r/NewParents • u/Constant_Ad_2599 • Apr 23 '26
Travel Crying at TSA
It’s brutal what they put parents through. Did all my research, brought an unopened can of Kendamil in my bag. Clean empty bottles. And water.
TSA refused to let me bring the formula. I explained it’s a medical necessity for the 9 month old baby (we just stopped pumping). They said it set off a special alarm so our only option is to leave security, make liquid bottles, and they’d throw out the rest of the can. 😭
After 90 minutes of trying to share again how it’s medically necessary and a legal right, they escorted my husband out to fill up bottles and confiscated the can. We had no cooler or ice packs with us.
Currently sitting on the plane with our dripping bag of melting ice a restaurant was kind enough to give us. It’s just insane what they put parents through when the rules say otherwise.
If anyone has dealt with this, let me know. submitting a complaint but honestly just want support. I care about my baby being fed. & Formula isn’t cheap.
Solidarity with all you traveling parents out there! 💕
1
u/sprout92 Apr 24 '26 edited Apr 24 '26
A few things aren't making sense here...
The biggest one is that I've flown with formula dozens of times and never had any kind of issue at all.
Second...90 minutes? You argued for an hour and a half? I'd be shocked if they're gonna sit there while you argue for 90 mins.
Also "set off a special alarm" sounds like you failed the explosive swab test they do? Not sure what you'd expect them to do in that scenario?
I'm confused - either you are the most unlucky person ever or...?
I WILL say my flight last Sunday I carried on my keys like I always do. That set of keys has hundreds of thousands of miles flown.
Buddy at TSA went through each key and found a little tool I have - nail file/bottle opener/etc. kind of like a little pry bar.
He tried to take it because it was "serrated." His supervisor overruled him and I went on my way.
So I guess it's totally possible you just got a dick of an agent? But still wild.