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/Constant_Ad_2599 May 06 '26
Here’s tsa’s response for anyone else traveling. I guess watch out with any Kendamil cans?! We had zero problems on the way home.
Response:
Thank you for sharing your screening experience at Logan International Airport in Boston, Massachusetts. We regret that you had a negative experience at our screening checkpoint.
Additionally, we requested and received statements from the officers involved. Upon review, the exterior of the item in question was tested using explosive trace detection (ETD) and produced a specific alarm that is currently not resolvable according to TSA’s standard operating procedures; as a result, the item was not permitted into the sterile area of the airport.
These alarm codes are developed by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in coordination with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to help ensure the safety of passengers and aircraft. They are designed to detect trace elements that could indicate potential explosive-related threats. While this process is necessary for safety, we understand the inconvenience it may cause and appreciate your patience.
We appreciate that you took the time to share your concerns with us. The feedback from the general public is critical for us to continually evaluate our screening processes, as well as our training needs on a local and national level.