Sachin Walls
Travelling with a baby can be stressful, especially when it comes to navigating airport security. The good news is that you are allowed to bring breast milk through airport security. According to the TSA, formula, breast milk, toddler drinks, and baby/toddler food are considered medically necessary liquids and are allowed in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces (100 ml) in carry-on baggage. This also includes breast milk cooling accessories, such as ice packs and gel packs, regardless of whether the breast milk is present. It is recommended to transport breast milk in clear, translucent bottles, and to inform the TSA officer at the beginning of the screening process about carrying breast milk. While not required, this can help expedite the screening process.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Allowed quantity | Greater than 3.4 ounces or 100ml |
| Container type | Clear, translucent bottles (not plastic bags or pouches) |
| Screening process | X-ray, Bottle Liquid Scanners, Explosive Trace Detection, Vapor Analysis, Advanced Imaging Technology |
| Presence of child | Not required |
| Cooling accessories | Ice packs, freezer packs, gel packs allowed |
| Additional considerations | May be subject to additional screening, inform TSA officer in advance, allowed without a child only within the US |
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What You'll Learn
Breast milk quantities allowed through security
Breast milk is considered a medically necessary liquid by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). This means that it is allowed in carry-on baggage in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters. There is no need for it to fit within a quart-sized bag. This applies whether or not your child or infant is travelling with you.
It is recommended that you inform the TSA officer at the beginning of the screening process that you are carrying breast milk in excess of 3.4 ounces. You should remove these items from your carry-on bag to be screened separately from your other belongings.
Breast milk and formula cooling accessories, such as ice packs, freezer packs, and gel packs, are also allowed in carry-on baggage. These items are also exempt from the standard liquid restrictions and do not need to be frozen or partially frozen when passing through security.
To expedite the screening process, it is recommended that breast milk be transported in clear, translucent bottles rather than plastic bags or pouches. This is because liquids in plastic bags or pouches may not be able to be screened by Bottle Liquid Scanners. If you do not want your breast milk to be X-rayed or opened, you can inform the TSA officer, and additional steps will be taken to clear the liquid.
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Containers for breast milk
Breast milk is allowed through airport security and is considered a medically necessary liquid. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) allows formula, breast milk, toddler drinks, and baby/toddler food in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters in carry-on baggage. These items do not need to fit within a quart-sized bag.
Although not required, it is recommended that breast milk be transported in clear, translucent bottles rather than plastic bags or pouches. This helps expedite the screening process as liquids in plastic bags or pouches may not be able to be screened by Bottle Liquid Scanners. If you are using a plastic bag or pouch, you may be asked to open it for alternate screening, such as Explosive Trace Detection and Vapor Analysis. Screening will never include placing anything into the medically necessary liquid.
If you do not want your breast milk to be X-rayed or opened, inform the TSA officer, and additional steps will be taken to clear the liquid. You may be asked to undergo additional screening procedures, including Advanced Imaging Technology screening and additional/enhanced screening of other carry-on property.
Breast milk cooling accessories, such as ice packs, freezer packs, and gel packs, are also allowed in carry-ons, regardless of the presence of breast milk. If these items are partially frozen or slushy, they are subject to the same screening process as described above.
It is important to note that regulations for carrying breast milk through airport security may vary by country. When travelling internationally, it is recommended to contact your airline in advance to confirm country-specific details and carry printed copies of the relevant policies for the countries you are travelling to.
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Screening procedures for breast milk
Breast milk is allowed through airport security checkpoints, and you do not need to be travelling with your baby to bring it on board. However, only a "reasonable quantity" of breast milk is permitted, and this is left to the discretion of the individual TSA officer. It is recommended that you inform the TSA officer at the beginning of the screening process that you are carrying breast milk in excess of 3.4 ounces (100ml) in your carry-on baggage.
Breast milk and formula cooling accessories, such as ice packs, freezer packs, and gel packs, are also allowed in carry-ons. If these items are partially frozen or slushy, they are subject to additional screening.
