Jazmin Li
Travelling with infants can be challenging, especially when it comes to packing and preparing the right amount of breast milk. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) allows parents to bring breast milk in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces or 100 millilitres in their carry-on baggage. This means you can bring as much breast milk as you need for your baby during the flight and the trip. It is important to note that breast milk, whether fresh, frozen, or partially thawed, will be screened separately, and you may be asked to open the container for inspection. To maintain the temperature of the breast milk, you can use ice packs, freezer packs, gel packs, and coolers, which are also allowed in carry-on baggage.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Amount allowed | No limit, bring a "reasonable quantity" or "as much as you need" |
| Container type | Cooler bag, insulated bag, bottles, breast milk storage bags |
| Container volume | No limit |
| Screening | Separate screening, X-ray, visual inspection, swab test |
| Ice packs | Allowed, including gel packs and freezer packs |
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What You'll Learn
Exempt from the 3.4 oz liquid rule
Breast milk is exempt from the standard 3.4 oz (100 ml) limit on liquids that can be taken through airport security. This applies whether the milk is fresh, frozen, or partially thawed. There is no limit on how much breast milk you can bring, although large amounts may require additional screening.
You can bring breast milk in a cooler or insulated bag. It is recommended to use a separate bag just for your milk and pump parts to speed up screening and keep things organized. You can also bring ice packs, gel packs, freezer packs, and coolers to keep breast milk cold, even if they are partially melted.
Breast milk will be screened separately from the rest of your liquids. Officers may test liquid exemptions (exempt items over 3 ounces) for explosives. They may ask you to open the container during the screening process. You can refuse X-ray screening and request alternative methods such as a visual inspection or swab test.
It is a good idea to bring a printed copy of the TSA's official guidelines and have the TSA page on breast milk open on your phone in case you encounter an officer who is unfamiliar with the rules.
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No limit on quantity
Breast milk is allowed through airport security in any quantity, and is exempt from the 3.4 oz (or 100 ml) liquid rule. This means that you can bring breast milk in quantities greater than 3.4 oz or 100 ml in your carry-on baggage, and it does not need to fit within a quart-sized bag. There is no limit to the amount of breast milk you can bring—you can bring as much as you need for your trip, even if your baby is not travelling with you.
When packing breast milk, it is recommended to use a cooler or insulated bag that is easy to open and remove when going through security. You can also use a separate Ziploc or tote just for your milk and pump parts to speed up screening and keep things organised. It is important to note that breast milk may be subject to additional screening procedures, including Advanced Imaging Technology screening and enhanced screening of other carry-on property.
Breast milk can be transported in fresh, frozen, or thawed form. TSA allows all forms of breast milk, but be prepared for them to be screened separately. Partially thawed breast milk may require testing, and you can ask them to pour a small sample into a separate container to avoid contamination. Ice packs, gel packs, freezer packs, and coolers are allowed to keep breast milk cold, even if they are partially melted. These items are also exempt from liquid limits when used for milk storage.
It is recommended to inform the TSA officer if you do not want your breast milk to be X-rayed or opened, and they will take additional steps to resolve any alarms. You can also contact TSA Cares before your travel to request assistance and better prepare for the security screening process.
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Fresh, frozen, or thawed milk allowed
Breast milk is allowed through airport security in any quantity and is exempt from the 3.4 oz liquid rule. This means that you can bring fresh, frozen, or thawed milk, regardless of whether your baby is accompanying you or not. TSA does not place a limit on the quantity of breast milk you can bring, although large amounts may require additional screening.
Breast milk must be screened separately from the rest of your liquids. It is recommended to pack your milk in a cooler or insulated bag that can be easily accessed and removed during security checks. You can also use a separate Ziploc or tote for your milk and pump parts to speed up the screening process and maintain organisation.
Ice packs, gel packs, freezer packs, and coolers are allowed to keep breast milk cold, even if they are partially melted. These items are also exempt from liquid restrictions when used for milk storage. It is advised to bring a printed copy of the TSA's official guidelines to ensure a smooth screening process.
If you are concerned about the security screening process or require special accommodations, you can contact TSA Cares online or by phone. They provide assistance to passengers with medical conditions, including breastfeeding mothers.
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Screening and testing procedures
Breast milk is exempt from the 3.4 oz liquid rule. You can bring breast milk in any quantity, whether fresh, frozen, or partially thawed, even if your baby isn't travelling with you. However, large amounts may require additional screening.
Inform the TSA officer at the beginning of the screening process that you are carrying breast milk in excess of 3.4 ounces. Remove these items from your carry-on bag to be screened separately from your other belongings. TSA officers may need to test the liquids for explosives or prohibited items. You can request alternative screening methods, such as visual inspection or swab testing, if you do not want your breast milk X-rayed or opened.
Breast milk and formula cooling accessories, such as ice packs, freezer packs, and gel packs, are also allowed in carry-on baggage, even if they are partially frozen or slushy. These items are exempt from liquid limits when used for milk storage.
TSA Cares provides assistance to travellers with medical conditions, including breastfeeding mothers. You can contact them 72 hours prior to travelling to understand screening policies and request assistance.
If you are travelling with children, they will undergo modified screening procedures if they appear to be 12 years old or younger. Children able to walk through the metal detector unassisted may do so separately from their parents or guardians. If they alarm, they may undergo additional procedures to resolve the alarm and reduce the need for a pat-down. Infants and small children may be carried through the metal detector. If this alarms, additional screening is required.
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International travel regulations
To ensure a smooth security experience, pack your breast milk in a separate, easy-to-access cooler or insulated bag. Breast milk storage bags or bottles with secure, leak-proof lids are recommended. You can also bring ice packs, gel packs, freezer packs, and coolers to keep the milk cold, even if they are partially melted. These items are exempt from liquid restrictions when used for milk storage.
When going through security, inform the TSA officers that you are carrying breast milk. They may swab the outside of the container or perform a residue wipe on the cooler. You may be asked to open the container and allow officers to hover a test strip over it briefly. Breast milk and its cooling accessories are typically allowed through security without issue, and TSA officers are generally well-versed in the protocols and respectful of mothers' needs.
It is important to note that the regulations mentioned above primarily refer to TSA guidelines in the United States. While many countries have similar exemptions for breast milk, it is always advisable to check the specific regulations of your departure and destination countries, as well as any countries where you may have a layover. Each country's aviation authority or transportation security administration should have guidelines available online. Additionally, some countries may have specific requirements, such as providing a medical certificate or declaring the breast milk upon arrival. Therefore, researching and understanding the regulations of your specific travel itinerary is essential.
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Frequently asked questions
There is no limit to the amount of breast milk you can bring through TSA security. It is exempt from the 3.4-ounce liquid rule.
No, you do not need to be traveling with your baby to carry breast milk.
It is helpful to use clear, translucent bottles as liquids in plastic bags or pouches may not be able to be screened by bottle liquid scanners.
Inform the TSA officer that you are carrying breast milk. Your milk and cooling supplies will be screened separately from your other belongings. You may be asked to open the containers for alternate screening.
You can bring ice packs, gel packs, freezer packs, and coolers to keep breast milk cool, even if they are partially melted.
