Child who needs rice milk on flight?

[KJMAX1]

I dont know if anyone has experienced this or not. However, my 1yr old still takes a bottle, and while she would easily give it up, Ive decided to let her use it through our trip in Jan. This will help calm her on the flight, and make it easier on the people around us if she gets upset being in her carseat for so long etc.


The only problem with this, is she cannot have most juices, she is allergic, and she is also allergic to drinking dairy and soy. The only thing she hasnt had a reaction to is rice milk.

I asked the airline how I handle this with TSA because I cannot simply put it in multiple baby bottles and carry it all. I was thinking of seeing if Whole Foods carried individual drink boxes of it to bring on board, or what I should do? I checked Starbucks, but they do not stock rice milk, they only carry soy.

Any ideas? Doctors note for sure, but how do I carry it, and in what size? We fly from Seattle to MCO, so we are in an airport or on a plane 10 hours.

 

[jel0511]

It looks like the smallest size is 8 oz boxes. As long as you have a drs note and declare it at TSA you shouldn't have a problem Pack it separately in it's own carry on, with any other things your DD might need to eat for the flight. At security, just call it your DD's medical bag and give the note.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Did you check TSA.gov for information on nutrition for infants? That's a better source than your/any airline.

 

[tjmw2727]

Did you check TSA.gov for information on nutrition for infants? That's a better source than your/any airline.

This ! It is the TSA the restricts liquids and there are exceptions for baby formula and such.

I would just fill a bottle or two with the rice milk, pack it in a soft sided cooler with an ice pack (frozen grapes make a great ice pack) and declare it to the TSA agents.

From the TSA website:

"Medically necessary liquids and gels, including medications, baby formula and food, breast milk, and juice are exempt from the 3-1-1 rules, and are allowed in reasonable quantities exceeding 3.4 ounces (100ml). They are not required to be in a zip-top bag. Officers may ask travelers to open these items to conduct additional screening and passengers should declare them for inspection at the checkpoint."

Here is the link for more info from the TSA - scroll down to Traveling with Children:


http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information/traveling-children

 

[CPT Tripss]

From reports I have read on other boards, you are more likely to get through the airport security screening checkpoint with the "formula" in bottles than in a sealed package from the store.

 

[KJMAX1]

Well we had an awful time with the formula last year for her through security. They had to examine each bottle for radiation, and then they scanned the cans of formula. Her formula was about 30.00 a can so I was carrying two.

One I open the rice milk, it has to be kept refridgerated for 10 hours at least. Are there ice packs that would last that long? I thought the gel ice packs would be more of a concern then sealed rice milk containers.

 

[tjmw2727]

Well we had an awful time with the formula last year for her through security. They had to examine each bottle for radiation, and then they scanned the cans of formula. Her formula was about 30.00 a can so I was carrying two.

One I open the rice milk, it has to be kept refridgerated for 10 hours at least. Are there ice packs that would last that long? I thought the gel ice packs would be more of a concern then sealed rice milk containers.

Sorry you had issues, even though formula is allowed it is subject to extra screening - as will the rice milk. Rice Dream comes in 8oz shelf stable boxes but I honestly think bottles pre filled are your best option when it comes to the TSA. If she will take water in the bottle then you could do say 2/3 bottles of the rice milk and then an empty bottle for water purchased after security.

Ice packs are allowed when medically necessary - I do think they would last long enough especially in a hard sided small cooler or a nice soft sided one.

Here is the section from the TSA

"Accessories required to keep medically necessary liquids, gels, and aerosols cool such as freezer packs or frozen gel packs are permitted through the screening checkpoint and may be subject to additional screening. These accessories are treated as liquids unless they are frozen solid at the checkpoint. If these accessories are partially frozen or slushy, they are subject to the same screening as other liquids and gels."

Again the TSA.gov website is a great resource!! I would read the sections on traveling with children as well as the one on medical issues - there is a section on medically necessary liquids. There is also a number you can call with special questions - called TSA cares

 

[dawnball]

No need to fiddle around with frozen grapes anymore. I take frozen bottles of water instead of ice packs, because I'd rather have ice that turns into a drink, but either frozen water bottles or ice pack should be fine.

