack it in your carry-on even if your baby is not with you.
The regulations also say that you can bring whatever you need to keep your milk cool, including ice packs, freezer packs, frozen gel packs, and even teethers for your baby. You can travel with those even if you're not also carrying breast milk.
Despite that, many parents, like Palmer, have experienced pushback from the TSA when they travel with baby food or supplies.
"Often, TSA agents don't understand this," Lisa Myers, a mom of two and frequent flier, told Insider.
"When I'd arrive at the airport, I would scout the TSA agents, trying to choose the line for a worker who looked knowledgeable, or at least sympathetic," she said. "That's an inconsistent system that often left me frustrated."
How to make the security process easier
To avoid problems at security, the TSA recommends telling the agent that you're traveling with baby food before they begin scanning your bags. Then, follow these tips:
- Remove all baby milk, food, and cooling accessories from your bag
- Transport milk in clear bottles rather than plastic bags since these are easier to screen
- Be prepared to open bags or pouches for additional screening (don't worry — the contents shouldn't ever be touched)
- Expect some additional screening. You and other adults that you're traveling with might get additional screening, like having your hands swabbed for traces of explosives.
- Keep ice packs frozen solid. This isn't required, but it means that they'll need less screening. However, you are allowed to bring partially frozen or slushy cooling packs through security.
What to do if you have problems with security
While it's good to know TSA policies before you travel, it's clear that sometimes the experience at the security checkpoint doesn't follow protocol. The TSA has had to apologize to parents many times, including last year when agents in Los Angeles refused to allow celebrity scientist Emily Calandrelli to bring ice packs through security because they weren't frozen solid.
If an agent gives you a hard time, ask to speak to a supervisor. You can also request a passenger support specialist, a TSA agent who is trained to help passengers who need travel accommodations. You could even keep a screenshot of the TSA policy on breastmilk and baby food handy.
Myers said it's also helpful to try to stay calm, even when the discussion becomes stressful and emotional.
"I'm not against the TSA; I know they're just doing their best to keep us safe," she said. "No TSA agent wakes up in the morning hoping to make a mom cry. Yet that's the unintentional impact of inconsistent training."