Bringing milk for a toddler (26 mths) on a plane?

[jodifla]

Since this thread covers flying, children, and even Germany, I am going to jump right in as I have personal experience with all three.

The advice to follow the TSA (or CATSA, or BAA, depending on the country) website is the best advice given. We have seen on this website that a number of posters don't seem to understand the TSA website; I would argue that it is actually very clearly laid out and seperated into checked baggage and carry on items. As the TSA cannot reasonably address any item that someone may inquire about, be it gum, Ipods, or milk, they have listed the most frequently questioned items, and categorized other items togeter (ie milk = liquid)

For those who advocate trying to take a prohibited item past security - I can personally attest to three different flights in the last ten days where my security experience was delayed from the usual 2-3 minutes (I use an elite line) to over 20 minutes due to travellers who were carrying prohobited items. In each case, the traveller admitted that they knew that the item was prohibited, but had decided to try and break the rules. This in turn resulted in siginificant delays for the rest of us.

Also remember the 10 flights diverted a few weeks ago? on several of those, passengers brought out banned items or did not follow FA instructions (such as to turn off all electronic devices); other passengers or FAs reacted in a certain way, and flights were diverted or returned to the gate. Imagine the cost and loss of time involved in these incidents.

Finally, I posted shortly after 8/10 that we need to put these restrictions into perspective. Very few people bothered to read my post, choosing instead to join the fear inducing threads which were spreading misinformation. In that thread, I recalled taking the train through East Germany with nothing to drink. Guess what - I survived. So did my parents. And I can assure you that I would have been told to suck it up and wait until a drink was available. (In the end it was a small container of juice bought on a station platform after several hours, and it was hot due to being in the sun) That may not be how you parent, but it was the reality of the situation and we were taught to obey our parents instructions.

Too often these threads deteriorate into shooting the messenger (ie those who advocate visiting the TSA site, or quote from the site) and/or advocating breaking the rules, to the possible detriment of your fellow travellers.

You are comparing us to East Germany as some sort of good thing?

 

[bavaria]

You are comparing us to East Germany as some sort of good thing?

Actually, you completed missed the point - in an earlier thread I was discussing how travel is not always easy, but survivable.

And much of my family comes from East Germany, just in case you choose to be critical.

 

[disneyldwjr]

You are comparing us to East Germany as some sort of good thing?

She was relating a story, I saw no comparison there. Also, I think it was when she was a child, since she mentioned parents and not complaining.
And, further, when is comparing the US to other countries not a good thing?
Don't we learn from comparisons?

 

[jodifla]

We are just back from DL flying from Oregon to Orange Count, CA. We brought milk in a sippy cup for our DGS - 19mo - He's pretty big for his age, too. They looked at the sippy cup, but didn't even open it. This was true coming and going. We really wanted it to help him with his ears on take off and landing. One thing I would be ready for - have you noticed how the TSA has their gloves on and then touches everyone's items? Dirty Kleenex and all??? We brought disinfectant wipes so we could wipe down the sippy cup before our DGS touched it. Have a great trip!

Again, another example of how bringing milk on a plane isn't some sort of conspiracy to overthrow civilized society, or even illegal, since in this case they let you on with no problem. They didn't arrest you when your child drank his milk on the flight, turn the plane around, or any other of the terrible things the other DISboarders are suggesting.

I think OP has decided how to handle the situation. We handled it the same way last night. Now that they are selling drinks again past security, it seems less of a problem. And I think most FAs are eager to help people with little kids, although I'm sure you'll run into some bad apples out there. Ours were very willing to give us juice and water, but in our case, we waited for the beverage service.

Good luck to the OP.

 

[disneyldwjr]

Again, another example of how bringing milk on a plane isn't some sort of conspiracy to overthrow civilized society, or even illegal, since in this case they let you on with no problem. They didn't arrest you when your child drank his milk on the flight, turn the plane around, or any other of the terrible things the other DISboarders are suggesting.