From tsa.gov:

Frozen liquid items are allowed through the checkpoint as long as they are frozen solid when presented for screening. If frozen liquid items are partially melted, slushy, or have any liquid at the bottom of the container, they must meet 3-1-1 liquids requirements.
If the frozen item is packed with ice or ice packs in a cooler or other container, the ice or ice packs must be completely frozen when brought through screening. If the ice or ice packs are partially melted and have any liquid at the bottom of the container, they will not be permitted.

Medically necessary liquids may be accompanied by ice packs, but we ask that you declare these items to a security officer for inspection.

You can pack frozen perishables in your carry-on or checked baggage in dry ice. The FAA limits you to five pounds of dry ice that is properly packaged (the package is vented).

 

[merina888]

I know that you can take milk in baby bottles with an ice pack. I did it in August when my daughter was 1. It is subject to an extra examination (it depends on your airport how thoroughly they look - my home airport tested it, Orlando didn't). However just plan for extra time through the security screening and you'll be fine. You do need to declare it and you should take it out of any other bags when you get to the front of the line since this will make it go much faster. You don't need to specify that it's rice milk. Just tell them it's milk for your infant daughter and you should be good to go.

 

[CPT Tripss]

I know that you can take milk in baby bottles with an ice pack. I did it in August when my daughter was 1. It is subject to an extra examination (it depends on your airport how thoroughly they look - my home airport tested it, Orlando didn't). However just plan for extra time through the security screening and you'll be fine. You do need to declare it and you should take it out of any other bags when you get to the front of the line since this will make it go much faster. You don't need to specify that it's rice milk. Just tell them it's milk for your infant daughter and you should be good to go.

What did they do to test ther contents of the bottles?

 

[KJMAX1]

For our formula they use a radiation gun. We had to wait with our 6 kids in security for about 20 minutes before the guy did it.....But once he did it, it only took like 2 mins and we were on our way.

 

[puffkin]

Wow...I didn't have any of that, guess I have always been lucky. I take bottles through all the time with water in to mix formula (water in the bottle, powdered formula in a container to mix when needed) and they never have stopped me and I don't declare.

I would take the rice formula through in sealed containers and not worry about it. If they pull you aside, then you can go through the whole medically necessary spiel, have them test it and move on. Or you may just slip through and not have to worry about any of it and save yourself a whole lot of stress. Know your rights, be mentally prepared for it, but don't stress about it

 

[NotUrsula]

No need to fiddle around with frozen grapes anymore. I take frozen bottles of water instead of ice packs, because I'd rather have ice that turns into a drink, but either frozen water bottles or ice pack should be fine.

From tsa.gov:

Frozen liquid items are allowed through the checkpoint as long as they are frozen solid when presented for screening. If frozen liquid items are partially melted, slushy, or have any liquid at the bottom of the container, they must meet 3-1-1 liquids requirements.
If the frozen item is packed with ice or ice packs in a cooler or other container, the ice or ice packs must be completely frozen when brought through screening. If the ice or ice packs are partially melted and have any liquid at the bottom of the container, they will not be permitted.

Medically necessary liquids may be accompanied by ice packs, but we ask that you declare these items to a security officer for inspection.

You can pack frozen perishables in your carry-on or checked baggage in dry ice. The FAA limits you to five pounds of dry ice that is properly packaged (the package is vented).

The bolded is technically true, but there is a possibility that you will punished by TSO's for holding them to it. On an occasion two months ago I was told at TPA that everyone in our party would be subject to a pat-down search and a full turnout of our carryon bags if we insisted on carrying ice through the checkpoint for preserving food. The line was quite long and we were within 45 minutes of our boarding time; the threat was quite clear that they intended to make sure that we missed our flight if we didn't toss the ice.

OP, label the entire stock of rice milk as medically necessary, and be prepared with proof (you do not need proof for liquid medications in original packages, but you do need it for liquid foods in commercial packages.)

 

[CPT Tripss]

For our formula they use a radiation gun. We had to wait with our 6 kids in security for about 20 minutes before the guy did it.....But once he did it, it only took like 2 mins and we were on our way.

Thanks . . . did you have to open the containers or did they just shoot the gun at the closed containers?

A 20 minute wait seems excessive.

 

[dis-happy]

I had no problem traveling with several bottle of Pediasure that were 8 oz bottles, sealed. The pediatrician wrote a note, I declared it, and we were on our way.

