Flying with kids is already stressful—juggling strollers, snacks, and bathroom breaks while rushing to make a flight can feel like an Olympic event. But for parents who breastfeed, the challenges don’t stop there. Getting breast milk and pumping supplies through TSA can be an unpredictable ordeal, with parents sometimes being forced to throw out milk or check essential equipment. Now, a bipartisan group of senators is pushing for a fix.
Democratic Sen. Tammy Duckworth of Illinois, along with Sens. Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Ted Cruz (R-TX), and Steve Daines (R-MT), has reintroduced the BABES Enhancement Act, which aims to make air travel smoother for breastfeeding parents. The bill would require the TSA to establish clearer, updated guidelines on handling breast milk and pumping equipment and ensure that agents follow them consistently.
“Far too often, traveling moms are mistreated and wrongfully denied access to their breast milk and the breastfeeding equipment they need to pump and feed their babies,” Duckworth said in a statement to The 19th.
Why this matters for families
If you’ve ever flown with kids, you know how complicated it can be. Parents already deal with long security lines, cranky toddlers, and the stress of keeping everyone entertained in a tiny airplane seat. Add to that the uncertainty of whether TSA will properly handle breast milk or let essential cooling packs through, and the situation becomes even more overwhelming.
Even though breast milk and infant formula are supposed to be exempt from TSA’s strict liquid regulations, parents frequently report inconsistent enforcement. Some have been forced to dump their milk, while others have had ice packs confiscated, making it impossible to safely store pumped milk during travel.
Science TV host Emily Calandrelli went viral in 2022 after sharing how she was forced to check her cold packs at LAX, leaving her without a safe way to transport her milk. Actress Keke Palmer has also spoken out about experiencing “breast milk discrimination” at airport security. These stories reflect the frustration many parents feel when they are just trying to feed their babies while traveling.
Related: Emily Calandrelli’s ‘horrible’ TSA experience inspires new breastfeeding bill for traveling moms
How you can help
The BABES Enhancement Act already passed the Senate last year but stalled in the House. Now that it’s been reintroduced, lawmakers are hoping to push it across the finish line. If you want to support the bill, you can:
- Call or email your representative and ask them to back the BABES Enhancement Act.
- Share your own experiences traveling with breast milk on social media to raise awareness.
- Support organizations advocating for better maternal and family travel policies.
“Moms have enough on their plates without having to battle TSA. If you’ve faced challenges traveling with breast milk, sharing your story could help push this bill forward. Let’s make air travel easier for parents—because feeding our babies shouldn’t come with obstacles.
Related: Breastfeeding mamas: This new law is going to make traveling SO much easier 🙌
