Ruth Haines
Breastfeeding and pumping while travelling can be challenging, especially when you need to bring breast milk through airport security. However, it is possible to fly with breast milk, and many pumping mothers board planes with their breast pumps and coolers full of breast milk every day. The rules for carrying breast milk through airport security vary depending on the country and the specific airline, so it is important to do your research before travelling. In the US, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) considers breast milk to be a medically necessary liquid, and it is allowed in carry-on baggage in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters. TSA officers may need to test the liquids for explosives or prohibited items, and travellers are recommended to use clear, translucent bottles for faster screening. Ice packs, freezer packs, and gel packs are also allowed through security, although slushy or partially melted ice packs may be subject to additional screening.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Allowed quantity | Greater than 3.4 ounces or 100ml |
| Container type | Clear, translucent bottles are recommended over plastic bags or pouches |
| Screening | Separate from other belongings. May be tested for explosives. Advanced Imaging Technology may be used. |
| Cooling accessories | Ice packs, freezer packs, gel packs, liquid-filled teethers are allowed. If partially frozen, may be subject to additional screening. |
| Child's presence | Not required |
| International travel | Regulations vary by country. |
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What You'll Learn
- Breast milk is allowed in carry-on baggage in quantities >3.4 oz
- Ice packs, freezer packs, and gel packs are allowed to keep milk frozen
- TSA officers may test liquids for explosives or concealed items
- Breast milk screening: X-ray or alternate screening like Vapor Analysis
- International travel: Breast milk shipping companies can ship milk home
Breast milk is allowed in carry-on baggage in quantities >3.4 oz
Breast milk is classified as a medically necessary liquid by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). This means that it is exempt from the standard liquid restrictions and can be carried in quantities greater than 3.4 oz (100 ml) in your carry-on baggage. This applies even if your child is not travelling with you.
When passing through security, you will need to remove any containers of breast milk from your carry-on bag so that they can be screened separately. TSA officers may need to test the liquid for explosives or concealed prohibited items. To speed up the screening process, it is recommended that you transport your breast milk in clear, translucent bottles rather than plastic bags or pouches. If you are uncomfortable with the idea of your breast milk being X-rayed or opened, you can inform the TSA officer, and they will take additional steps to clear the liquid, such as using Advanced Imaging Technology screening.
You are also permitted to carry ice packs, freezer packs, frozen gel packs, and other cooling accessories to keep your breast milk at the right temperature. These items are allowed through security whether or not you have breast milk with you. However, if they are partially frozen or slushy, they may be subject to additional screening.
If you are travelling internationally, it is a good idea to research the regulations of the country you are visiting, as these vary and enforcement may differ. For example, Britain allows up to 2000 ml (67 oz) of breast milk in carry-on luggage, but only if it is not frozen.
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Ice packs, freezer packs, and gel packs are allowed to keep milk frozen
Breast milk is a medically necessary liquid and is allowed in carry-on baggage in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters. It does not need to fit within a quart-sized bag. Breast milk can be transported in clear, translucent bottles, although some sources suggest using pre-sterilized, sealable bags that are designed for storing breast milk.
When traveling with breast milk, it is important to inform the TSA officer at the beginning of the screening process. They will ask you to place the milk in a separate bin for X-ray screening. If you are uncomfortable with the screening, you can request an alternative, such as Explosive Trace Detection and Vapor Analysis. It is worth noting that TSA X-ray machines do not adversely affect food or medicines.
To simplify your packing, it is recommended to pack your pump, breast milk, and freezer packs together in one bag. Additionally, when breast milk is stored and transported in an insulated cooler bag with ice packs, it can stay fresh for up to 24 hours.
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TSA officers may test liquids for explosives or concealed items
Breast milk is considered a medically necessary liquid and is allowed in carry-on baggage. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) permits 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 be placed within a quart-sized bag.
TSA officers use advanced imaging technology to screen passengers for metallic and non-metallic threats, including weapons and explosives, without physical contact. Passengers may decline this advanced imaging technology screening in favor of a physical screening. However, some passengers may be required to undergo advanced imaging technology screening if selected for enhanced screening.
To expedite the screening process, it is helpful to inform the TSA officer at the beginning that you are carrying breast milk in excess of 3.4 ounces. Additionally, ice packs, freezer packs, and other cooling accessories are also allowed in carry-ons, regardless of the presence of breast milk. These items are subject to the same screening procedures as described above.
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Breast milk screening: X-ray or alternate screening like Vapor Analysis
Breast milk is considered a medically necessary liquid and is allowed in carry-on baggage in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters. Breast milk can be transported in clear, translucent bottles, which are recommended to expedite the screening process. If the breast milk is in plastic bags or pouches, it may need to be opened for alternate screening methods such as Vapor Analysis and Explosive Trace Detection. Screening will never involve placing anything inside the breast milk.
Although TSA X-ray machines do not adversely affect food or medicines, some parents may not want their breast milk X-rayed. In this case, parents should inform the TSA officer, who will take additional steps to clear the liquid. This may include Advanced Imaging Technology screening and additional/enhanced screening of other carry-on property.
Parents can also choose to express breast milk before the screening process and give this milk to their baby while waiting. During this time, parents can also express and store their breast milk. After the screening, the parent can feed the expressed milk to their baby, as it will have lost its radioactivity.
It is important to note that regulations for carrying breast milk through airport security vary by country. It is recommended to contact your airline in advance to confirm country-specific details and carry the relevant policies with you when travelling.
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International travel: Breast milk shipping companies can ship milk home
International travel regulations for carrying breast milk vary by country. It is recommended to contact your airline in advance to confirm country-specific details. While security agencies publish these policies online, enforcement may vary, so it is advised to print the relevant policies for the countries you are travelling to and carry them with you to ensure the proper handling of your milk.
Breast milk shipping companies such as Save the Milk and Milk Stork can help you ship your breast milk home safely and securely. Save the Milk offers kits that allow you to ship between 48 oz and 400 oz of breast milk, with free shipping within the US (excluding Alaska, Puerto Rico and Hawaii). Milk Stork provides a list of resources outlining each country's requirements and restrictions, including contact information for specific airports.
If you choose to carry your breast milk with you during international travel, 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. These items are considered medically necessary liquids, and you can bring them even if your child or infant is not present or travelling with you. You should inform the TSA officer at the beginning of the screening process that you are carrying these items.
Breast milk and formula cooling accessories, such as ice packs, freezer packs, and gel packs, are also allowed in carry-ons, regardless of the presence of breast milk. These items may be subject to additional screening procedures, including Advanced Imaging Technology screening and additional/enhanced screening of other carry-on property. To expedite the screening process, it is recommended to transport breast milk in clear, translucent bottles rather than plastic bags or pouches.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, breast milk is allowed through TSA security in any quantity, even if your baby isn't travelling with you.
Yes, inform the TSA officer at the beginning of the screening process that you are carrying breast milk.
Yes, breast milk must be screened separately from the rest of your liquids. Pack your milk in a cooler or insulated bag that's easy to open and remove when going through security.
You can refuse and request alternative screening methods, such as a visual inspection, swab test, or explosive trace detection.
Yes, ice packs, gel packs, freezer packs, and coolers are allowed and are exempt from liquid limits when used for milk storage.
