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

[bavaria]

Absolutely. 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.

Good advice in this context. I am all for civil disobedience in the appropriate context or forum. I would not advocate, however, a parent with a small child running the risk of being denied boarding or worse, to prove a point. In this case writing to the appropriate officials is a good suggestion.

 

[bavaria]

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.

Exactly correct - I was referencing an experience that I had when I was just 3 or maybe just before age 3, to illustrate a point.

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.

I don't know if you are referencing my parents' parenting skills, or disneyldwjr's parenting skills, but I don't believe that anyone advocating yelling "NO" at an 18 month old. There are ways however to minimize the negative impact of the situation, as has been shown many times on this thread. As disneyldwjr pointed out earlier in this thread, it is about liquids on a plane, and not about judging other people's parenting skills.

 

[bavaria]

BTW - we've reached page 5 - I believe that we've lost Bicker.... (based on the page 5 reference in his signature!) Bicker, hope that you're still out there!

 

[disneyldwjr]

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.

I sure would not report it, especially if the child were drinking it. However, as you well know, there is a ban on liquid, excepting a very few items. It is subject to inspection. But, regarding your statement. NOTHING would surprise me. I flew with one woman ,who upon seeing two Muslim women who were "covered" enter the plane, state that she had a "bad feeling" about the flight. I told her that the comment was totally out of line and she should keep comments like that to herself because she was, indeed, upsetting pax.
Totally off topic, just giving reason as to why NOTHING suprises me anymore.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Of course, bringing something on is probably more trouble than it's worth because if you're caught giving your toddler milk on the plane they probably feel it's their right to shoot you or something.

Please. GIVING your toddler milk on the plane is entirely different from SNEAKING milk on the plane. While it's great that your airport isn't checking luggage content at the gate, some airports ARE doing that.

That is unclear from TSA's own website, Bicker, when you are talking about babies and toddlers (for which a 2yo qualifies). See my PP and contrast that with the one above about juice and other liquids not being ok -- both are directly from the TSA website. It comes down to how you interpret "other baby items."

If milk were permitted in carry on luggage, the TSA website would include that in the section where they permit formula and breast milk with the 'must be traveling with a baby or toddler' qualification.

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.

Well, yeah - there's still no rule against sippy cups.

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

But if you read Horizon's meal service page http://www.alaskaair.com/as/www2/help/faqs/MealService.asp, they don't appear to provide milk on their flights (scroll down to bottom of page)

 

[disneyldwjr]

"But if you read Horizon's meal service page http://www.alaskaair.com/as/www2/he...MealService.asp, they don't appear to provide milk on their flights (scroll down to bottom of page)"
While this is true, Horizon does say that milk is allowed. It most certainly is incorrect. The fact that Horizon does not serve is does not mean pax can bring it aboard.

 

[bavaria]

Well, yeah - there's still no rule against sippy cups.

I believe that at this point only Nanny 911 has the 'no sippy cup' rule....

 

[NotUrsula]

One thing to note, folks: "baby formula" is an American term. In most countries, what we call formula is called "baby milk". When the description is written as "baby formula/milk" it is accounting for the varying terminology.

 

[bavaria]

One thing to note, folks: "baby formula" is an American term. In most countries, what we call formula is called "baby milk". When the description is written as "baby formula/milk" it is accounting for the varying terminology.

Excellent point! good catch and explanation of why 'milk' is listed.

 

[DJNOWICK]

As disneyldwjr pointed out earlier in this thread, it is about liquids on a plane, and not about judging other people's parenting skills.

Unfortunately, when people say thigs like this:

I found that the word NO when used consistantly worked quite well with my children. It let them know who was in charge.

it then turns into the beginnings of a parenting debate because it smacks of "tut tut...if you would only properly and consistently discipline your kids, you wouldn't be in this situation, now would you?"

If milk were permitted in carry on luggage, the TSA website would include that in the section where they permit formula and breast milk with the 'must be traveling with a baby or toddler' qualification.

