Alyssa Milano was going through security at London’s Heathrow Airport with a container of breast milk when an official confiscated it from her. So the actress took to Twitter to express her outrage at airport officials.
@Alyssa_Milano Hi Alyssa. Unfortunately, without a baby present, the government requires all liquids in carry-ons to follow the 100ml rule.
— Heathrow Airport (@HeathrowAirport) April 9, 2015
(2 of 2) They said they would let the pumped milk through if I had the baby with me. Why would I need to pump if I had the baby with me????
— Alyssa Milano (@Alyssa_Milano) April 9, 2015
@Alyssa_Milano Sorry for any confusion caused. To confirm, if you aren't travelling with your baby, milk is subject to the 100ml/(3.4oz) 1/2
— Heathrow Airport (@HeathrowAirport) April 9, 2015
Unfortunately for the actress, the rules on the Heathrow website state that a mother is only allowed to board with a “reasonable” amount of breast milk if she has her baby in tow. From Heathrow’s FAQ section:
Can I carry breast milk in the cabin?
If you are travelling with a baby or infant you can carry a reasonable amount outside of your liquid bag for your journey. To assist security screening, please do not carry these items in a flask. If you are not travelling with a baby / infant all your liquids must comply with the 100ml rule. Spare supplies should be packed in hold baggage.
Milano says she wasn’t even given the opportunity to redistribute the breast milk before it was taken from her.
If Milano had been leaving an airport in the United States, it would have been a different story. The US Transportation and Security Administration has less stringent, mom-friendly rules about breast milk.
Formula, breast milk and juice for infants or toddlers are permitted to be brought on board the aircraft. As with other medically necessary liquids, travelers must tell the TSA officer at the beginning of the screening process that they wish to bring formula, breast milk and juice in excess of 3.4 ounces in their carry-on bag. These liquids are typically screened by X-ray, and formula, breast milk and juice in excess of 3.4 ounces will receive additional screening.
This isn’t Milano’s first breast milk/breastfeeding controversy. Last fall, she caused an uproar on Instagram when she posted a photo of herself breastfeeding her baby.
But despite the ordeal at the airport, Milano got the last laugh.
PS. Another reason it makes no sense – when I got past security it was time to pump again so… I did carry on 5 ounces of breast milk.
— Alyssa Milano (@Alyssa_Milano) April 9, 2015
Who’s the boss now?
Image via Alyssa Milano/Instagram