We flew today out of LAX T6/7 with our infant (7.5 month). He subsists primarily on infant formula, which is mixed from powder. We use bottled water (mostly regular bottled water; an occasional fluoridated nursery water).

We arrived at the airport for a transcontinental flight with pre-measured powdered formula and 2 16-ounce, nicely warmed bottles in insulated sleeves. We were not allowed to bring any water through. We given the following suggestions:

1) Mix the formula here. Answer: Un-refrigerated formula should be discarded 1 hour after mixing. (We will go 2 or possibly 3 hours, but certainly not the 5-hours-plus required for travel even without delays).

2) Use the water on the airplane. Answer: No way for a baby. I don't think the water on the plane is reliably sanitary.

3) Buy water in the terminal. Answer: This is, of course, what we did. This water, however, was refrigerated. It also turns out that UA apparently has a policy of not heating baby formula due to concerns about liability/lawsuits. Not good for our finicky infant. (Also, there is the possibility of check-in and screening taking so long that one may not have the time to purchase in the terminal.)

Question: Isn't this situation particularly absurd? The TSA website specifically makes an exception for baby formula. (By the way, powered formula is now preferred over liquid due to concerns about toxic plastic lining the cans containing liquid formula.)

I've filled out a complaint form and will also send an e-mail. By the way, the TSO's were all very gracious and I have no complaint against any of the people. In fact, one officer specifically encouraged me to make a complaint, saying, "We hate enforcing these kinds of rules." A second TSO then agreed with the first.

Another good tip: At LAX T6/7 there is a vending machine next to the elevators (we used with stroller) that sells bottled water in the sterile area for $1.