Not according to TSA itself:

While we can not provide a comprehensive list of liquids that will and will not be permitted on board, the primary exceptions to this rule are:

* Baby formula or breast milk when traveling with an infant
* Prescription medication, provided the prescription matches the passenger's name
* Certain essential non-prescription medication, such as insulin
* Additional items are listed here


There are inconsistencies even WITHIN TSA's own website -- is it infants? toddlers? infants and toddlers? Depends on where on teh TSA website you look.

One thing to note, folks: "baby formula" is an American term. In most countries, what we call formula is called "baby milk". When the description is written as "baby formula/milk" it is accounting for the varying terminology.

I'm betting that is true - but again...UNCLEAR because I'm also betting that the majority of Americans probably do not know that baby milk and baby formula are equivalent terms.

The darndest topics turn into huge debates, eh?

Jackie

 

[disneyldwjr]

"it then turns into the beginnings of a parenting debate because it smacks of "tut tut...if you would only properly and consistently discipline your kids, you wouldn't be in this situation, now would you?"

Had that been my intent, trust me, that is exactly what I would have said.
Don't look for hidden meanings in my posts or read between the lines. You will not find anything. I speak my mind, and am not particularly worried about reactions.

 

[DJNOWICK]

Whether that was your intent or not is pretty irrelevant -- that particular line in that particular response, in addition to one or two other lines from one or two other posters can be construed by reasonable people as commentary on the OPs parenting skills.

Jackie

 

[amarberry]

Ah, no I would not. I was responding to the post where it was stated that the child would scream if she could not have milk. Nothing else was mentioned about any other kind of drink. Maybe I was lucky, but, NO was the final word with my children. Screaming and throwing fits was NOT acceptable.
Let's not degenerate into a child rearing debate, OK? You have your ways, I had mine.

Well you go out for the afternoon and look what happens to your thread .

I would just like to direct you to my post where I mentioned that it would be "very difficult to justify to a just 2 yr old why she can't have milk if she is asking for it." I went on to say "We'll offer it to her before boarding and hope she is content with water if milk is unavailable. Thank goodness we only have a 2.5 hour flight!" Somehow, this was made out to be that my brat of a child would be screaming at her incompetent mother for milk. Hmm...in my situation, it's more like I'd be listening to this the entire flight..."milk Mama, milk Mama, milk Mama, milk Mama" and occasionally a variation of "Mama, milk". I have a broken record of a child more than a screamer. Maybe I'm taking things a little too personal on this thread, but it seems like this topic has turned into a child rearing debate. I think that you need to read my posts a little bit more closely before responding/attacking.

I just have to say that I rarely even lurk on the Transportation board, and I probably won't be back anytime soon based on the not so nice responses on this thread. I had what I thought was an innocent question regarding the interpretation of the TSA's policy on carrying on milk. I never said implied that I wanted to break or bend any rules. In fact, if you look at my original post, I stated that I would throw our milk away at security if it wasn't allowed, get some for DD to drink before boarding, and just ask for some water on the plane. However, some where I feel like I was made out to be a horrible parent who could care less about the rules and regulations set forth by the TSA which is not the case.

I simply wanted to find out from other parents who have actually traveled since the new flight restrictions whether or not you could carry on milk for a 2 year old! Guess I'll be sticking to the Family Board for these types of questions in the future.

 

[jodifla]

Well you go out for the afternoon and look what happens to your thread .

I would just like to direct you to my post where I mentioned that it would be "very difficult to justify to a just 2 yr old why she can't have milk if she is asking for it." I went on to say "We'll offer it to her before boarding and hope she is content with water if milk is unavailable. Thank goodness we only have a 2.5 hour flight!" Somehow, this was made out to be that my brat of a child would be screaming at her incompetent mother for milk. Hmm...in my situation, it's more like I'd be listening to this the entire flight..."milk Mama, milk Mama, milk Mama, milk Mama" and occasionally a variation of "Mama, milk". I have a broken record of a child more than a screamer. Maybe I'm taking things a little too personal on this thread, but it seems like this topic has turned into a child rearing debate. I think that you need to read my posts a little bit more closely before responding/attacking.