To expedite the screening process, it is recommended that breast milk be transported in clear, translucent bottles, as liquids in plastic bags or pouches may not be able to be screened by Bottle Liquid Scanners. If you do not want your breast milk X-rayed or opened, inform the TSA officer, and additional screening procedures will be taken, including Advanced Imaging Technology screening and additional/enhanced screening of other carry-on property.
TSA officers may ask you to open the container and transfer a small quantity of the liquid to a separate empty container or dispose of a small quantity for testing. This will never include placing anything into the medically necessary liquid. You can ask the TSA officer to put on a fresh pair of gloves when handling your breast milk.
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Breast milk cooling accessories
To ensure a smooth screening process at the airport, it is recommended to use clear or translucent bottles for breast milk rather than plastic bags or pouches. This facilitates screening by Bottle Liquid Scanners. If alternate screening methods are required, such as Explosive Trace Detection or Vapor Analysis, the screening officer will ensure no contact is made with the breast milk.
If you prefer not to use bottles, there are various breast milk cooler bags and containers available that can keep milk cold for extended periods. These include:
- Willow Portable Breast Milk Cooler: This cooler can hold up to 16 ounces of milk and maintains a safe temperature for up to 24 hours. It features a built-in gel ice pack that sits inside the lid, separate from the milk. The cooler is designed to meet breast milk storage guidelines set by the CDC and ABM.
- Mila's Keeper Insulated Portable Breast Milk Cooler: This stylish and eco-friendly cooler can keep up to 12 ounces of milk cold for up to 20 hours without the need for ice. It has a wide-mouth flask that fits a 5-ounce glass bottle and can also be used as a bottle warmer.
- Insulated stainless steel coolers: These coolers can keep frozen breast milk frozen for extended periods, even in extreme external temperatures. They eliminate the need for separate ice packs, making them convenient for travel.
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International travel with breast milk
International travel with a baby can be challenging, but breastfeeding can provide a source of comfort for babies whose routines are disrupted by travel. If you are travelling with your baby, you can carry breast milk in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces (100ml) in your hand luggage. This applies whether your baby is with you or not. It is recommended that you transport breast milk in clear, translucent bottles rather than plastic bags or pouches, as these may not be able to be screened by bottle liquid scanners. You can also bring ice packs, freezer packs, and gel packs to keep the milk cool.
If you are travelling without your baby, you will need to research the rules for your destination country. For example, Mexico permits mothers to travel with unrestricted amounts of breast milk, but only when travelling with their baby. If you are travelling without your baby, you will need to take steps to maintain your milk supply. You can express milk in advance, or use an electric or manual breast pump during travel. You can also work with a lactation support provider or paediatrician to plan for your specific situation.
When travelling with breast milk, it is important to plan how to transport it. You can carry freshly expressed milk in an insulated cooler bag with ice packs for up to 24 hours. You can also store expressed milk in milk storage bags or clean food-grade containers with tight-fitting lids made of glass or BPA-free plastic. If you carry frozen milk in a cooler, check your milk when you arrive at your destination. If the milk has ice crystals, you can refreeze it. Previously frozen milk should be used within 24 hours of completely thawing.
Breast milk can be used to comfort your baby during takeoff and landing, protecting them from ear pain due to cabin pressure changes. It is also important to feed your baby on demand to maintain your milk supply.
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Frequently asked questions
Formula, breast milk, toddler drinks, and baby/toddler food in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters are allowed in carry-on baggage and do not need to fit within a quart-sized bag.
Although not required, it is recommended that formula and breast milk be transported in clear, translucent bottles and not plastic bags or pouches. This is because liquids in plastic bags or pouches may not be able to be screened by Bottle Liquid Scanners.
According to the TSA, you do not need to be travelling with your baby to bring breast milk through security. However, this rule only applies to travel within the United States. International policies vary.
