Owais Crawford
Breast milk, formula, toddler drinks, and baby/toddler food are considered medically necessary liquids and are allowed in carry-on baggage when travelling with babies. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) permits quantities greater than 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters, and these do not need to fit within a quart-sized bag. Breast milk can be transported even if the child is not travelling with the guardian. Ice packs, freezer packs, and gel packs are also allowed in carry-ons, although they may be subject to additional screening if partially frozen. TSA officers may request a small sample of breast milk for screening, but travellers can request that the milk is not opened. It is recommended to inform TSA officers at the beginning of the screening process about carrying breast milk and related supplies.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Allowed quantity | Greater than 3.4 ounces or 100ml |
| Container type | Sealed containers, pre-sterilized sealable bags, hard plastic or glass containers |
| Container storage | Insulated cooler bag |
| Cooling accessories | Ice packs, freezer packs, gel packs |
| Screening | Inform TSA officers beforehand. May need to transfer a small sample for screening. |
| Infant presence | Not required |
| International travel | Print and carry relevant policies for the countries you're travelling to |
| Airport facilities | Private, non-bathroom lactation spaces in every terminal |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- Breast milk is allowed in carry-on baggage in quantities >3.4 oz or 100 ml
- Breast milk cooling accessories, like ice packs, are allowed in carry-ons
- You don't need to be travelling with your baby to carry breast milk
- Breast milk can be screened without opening the container
- Breast milk can be shipped overnight if frozen
Breast milk is allowed in carry-on baggage in quantities >3.4 oz or 100 ml
Breast milk is allowed in carry-on baggage in quantities greater than 3.4 oz or 100 ml. It is considered a medically necessary liquid and does not need to fit within a quart-sized bag. This also applies to cooling accessories, such as ice packs, freezer packs, and gel packs, regardless of the presence of breast milk.
When travelling with breast milk, it is important to inform the TSA officer at the beginning of the screening process. You may be asked to remove these items from your carry-on bag to be screened separately from your other belongings. Additional screening procedures may be required, including Advanced Imaging Technology screening and additional/enhanced screening of other carry-on property.
Breast milk can be safely stored in sealed containers kept in a small, insulated cooler bag with frozen ice packs. Pre-sterilized, sealable bags designed for storing breast milk are also an option, as are hard plastic or glass containers, as long as they are clean and tightly sealed.
It is worth noting that the TSA rules do not require the child or infant to be present or travelling with you to bring breast milk. However, it is advisable to budget extra time for security screenings when travelling with breast milk, as ice packs that have started to melt may be subject to additional screening.
PCR Testing: Available at Airports?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Breast milk cooling accessories, like ice packs, are allowed in carry-ons
Breast milk is considered a medically necessary liquid by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). This means that formula, breast milk, toddler drinks, and baby/toddler food are allowed in carry-on baggage in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters and do not need to fit within a quart-sized bag. Importantly, this applies even if your child or infant is not travelling with you.
Breast milk cooling accessories, such as ice packs, freezer packs, and gel packs, are also allowed in carry-ons. This applies regardless of the presence of breast milk. These accessories will need to be screened separately from your other belongings, so make sure to inform a TSA officer at the beginning of the screening process that you are carrying them.
If you are travelling with ice packs, freezer packs, or gel packs, they may be partially frozen or slushy. In this case, they are subject to the same screening as described above for breast milk and related accessories.
Additionally, if you do not want your breast milk or cooling accessories to be X-rayed or opened, you can inform the TSA officer, and additional steps will be taken to clear the liquid. This may include additional screening procedures for you and your carry-on property.
It is recommended that formula or breast milk be transported in clear, translucent bottles as opposed to plastic bags or pouches, as TSA's Bottle Liquid Scanners may not be able to screen milk stored in opaque containers.
Amsterdam Airport: Buying the City's Travel Ticket
You may want to see also
Explore related products
You don't need to be travelling with your baby to carry breast milk
Breast milk is considered a medically necessary liquid by the TSA. This means that formula, breast milk, toddler drinks, and baby/toddler food (including puree pouches) in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces or 100ml are allowed in carry-on baggage and do not need to fit within a quart-sized bag. Importantly, your child or infant does not need to be present or travelling with you to bring these items.
To comply with TSA regulations, 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 may also want to consider transporting your breast milk in clear, translucent bottles, as this is not a requirement but may expedite the screening process. Screening will never include placing anything into the medically necessary liquid.
If you are travelling without your baby, you may want to consider shipping your breast milk home for storage in your freezer. This can be done through a dedicated breast milk shipping company, or through services like the United States Postal Service or FedEx. Alternatively, you can carry the milk home yourself in a small insulated cooler with frozen ice packs.
If you need to pump during your flight, it may be helpful to have a battery-powered or manual breast pump, as you may not have easy access to a plug for an electric breast pump.
Vaping and Air Travel: Buying a Vape at Airports
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Breast milk can be screened without opening the container
Breast milk is exempt from the "limited quantity rule" of 3.4 ounces or 100ml and can be carried in quantities greater than this in carry-on baggage. It is considered a medically necessary liquid. This also applies to breast milk cooling accessories, such as ice packs, freezer packs, and gel packs, which are allowed in carry-ons, even in the absence of breast milk.
It is recommended that breast milk be transported in clear, translucent bottles, as this is helpful to the officers when screening. If the milk is frozen, a visual inspection is usually sufficient. However, if it is thawed, TSA agents may want to test it for explosives, but you have the right to refuse this test.
All passengers, including infants and children, are subject to screening. TSA has modified screening procedures for children 12 and under, and standard procedures for those 13 and older. If your child has a disability, medical condition, or medical device, inform the TSA officer.
Cancun Airport to Akumal: Taxi Transfer Options
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Breast milk can be shipped overnight if frozen
Breast milk is considered a medically necessary liquid by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). As such, it is allowed in carry-on baggage in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters and does not need to fit within a quart-sized bag. This also applies to breast milk cooling accessories, such as ice packs, freezer packs, and gel packs, even in the absence of breast milk.
If you are travelling with infants and need to transport breast milk, you can do so by carrying it in your baggage. However, if you are unable to travel with your infant and need to ship breast milk, this can be done, but it requires careful handling and packaging to ensure the milk stays fresh.
- Use a cooler: Place the frozen breast milk in a cooler to maintain its temperature. Secure the lid tightly to prevent air from entering, and use packing tape if needed.
- Label the package: Mark the package with "Perishable" and "Keep Frozen" stickers, and add any other necessary shipping information, such as your contact details.
- Choose a fast shipping option: Opt for overnight shipping with temperature control, such as UPS Overnight, to ensure the milk stays frozen during transit.
- Track the package: Monitor the package's location to address any unexpected delays and ensure it reaches its destination promptly.
By following these steps, you can safely ship frozen breast milk overnight, ensuring it arrives fresh and ready for your baby's needs.
Airport Metal Detectors: Can They Detect Gold?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can take breast milk on a plane for your baby.
Formula, breast milk, toddler drinks, and baby/toddler food in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces or 100ml are allowed in carry-on baggage.
Yes, inform the TSA officer at the beginning of the screening process that you are carrying breast milk.
The best way to store breast milk is in sealed containers kept in a small, insulated cooler bag with frozen ice packs.