I just have to say that I rarely even lurk on the Transportation board, and I probably won't be back anytime soon based on the not so nice responses on this thread. I had what I thought was an innocent question regarding the interpretation of the TSA's policy on carrying on milk. I never said implied that I wanted to break or bend any rules. In fact, if you look at my original post, I stated that I would throw our milk away at security if it wasn't allowed, get some for DD to drink before boarding, and just ask for some water on the plane. However, some where I feel like I was made out to be a horrible parent who could care less about the rules and regulations set forth by the TSA which is not the case.

I simply wanted to find out from other parents who have actually traveled since the new flight restrictions whether or not you could carry on milk for a 2 year old! Guess I'll be sticking to the Family Board for these types of questions in the future.

Actually, I think OP that most of the barbs were directed at me and a couple of other posters, not you. I think it was clear that you were just asking what was allowed these days.

I gave actual experience from having flown six times in the last 20 days: That not much would prevent a parent from bringing milk on board if they really wanted to. Some did it as easily as putting it in a sippy cup and having it waved through by TSA, since they were traveling with a "smal child" which seems to fit the TSA rules.

I did not break these precious rules myself, but that matters not to the hysterical faction on these boards who feel that "rules are rules."

 

[disneyldwjr]

Whether that was your intent or not is pretty irrelevant -- that particular line in that particular response, in addition to one or two other lines from one or two other posters can be construed by reasonable people as commentary on the OPs parenting skills.

Jackie

Actually what you construe is irrelevant. The intent is, indeed, relevant.
To merge my lines with those of others and to put it together as commentary is a totally absurd conclusion. I believe only an unreasonable person could construe it as you did.
Believe as you will, I know what I meant, I offered a response to you, you apparently did not like it, I do not need to explain any further. It would be pointless as you have made up your mind what you will believe.

 

[bavaria]

I would just like to direct you to my post where I mentioned that it would be "very difficult to justify to a just 2 yr old why she can't have milk if she is asking for it." I went on to say "We'll offer it to her before boarding and hope she is content with water if milk is unavailable. Thank goodness we only have a 2.5 hour flight!" Somehow, this was made out to be that my brat of a child would be screaming at her incompetent mother for milk. Hmm...in my situation, it's more like I'd be listening to this the entire flight..."milk Mama, milk Mama, milk Mama, milk Mama" and occasionally a variation of "Mama, milk". I have a broken record of a child more than a screamer. Maybe I'm taking things a little too personal on this thread, but it seems like this topic has turned into a child rearing debate. I think that you need to read my posts a little bit more closely before responding/attacking.

OP, I didn't read your posts as your child would be screaming during the flight, but I also did not take disneyldwjr posts as criticisms on your child rearing skills.

I think that once again we have misperceptions of posts due to differences in posting styles. Disneyldwjr has been very active posting factual statements in the last month; I have always seen her respond in a polite fashion. Unfortunately, factual direct posts are sometimes mistaken for cold or harsh.

Whether that was your intent or not is pretty irrelevant -- that particular line in that particular response, in addition to one or two other lines from one or two other posters can be construed by reasonable people as commentary on the OPs parenting skills.

I would hazard that if we mixed and added lines from various posts on a number of threads, we could end up with an unintended result. I don't think that it's reasonable to take part of one persons post and mix it with another and make an assumption on the first posters intent

 

[bavaria]

Actually, I think OP that most of the barbs were directed at me and a couple of other posters, not you. I think it was clear that you were just asking what was allowed these days.

I gave actual experience from having flown six times in the last 20 days: That not much would prevent a parent from bringing milk on board if they really wanted to. Some did it as easily as putting it in a sippy cup and having it waved through by TSA, since they were traveling with a "smal child" which seems to fit the TSA rules.

I did not break these precious rules myself, but that matters not to the hysterical faction on these boards who feel that "rules are rules."

Jodi, I am certainly not hysterical - I also don't feel that 'rules are rules' no matter what, but I do try and follow rules in certain situations, in particular when they are situations that I cannot control. If I want to change the rules, I will do so by contacting the appropriate officials, and not by trying to change it one TSA agent at a time.

 

[disneyldwjr]

Well you go out for the afternoon and look what happens to your thread .