I think OP has decided how to handle the situation. We handled it the same way last night. Now that they are selling drinks again past security, it seems less of a problem. And I think most FAs are eager to help people with little kids, although I'm sure you'll run into some bad apples out there. Ours were very willing to give us juice and water, but in our case, we waited for the beverage service.

Good luck to the OP.

Actually, it is an example of how someone ignored the rules and skipped through the cracks.
No one is suggesting that terrible things are going to happen, they are stating what could (and has happened when people ignore rules) happen. Big difference. As a jounalist, I would think you could figure this out, unless of course, you work for the STAR in which facts are rarely used.

 

[jodifla]

Actually, it is an example of how someone ignored the rules and skipped through the cracks.
No one is suggesting that terrible things are going to happen, they are stating what could (and has happened when people ignore rules) happen. Big difference. As a jounalist, I would think you could figure this out, unless of course, you work for the STAR in which facts are rarely used.

As a journalist, I read enough to know that these procedures are simply smoke and mirrors, and don't make us safer. We take off our shoes, but for what? The machines don't check for that..... See http://www.cnn.com/2006/US/08/15/Terror.plot.security.ap/index.html

For the record, the only true gripe I have is the lack of consideration for those traveling with small children. I don't have a problem (although I think it's useless) not traveling with liquids in my carry-on. I can live without them for the day.

But it's the lack of accommodation for people traveling with small children that irks me. Just yelling "NO" at your 18 month old when they are begging for something to drink is just sick to me.

Since my DS is 4 and I'm past that stage, it's less of a problem for me. But I feel for all the moms out there traveling with little ones. I know how vicious people are when you can't quiet your child. Moms these days are used to having everything with them, so they don't have to inconvenience others.

 

[MAGICFOR2]

I should have added - we didn't "sneak" anything in. Our rules on Horizon Air clearly stated that milk for babies and toddlers was okay but not juice. We had to declare the liquid for the TSA agent. What alot of emotion over this one I think the issue about what our babies need brings out the "mama bear" in all of us

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

I should have added - we didn't "sneak" anything in. Our rules on Horizon Air clearly stated that milk for babies and toddlers was okay but not juice. We had to declare the liquid for the TSA agent. What alot of emotion over this one I think the issue about what our babies need brings out the "mama bear" in all of us

It's really not up to Horizon Air to decide what's legal and what isn't.

From the TSA FAQ, "Will there be any exceptions to the banned liquids?"

The following items are permitted to be carried aboard the aircraft:

Exceptions: Baby formula and breast milk if a baby or small child is traveling; prescription medicine with a name that matches the passenger’s ticket; up to 8 oz. of liquid or gel low blood sugar treatment and up to 4 oz. of non-prescription liquid medications.​

There is no exception for regular milk for children.

I'm not saying that MAGICFOR2 tried to "sneak" anything in. And I certainly won't feel less safe if the TSA eventually relaxes the rules on milk for young children, such as adding regular milk for toddlers (up to a specific age or size) to the list of exceptions. However, at this time, milk is not allowed, and trying to bring on milk is likely to be unsuccessful and to slow down the boarding process.

 

[disneyldwjr]

As a journalist, I read enough to know that these procedures are simply smoke and mirrors, and don't make us safer. We take off our shoes, but for what? The machines don't check for that..... See http://www.cnn.com/2006/US/08/15/Terror.plot.security.ap/index.html

For the record, the only true gripe I have is the lack of consideration for those traveling with small children. I don't have a problem (although I think it's useless) not traveling with liquids in my carry-on. I can live without them for the day.

But it's the lack of accommodation for people traveling with small children that irks me. Just yelling "NO" at your 18 month old when they are begging for something to drink is just sick to me.

Since my DS is 4 and I'm past that stage, it's less of a problem for me. But I feel for all the moms out there traveling with little ones. I know how vicious people are when you can't quiet your child. Moms these days are used to having everything with them, so they don't have to inconvenience others.

