TSA & baby bottles

[disneytriplets]

Can anyone tell me how TSA inspects baby bottles and baby food? Their web site says, "When carrying formula, breast milk, or juice through the checkpoint, they will be inspected, however, you or your baby or toddler will not be asked to test or taste breast milk, formula, or juice. Our Security Officers may test liquid exemptions (exempt items more than 3 ounces) for explosives."

I was going to put the bottles of breast milk in a quart bag then in the cooler bag. When I declare them to TSA, are they going to open the quart bag and handle the bottles? Or, will they inspect them through the bag? If they inspect each bottle, will they put on clean gloves? I'm just a little worried they'll want to touch the bottles after inspecting someone's shoes or something.

Thanks!

 

[PrincessPoohsMom]

When I flew last year with DD's formula in bottles, all the TSA agents wanted to know was that I had the liquid with me. I would pull the bottles out of my diaper bag and set them in a plastic bin by themselves to run through the x-ray. The agents never actually handled the bottles or wanted to inspect the contents. Can't guarantee that's how it always is, of course, but wanted to offer my experience. I don't think it's some you'll need to worry all that much about.

Have a great trip!

 

[goofygal531]

Every airport is different.

I had one bottle of formula with me. Going out of JFK they didn't care at all. I said this is the baby's formula, they said put it in the plastic box. That's it.

Departing out Orlando, we learned the hard way that you cannot purchase room temp water at the airport (or at least not at JFK). So I had a few bottles of water in our bags. Well, the TSA went nuts. I honestly didn't realized how many we had I think like six bottles in a few bags. I ran to the first TSA guy and explained I needed this for my infant's formula and that it has to be room temp and I cannot purchase it he will not drink cold water/formula. The TSA guy said you have to speak to the supervisor, who was right next to him. I repeated my story and he said fine, only one bottle you have a short flight home (we do 2.5 hrs.). Somehow, they let 3 bottles slide. We found them later at home in the bags

All three TSA guys said "see, we're not that bad if your polite and explain things to us". I was very very thankful.

Just be very nice and explain it's breast milk. Do not have more than you need. I've heard they will make you throw out formula, not sure about breastmilk.

 

[wlwilliams9]

We just had to take the bottle of formula and jar of baby food out of our diaper bag and put them in the plastic bins to go through security. TSA didn't touch bottle or baby food. Hope it's that easy for you.

P.S. Just a side note: you have to remove baby's shoes to go through security too, so make sure they are easy on/off!

 

[NotUrsula]

Just be very nice and explain it's breast milk. Do not have more than you need. I've heard they will make you throw out formula, not sure about breastmilk.

They can't MAKE you throw out either one. Water, yes, because it is available in the terminals, but not mixed formula or milk.

I've repeated it a thousand times, but I'll repeat it a thousand more: carry 24 hours worth of whatever food/drinks that your baby MUST have that cannot be purchased in the airside terminals. If challenged, politely point out that no one can know what kinds of delays might happen before you can reach your destination, and that you need to be prepared for that possibility. You do NOT want to be sitting on a runway for several hours with a hungry screaming baby because some self-righteous TSO decided that however many bottles of formula were too many. Bring whatever you MIGHT need, and be polite but firm in defending that decision.

I really don't understand the post about chilled bottled water, however. If water purchased in the airside terminal is chilled, just let it sit out while you wait for the plane. It will be room-temp in 30 minutes or so. You can take at least one pre-mixed bottle of formula through security if you think that you'll need one right away; those are good for at least an hour. Also, carry a widemouth plastic coffee mug with you. The FA's can put a bit of boiling tap water in it for warming bottles on the plane.

 

[disneytriplets]

Thank you all for your help! I became concerned how they "inspect" the milk because I came across a video on the TSA web site where the TSA worker takes the bottle from the mom and looks at it. Then, he hands it back to the mom with a piece of paper. Maybe it's just me being overprotective or a germaphobe, but I really don't want anyone handling all my baby's bottles and food, especially when I don't know where his/her hands have been.

Here is the link to the video (hope it's ok if I post the link):
http://www.tsa.gov/assets/mov/passenger_guidance_formula.wmv

I also plan to have enough food for most of the day since the baby's other food and snacks will be in our checked luggage or in a box we will ship ahead of time.

Thanks again!!