Jazmin Li
Travelling with pumped breast milk can be a stressful experience, especially with the added confusion of what is and isn't allowed through airport security. In the US, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has outlined that expressed milk and related baby and child feeding items are exempt from the standard liquid and gel restrictions. This means that passengers can carry breast milk, pumps, pump kits, and other milk expression items through airport security checkpoints and onboard flights. However, it is recommended to inform the TSA officer at the beginning of the screening process and to allow extra time for security checks.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Allowed quantity | Greater than 3.4 ounces or 100ml |
| Container type | Clear, translucent bottles are recommended over plastic bags or pouches |
| Screening process | Inform TSA officers at the beginning of the screening process. Breast milk will be screened separately from other belongings. |
| Presence of the child | The child does not need to be present or travelling with you to bring breast milk. |
| Cooling accessories | Ice packs, freezer packs, and gel packs are allowed in carry-ons. |
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What You'll Learn
Breast milk is allowed in quantities over 3.4 oz or 100 ml
Breast milk is considered a medically necessary liquid by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). This means that it is allowed in quantities over 3.4 oz or 100 ml 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, regardless of the presence of breast milk.
When passing through airport security, 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 oz. You should also let them know if you do not want your breast milk to be X-rayed or opened. Remove these items from your carry-on bag to be screened separately from your other belongings. It is helpful to transport breast milk in clear, translucent bottles as liquids in plastic bags or pouches may not be able to be screened by Bottle Liquid Scanners.
It is important to note that TSA guidelines only apply to travel within the United States. International policies vary, so it is recommended to contact the airline prior to departure to find out its specific policies regarding breast pumps and medical devices. Additionally, having a printed copy of the TSA regulations for expressed milk may be helpful in case you encounter a TSA officer who is unfamiliar with the rules.
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You don't need to travel with your baby to carry breast milk
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 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. This applies regardless of whether or not your child is travelling with you.
The TSA recommends that you inform them at the beginning of the screening process that you are carrying breast milk, formula, or related accessories in excess of 3.4 ounces. These items should be removed from your carry-on bag and screened separately from your other belongings. It is also helpful if formula and breast milk are transported in clear, translucent bottles, rather than plastic bags or pouches, as these may need to be opened for alternate screening.
Breast milk and formula cooling accessories, such as ice packs, freezer packs, and gel packs, are also allowed in carry-ons, along with liquid-filled teethers. If these items are partially frozen or slushy, they are subject to the same screening as described above.
To expedite the screening process, it is recommended that you carry a printed copy of the TSA regulations for expressed milk. Additionally, if you do not want your breast milk to be x-rayed or opened, you should inform the TSA officer, who will then take additional steps to clear the liquid. You will then undergo additional screening procedures, including Advanced Imaging Technology screening and additional/enhanced screening of other carry-on items.
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TSA officers may X-ray or open breast milk containers
Breast milk is considered a medically necessary liquid by the 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.
To expedite the screening process, it is recommended that breast milk be transported in clear, translucent bottles instead of plastic bags or pouches. This is because liquids in plastic bags or pouches may not be able to be screened by Bottle Liquid Scanners, and you may be asked to open them for alternate screening, such as Explosive Trace Detection and Vapor Analysis.
It is important to note that screening will never include placing anything into the medically necessary liquid, and TSA X-ray machines do not adversely affect food or medicines. If you are concerned about the screening process, you can request assistance from TSA Cares before or during your travel.
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Breast pumps and cooling devices are allowed
Cooling devices include ice packs, freezer packs, and gel packs, which are allowed in carry-on baggage. These items are considered medically necessary cooling accessories and are therefore permitted regardless of whether you are travelling with a baby or child.
Breast pumps and cooling devices should be declared to the TSA officer at the beginning of the screening process. It is recommended that these items are transported separately from your other belongings, and it is helpful if they are stored in clear, translucent bottles or containers. This aids the screening process, as liquids in plastic bags or pouches may not be able to be screened by Bottle Liquid Scanners.
It is also important to note that the TSA states that you do not need to be travelling with your baby to bring breast milk, pumps, and cooling devices. However, this rule only applies to travel within the United States, as international policies vary. It is recommended to contact the airline prior to departure to understand their specific policies regarding breast pumps and medical devices.
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Allow extra time for security screening
When travelling with pumped breast milk, it is important to allow extra time for security screening. This is because breast milk is subject to special regulations and screening procedures.
Firstly, it is helpful to know that expressed milk and related baby and child feeding items are exempt from typical Transportation Security Administration (TSA) regulations limiting quantities of liquids and gels. This means that you can carry all milk expression items with you through airport security checkpoints and onboard flights. These include all expressed milk, gel packs (frozen or unfrozen), pumps and pump kits, and other items required to transport expressed milk. You do not have to be travelling with a baby to carry milk and supplies.
However, it is important to inform the TSA officer at the beginning of the screening process that you are carrying expressed milk or related accessories. You should also allow extra time for screening if you do not want your breast milk to be X-rayed or opened. In this case, inform the TSA officer, and they will take additional steps to clear the liquid. You may undergo additional screening procedures, such as Advanced Imaging Technology screening and additional/enhanced screening of other carry-on items.
To expedite the screening process, 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, and you may be asked to open them for alternate screening. Screening will never include placing anything into the medically necessary liquid.
Additionally, it is worth noting that ice packs, freezer packs, frozen gel packs, and other accessories required to cool formula, breast milk, toddler drinks, and baby/toddler food are also allowed in carry-ons. If these items are partially frozen or slushy, they are subject to the same screening as described above.
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Frequently asked questions
There is no limit on the amount of breast milk you can carry through airport security as it is deemed medically necessary. However, 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 or 100 ml.
Yes, breast milk needs to be screened separately from your other belongings. Typically, these liquids are screened by X-ray. 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.
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.