I have NEVER said once that I agree with the TSA rules, I just chose to obey them. I can live without most of the items listed. And, I am very familiar with the new stories you linked. I do not like taking my shoes off, I am a real germ freak, but, take them off I do.
I have never said to YELL NO at anyone, and we were speaking of a child 2 and over.
Being a MOM now and 20 or so years ago has not changed much. Being one that totally dislikes inconveniencing others, I made sure my children had exactly what they needed (not necessarily wanted) at all times.
I also feel for the parents traveling with little ones now. But, that does not change the fact that there are rules to follow. One poster suggested powdered milk that could be mixed with water aboard the plane. Yes, it is yucky, but, many felt that was a great solution.

 

[jodifla]

I have NEVER said once that I agree with the TSA rules, I just chose to obey them. I can live without most of the items listed. And, I am very familiar with the new stories you linked. I do not like taking my shoes off, I am a real germ freak, but, take them off I do.
I have never said to YELL NO at anyone, and we were speaking of a child 2 and over.
Being a MOM now and 20 or so years ago has not changed much. Being one that totally dislikes inconveniencing others, I made sure my children had exactly what they needed (not necessarily wanted) at all times.
I also feel for the parents traveling with little ones now. But, that does not change the fact that there are rules to follow. One poster suggested powdered milk that could be mixed with water aboard the plane. Yes, it is yucky, but, many felt that was a great solution.

26 months is still a baby in my book and too young to understand why you are denying them a drink when they are thirsty.

And if more people spoke out against the rules instead of blindly following them because they are "rules" than perhaps sanity would reign instead of mass hysteria.

 

[disneyldwjr]

It's really not up to Horizon Air to decide what's legal and what isn't.

From the TSA FAQ, "Will there be any exceptions to the banned liquids?"

The following items are permitted to be carried aboard the aircraft:

Exceptions: Baby formula and breast milk if a baby or small child is traveling; prescription medicine with a name that matches the passenger’s ticket; up to 8 oz. of liquid or gel low blood sugar treatment and up to 4 oz. of non-prescription liquid medications.​

There is no exception for regular milk for children.

I'm not saying that MAGICFOR2 tried to "sneak" anything in. And I certainly won't feel less safe if the TSA eventually relaxes the rules on milk for young children, such as adding regular milk for toddlers (up to a specific age or size) to the list of exceptions. However, at this time, milk is not allowed, and trying to bring on milk is likely to be unsuccessful and to slow down the boarding process.

Given what I just read on Horizon's site, I will say I don't think she snuck anything aboard either. However, Horizon should be taken to task for this misinformation.

The following items are still allowed through checkpoints:

Baby formula/milk and baby food in small containers, providing an infant or small child is traveling (Juice is no longer allowed.)
Prescription medicines (liquid and gel) with a name that matches the passenger's ticket.
Essential other non-prescription medicines not to exceed 4 ozs. (120 ml) per container, to include saline solution and eye-care products such as eye drops and contact lens solutions.
Liquids (to include juice), or gels for diabetic passengers who indicate a need for such items to address their medical condition. Quantities not to exceed 5 ozs. (148 ml) per container

 

[disneyldwjr]

26 months is still a baby in my book and too young to understand why you are denying them a drink when they are thirsty.

And if more people spoke out against the rules instead of blindly following them because they are "rules" than perhaps sanity would reign instead of mass hysteria.

My daughter will be 30 in October and she is still a baby in my book.
BUT, 26 months is considered a toddler. At 18 months children are being taught how to cope, hopefully. I am not advocating not giving them a drink in the least, I am advocating following the rules, inane as we may think they are. It has been stated over and over that pax can get water and perhaps juice upon boarding. Obviously, that means the child will get what they need.
Until these rules are changed, the onus is on us to follow them.
I don't blindly do anything and I am anything BUT hysterical. Since you have no idea what I do outside of posting here, you have no idea if I have written to anyone regarding these rules. Have you?