I would just like to direct you to my post where I mentioned that it would be "very difficult to justify to a just 2 yr old why she can't have milk if she is asking for it." I went on to say "We'll offer it to her before boarding and hope she is content with water if milk is unavailable. Thank goodness we only have a 2.5 hour flight!" Somehow, this was made out to be that my brat of a child would be screaming at her incompetent mother for milk. Hmm...in my situation, it's more like I'd be listening to this the entire flight..."milk Mama, milk Mama, milk Mama, milk Mama" and occasionally a variation of "Mama, milk". I have a broken record of a child more than a screamer. Maybe I'm taking things a little too personal on this thread, but it seems like this topic has turned into a child rearing debate. I think that you need to read my posts a little bit more closely before responding/attacking.

I just have to say that I rarely even lurk on the Transportation board, and I probably won't be back anytime soon based on the not so nice responses on this thread. I had what I thought was an innocent question regarding the interpretation of the TSA's policy on carrying on milk. I never said implied that I wanted to break or bend any rules. In fact, if you look at my original post, I stated that I would throw our milk away at security if it wasn't allowed, get some for DD to drink before boarding, and just ask for some water on the plane. However, some where I feel like I was made out to be a horrible parent who could care less about the rules and regulations set forth by the TSA which is not the case.

I simply wanted to find out from other parents who have actually traveled since the new flight restrictions whether or not you could carry on milk for a 2 year old! Guess I'll be sticking to the Family Board for these types of questions in the future.

Most of the responses you speak of were not directed to you. I read your post quite well. My reading comprehension is excellent. Most of the responses were directed at folks who were advising you to ignore the rules.
Most children of your child's age are broken records. I find it cute.

And, I do think you are taking it terriby personally.

As you saw, your question had a variety of answers. You also learned that what will happen with one person will not necessarily happen with another.
The TSA is, so it seems, quite fickle with the rules. The TSA rules about what they consider to be ok for babies and toddlers is somewhat silly. If breast milk and formula is ok,then why not milk? I have mentioned a few times, the list of banned items and allowable items makes no sense at all. In fact, I find it laughable. However, that does not change the fact that they are rules and they are to be followed.

 

[bavaria]

Most of the responses you speak of were not directed to you. I read your post quite well. My reading comprehension is excellent. Most of the responses were directed at folks who were advising you to ignore the rules.
Most children of your child's age are broken records. I find it cute.

And, I do think you are taking it terriby personally.

As you saw, your question had a variety of answers. You also learned that what will happen with one person will not necessarily happen with another.
The TSA is, so it seems, quite fickle with the rules. The TSA rules about what they consider to be ok for babies and toddlers is somewhat silly. If breast milk and formula is ok,then why not milk? I have mentioned a few times, the list of banned items and allowable items makes no sense at all. In fact, I find it laughable. However, that does not change the fact that they are rules and they are to be followed.

Eerily enough, I was going to post almost the exact same thing. Contrary to what it may seem, disneyldwjr and I are not the same person, although we may share similar experiences, posting styles, and a love of horses!

OP, your question did morph into a longer thread because there were differing responses and differing opinions regarding how to interpret the TSA list and how to manage the situation.

That can happen any time a phrase or rule is subject to interpretation, and we've certainly seen TSA agents interpret the rules in a variety of fashions, which only makes things more confusing.

I haven't read back over all 6 pages again tonight, although I did reread several of the posts during the day. I don't recall anyone judging your child or your parenting skills; I do recall a lot of people trying to find the 'right' answer for you, and debating what the 'right' answer is in this situation.

Many of the responses were not directed at you, but at other posters.

I've said it before and I will say it again - check your pixie dust at the door before discussing transportation issues. There is no pixie dust at the airport, with the TSA, or at the rental car counter. That's reality, and is not intended to be harsh....

 

[MAGICFOR2]

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.

Once again, Horizon does require that you go through security with a TSA agent, just like everyone else. But it seems, like most things in life, it is open to interpretation.

Also, while I do think that 18mo olds should be learning to cope, I'm sure the other passengers would appreciate you teaching your child lessons somewhere other than on a plane.