I’m trying to figure out whether to file a formal complaint regarding a TSA pat down of my 8 month old baby.

I was flying out of PBI (West Palm Beach) with an 8 mo. old. I had three-four bottles of sealed formula with me. I took them out of my diaper bag and put them in a separate bin (as I’ve been instructed to do in the past).

I was flying without my husband, it was just me and baby. This is baby’s seventh flight, so at this point I am well familiar with TSA baby rules regarding screening, formula, etc.

I'm through security and I noticed the tray with formula got pulled aside. I waited. Thereafter a female agent inspected the formula.

Then said agent came around the table/glass divider and said I will need to pat you down. I asked why, she said because your formula is not opened. I assumed she meant since the formula was sealed she couldn’t test it, if you open premixed formula you have to use it within an hour so you can’t open it, although on the six prior flights I’ve been on with baby this has not been an issue, and I fly primarily out of PBI. Rather, in the past, the agent has taken the outer shrink wrap off the formula bottles in part or in total and then put it in some machine (the formula has not been opened, but some type of testing through the bottle after the overwrap is removed). She continued to approach me, did not read/go through the normal script about do you have any sensitive areas, I’m going to touch you here and there, do you want a private screening, etc.

She saw I was holding my baby and directed me to put her down. At this point I started responding in a more forceful manner. I asked the agent where would you like me to put the baby, and she asked where is your stroller, me – I don’t have one. Where is your car seat, me – already checked (remember I’m flying by myself so I’m trying to limit the stuff I have to carry). At this point she starts judging my parenting choices, telling me its not safe to fly without a car seat, etc. (my baby was flying as a lap baby which is perfectly permissible). Eventually she says I will have to pat the baby down.

At this point I completely lose my cool and do a major freak out. I failed in that I did not ask for a supervisor, and instead this woman patted me and my baby down while I screamed profanities at her. After the pat down she walked away, I did ask another agent for her name and she came striding right back over and said I’m officer ______ ______. I said in a loud voice you are not an officer, you are an agent and I will be filing a complaint.

So, I do want to file a complaint, b/c I believe she violated several rules but I’m somewhat afraid to do so b/c I assume TSA will just make my life more miserable once I’ve filed an official Complaint. Thoughts? Suggestions? Is it possible to file a complaint without giving my name and get a response?