 

[jodifla]

Given what I just read on Horizon's site, I will say I don't think she snuck anything aboard either. However, Horizon should be taken to task for this misinformation.

The following items are still allowed through checkpoints:

Baby formula/milk and baby food in small containers, providing an infant or small child is traveling (Juice is no longer allowed.)
Prescription medicines (liquid and gel) with a name that matches the passenger's ticket.
Essential other non-prescription medicines not to exceed 4 ozs. (120 ml) per container, to include saline solution and eye-care products such as eye drops and contact lens solutions.
Liquids (to include juice), or gels for diabetic passengers who indicate a need for such items to address their medical condition. Quantities not to exceed 5 ozs. (148 ml) per container

This definitely suggests that milk is allowed. Is it from Horizons or TSA?

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

26 months is still a baby in my book and too young to understand why you are denying them a drink when they are thirsty.

That's why it's a good idea to give the child something to drink before boarding — so the child won't be thirsty immediately upon boarding. (That applies to adults too.)

And if more people spoke out against the rules instead of blindly following them because they are "rules" than perhaps sanity would reign instead of mass hysteria.

Then people should write to the TSA and to their elected representatives in Washington, DC. But trying to break the rules or to "speak out" to an airport TSA agent or an airline employee will only inconvenience you and everyone around you.

Unless you assume that there should be no rules against any liquids (and I realize that's how some people feel), we have to recognize that more exceptions mean more inspection of the exception items, and thus a slower security process.

I'd like to see something along the lines of "certified" beverages that can purchased in an airport shop and carried onto the aircraft. Presumably, there would be some sort of tamperproof seal over the top. But, so far, there's no such thing.

 

[disneyldwjr]

I should have added - we didn't "sneak" anything in. Our rules on Horizon Air clearly stated that milk for babies and toddlers was okay but not juice. We had to declare the liquid for the TSA agent. What alot of emotion over this one I think the issue about what our babies need brings out the "mama bear" in all of us

Yes, you should have. The site is very misleading and you were following what was stated there. BUT, they really don't make the rules.

 

[jodifla]

http://www.sundayherald.com/57460

Here's another interesting story from across the Pond. Note the line about "American paranoia."

 

[disneyldwjr]

This definitely suggests that milk is allowed. Is it from Horizons or TSA?

From Alaksaair/Horizons. http://www.alaskaair.com/as/www2/flights/Irregular-Operations.asp

 

[disneyldwjr]

http://www.sundayherald.com/57460

Here's another interesting story from across the Pond. Note the line about "American paranoia."

Many are paranoid, many remember 9/11 and many are just plain cautious.
I am sure, given the time and energy, you can find all sorts of stories that poke at security. Personally, I would rather expend my energy on other more productive things. Quotes out of context have always made for sensational reading and prove nothing, except some jounalist can turn something into something it was never intended to be.

 

[bicker]

I also feel for the parents traveling with little ones now. But, that does not change the fact that there are rules to follow.

Absolutely.

And if more people spoke out against the rules instead of blindly following them because they are "rules" than perhaps sanity would reign instead of mass hysteria.

Speak out all you wish, in the correct context. Don't act out -- don't have your pet peeves inconvenience other travelers or make the jobs of TSA officials more difficult. If you don't like the rules, tell your Congressional representatives that you don't like the rules. But follow them. Live with the ramifications of them. Until you are able to get enough people to agree with you, assuming you ever can, the law prevails over your personal preference.

Five years ago my brother got dusted by the rubble of the World Trade Center as it collapsed, because the rules weren't strong enough, and the flying public wasn't vigilant enough. We should never let our guard down like that ever again.

 

[NotUrsula]

I've only got one comment, regarding the likelihood of diversions. I would be *incredibly* surprised if an adult reported a parent to an FA for handing a filled sippy cup to a small child. A sippy cup is essentially the same thing as a baby bottle; if the liquid is in it to start with, no one will think anything of it, as baby foods have been an exception all along. It's not the same thing as pulling out a Pepsi.