As long as you have a doctor's note you should be fine.

 

[Greysword]

The TSA agents and supervisors are generally very personable. As such if you have some free time one day (weekend, light evening, off work early, etc), you could always roll out to SeaTac and have a conversation before your departure date.

The agents and/or supervisor will be happy to go over their policies and procedures, and let you know how you can package the mile for transit through security.

I recommend this; because, it seems the enforcement of the rules vary between airports (and sometimes between agents). If you had a conversation with a supervisor beforehand, wrote down their instructions and name, then it might be easier to plead the case on the travel day ("I spoke to supervising agent Smith on Saturday about 2PM, and he gave me these instructions. I'm sure he/she would be willing to verify if you asked").

Also since the rules are different, you may want to spend a few minutes with the TSA agents in Orlando to see what needs to be done for the return trip, too. I'm certain their pattern of life if different that SeaTac.

Another option would be to split the group to ease transit, should a pat-don be required. For instance, one parent could go through security with all carry on bags except the baby bag (and maybe purse depending on who it is), while the other takes the little one to the bathroom. The second parent with the kid then goes through with the baby bag and rice milk (effectively after the first parent gets through). The result is if the TSA does require a pat-down and carry-on search, then it is only the one parent and the baby bag, vice all the luggage. In addition, it allows one parent to be already through security in case there needs to be a "baby-swap" in play .

Of final note, make sure you arrive at the airport early (at least 2 hours before the flight or more if you think you'll need a pat down).


Always remember that being extra nice and compliant gets you through faster than being irritated and unfriendly, regardless of the situation. Strike up a conversation with the agents you pass. If things seem unreasonable or trite, there is a reason for the process, you won't be able to change it, but if you are compliant with a smile, the agents will be more willing to help rather than hinder your progress.

Good luck, and please report back to this thread after your adventure.

P.S. I just thought of something else you may be able to do! Maybe you could contact one of the stores that sell sundries and drink, or maybe a restaurant past the security zone, and ask them to order the milk for you. Especially if you offer to prepay, you may be able to have it delivered and not worry about getting it through security.

 

[KJMAX1]

Last time we didnt declare the milk because getting the kids through security was so nuts we forgot. But at our airport they are very good and asked about the milk which I told them it was formula in the bottle, and then also in the powered version in the can. The can I kept sealed. The line when we leave is horrendous due to the hour. We got there 3 hours early and spent nearly an hour and a half waiting to get through TSA. Hopefully this time wont be as bad. I will have a newborn so I dont want to split us up! Scary! lol

 

[dawnball]

The bolded is technically true, but there is a possibility that you will punished by TSO's for holding them to it. On an occasion two months ago I was told at TPA that everyone in our party would be subject to a pat-down search and a full turnout of our carryon bags if we insisted on carrying ice through the checkpoint for preserving food. The line was quite long and we were within 45 minutes of our boarding time; the threat was quite clear that they intended to make sure that we missed our flight if we didn't toss the ice.

A TSO who wants to make your life difficult will find (or use) almost any pretext.

I haven't personally had a problem with it, flying mostly out of SJC (which has a reputation for being pretty tin-pot-dictatorship) and SFO (where the screeners don't work for the TSA). However, I find that TSOs are generally pretty easy to encourage in a given direction, and my frozen water is merely a convenience. If it doesn't make it through, the coffee kiosk will give me ice to fill a ziplock baggie.

I'd rather have melty ice from the Peets than melting grapes, and rather have hard-frozen water bottles than either of those. Your mileage (and preferences) may vary.

 

[dsneygirl]

We flew cross country and to Hawaii last June with bottles and single serve formulas, never had an issue. (We passed through 4 different airports security) At one airport (I can't remember which) they had a little round tube where they put each bottle. It took a few extra minutes because it was only one bottle at a time.

 

[kt_mom]

We flew out of Richmond when DS was four months old and I packed his bottles prefilled with water and then had a can of powder formula. I let them know when we got to security and they put the diaper bag through the regular scanner then we stepped to the side. I had to open each bottle and she waved a little paper over the top of each one and then sent us on our way. On the return trip at MCO I forgot all about the bottles and didn't declare them and they didn't ask.