Drinks in carryons limited to kids <18mos?!?
 

Going through SEA yesterday, I was admonished by a TSA agent for packing a sippy cup of milk for my 2yo. He let me keep the milk but sent me off with a warning that drinks were only allowed for kids under 18mos and that not every TSA agent would be as nice as him. I told him that in 6 years and dozens of flights carrying milk for my kids at ages >18 mos I had never heard this from one single agent. He told me that anyone who didn't stop me and confiscate it wasn't following the rules.

Anyone know the *actual* rule on this? Frankly, it wasn't strictly necessary to bring, but I know that milk can be hard to find on flights these days and that kids don't magically stop drinking milk at 18 mos. (heck, they make toddler "formulas" for kids up to 36 months).

"medically necessary liquids and gels needed for their infant/toddler’s immediate comfort during the flight."

infant/toddler is not defined. Are there really long flights with no milk available? My kids didn't drink milk under age 2, so I never paid much attention.

Drinks in carryons limited to kids &lt;18mos?!?
 

I've brought coconut milk through for my son who is 6. He has dairy allergies and some food issues that mean his only other option would be water for 20 hours. When I mentioned his issues they have allowed (from Bos and in Europe) is to continue with the milk boxes after (in Bos only) undergoing some additional screening. One time they rifled through my carryons thoroughly, and another time they had me open a box so they could wave their magic wand over it and scan the wand. (Was fine because my son was thirsty, anyway, so I just let him drink it after they checked it.)
It's not really about the age but the issue at hand in my experience. I don't mind the extra screening, so it's fine by me.

I have been on USAirways flights where there was no milk available In first and business. Our child was fine without it so no big deal for us. I have heard other parents complain to the FAs.

My son is now 9yo so it has been years since I worried about special foods/drink but I do remember once being scolded by TSA for being over the limit for liquids. It was medicine and I stood my ground.

I've had various TATL flights where they ran out of milk for my tea. And I've had many other domestic and short/mid-haul international flights where milk was either not available or there was no beverage service.

Even if some milk was available, it doesn't mean that all milk is equally good for all children or that there is always sufficient and timely availability of milk on the flights.

Isn't it rather insane that the governmental threat community has regulated/banned harmless liquids at airports to the extent it has? It is, and that is why topics like this pop up.

Sorry you had that experience. We traveled through PDX with a sippy cup full of milk for my 2.5 yr old just the other day. TSA agent was super friendly and let my son watch him test the milk. Gave him back his cup of milk, wished us a happy holidays and we were on our way.

The agent you met sounds like he's BSing

We just went through both OAK and MDW with a sippy cup full of milk for a five-year-old. (Yes, we're trying to get him off them, that's another story.) TSA didn't blink an eye.

BTW, the Southwest FA told us they don't carry dairy products on any of their flights, so it's a good thing we brought the milk with us.

Drinks in carryons limited to kids &lt;18mos?!?
 

Since our toddler transitioned from nursing to whole milk, I've always brought a couple of bottles of milk with us and have never been questioned. (Except by my hubby, who said are you sure that's allowed?? LOL) I keep the milk in small bottles in a cooler w ice pack (bottles because of the seal) and then bring a cup for actually drinking it. Babe is 26 months now.

I don't believe that there is an official age cut off, but is it really so hard just to buy some milk once you get through security? It might not be organic though, :p

OP, why did you bother arguing with a TSA agent, especially after he let you through? Did you think this was going to change anything?

No, it's not hard. But our son likes to drink milk in the car. We have it with us anyway, so why waste it?

To avoid a hassle and hold up of a TSA line.

It's not a hassle, we've done it a bunch of times. They do a quick test on the contents. Other people go past us, so we don't hold them up.

Any extra time spent in security would be a hassle to me. To each his own.

Put it this way: The choice is between an extra minute or two in security, vs. a crying son who wants his milk. I'll take the extra minute any time.

It's rare that TSA seems to care. Just be prepared for a backup if you are required to dump it.