TSA Modifies Rules on Breast Milk after Passenger 'Humiliated' at Security

Published by Anne McDermott on March 9, 2012

The TSA has already apologized for the officer who insisted a breast-feeding mother could not take empty baby bottles through security – which forced Amy Strand to pump breast milk in a crowded airport lavatory ("I was humiliated and fighting back tears," said the victim of the botched security procedure).

TSA Modifies Rules on Breast-Milk Supplies

Now the agency has changed its website to clarify its rules on the subject. The new language on TSA.gov reads as follows:

"Breast milk is in the same category as liquid medication and parents flying with, and without, their child are permitted to bring breast milk in quantities greater than three ounces as long as it is declared for inspection at the security checkpoint. Additionally, empty bottles and ice packs are permitted under these conditions." [TSA.gov March 2012]

TSA Officer Accused of Stealing Big Bucks

TSA: Sorry About That

"We are truly sorry," said an update on the TSA Blog, which reported on the modified website rules. However, it would seem this clarification was more for the benefit of security officers, since Ms. Strand clearly knew and understood the rules.

The officer who insisted Strand's empty bottles be filled in order to pass through security is reportedly "going to undergo retraining and corrective actions."

Flying isn't easy these days: airfare prices are up which means finding cheap flights is more difficult, but security snafus should not add to passenger woes.