Can I bring frozen breast milk through TSA?

Traveling with Frozen Breast Milk: What You Need to Know
As parents navigate the complexities of air travel, one common concern is how to transport breast milk, especially when it’s frozen. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has specific guidelines that make it easier for nursing mothers to travel with their milk, ensuring that both safety and convenience are prioritized.
TSA Regulations on Breast Milk
According to the TSA, frozen breast milk is permitted in carry-on luggage. This means that mothers can bring as much frozen breast milk as they need without worrying about the typical liquid restrictions that apply to other liquids and gels. Unlike standard liquids, which must fit within the 3-1-1 rule (3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters in a quart-sized bag), breast milk is exempt from these limitations.
When traveling, it’s important to remove the breast milk from your carry-on bag for separate screening. This process is designed to ensure that all liquids, including breast milk, are properly checked without causing delays for other passengers.
Cooling Accessories
To maintain the integrity of frozen breast milk during travel, the TSA allows the use of ice packs, freezer packs, and gel packs. These accessories are essential for keeping the milk at the appropriate temperature, especially during longer flights. However, if these ice packs become partially unfrozen or slushy, they may be subject to additional screening . Therefore, it’s advisable to pack them securely to minimize any potential issues at security checkpoints.
No Need for Baby Presence
Interestingly, mothers do not need to travel with their baby to bring breast milk through TSA. This rule applies specifically to travel within the United States, allowing mothers to transport their milk even if their child is not accompanying them. This flexibility can be particularly beneficial for working mothers or those traveling for business.
International Travel Considerations
While the TSA guidelines are clear for domestic flights, international travel can introduce additional complexities. Different countries have varying regulations regarding the transport of breast milk. For instance, while the TSA allows frozen breast milk, some countries may have restrictions on the quantity or the state of the milk (frozen vs. unfrozen). Therefore, it’s crucial for travelers to research the specific regulations of their destination country before flying.
Conclusion
In summary, traveling with frozen breast milk is not only allowed but also facilitated by TSA regulations. Mothers can carry as much frozen milk as they need, provided they follow the guidelines for screening and cooling. As air travel continues to evolve, these provisions help ensure that nursing mothers can maintain their breastfeeding routines, even while on the go.

How do you keep milk cold through TSA?

Ice packs, freezer packs, frozen gel packs and other accessories required to cool formula, breast milk and juice – regardless of the presence of breast milk – are allowed in carry-on.

What are TSA rules regarding breast milk?

Inform the TSA officer at the beginning of the screening process that you are carrying formula, breast milk, toddler drinks and baby/toddler food (to include puree pouches) in excess of 3.4 ounces. Remove these items from your carry-on bag to be screened separately from your other belongings.

How do you bag frozen breast milk?

Never use regular disposable bags, such as kitchen bags or those made for bottle feeding. Freezing may cause these to leak and break down. If using breastmilk storage bags, squeeze the air from the top before sealing tightly. In general, place storage bags upright in another container or the milk may leak.

How do you carry frozen breast milk while traveling?

Take your frozen breast milk and put them in zip lock bags, make them airtight and then wrap in newspaper. The zip lock bags are to save any milk that may leak during shipping and the newspaper is to prevent the bags from touching the dry ice as it will break open the bags.

How do you check frozen breast milk on a plane?

Your breast milk does not need to be X-rayed or opened
Screening procedures are increasingly non-invasive, so if your breast milk is frozen, a visual inspection is usually fine. However, if it’s thawed, TSA agents may want to test it for explosives, but you have the right to say no.

Do I need my baby’s birth certificate to fly?

You may have to present proof of age like a birth certificate for any children under the age of 18. Families with children under 2 years old can ask to board early at the gate. Only 1 carry-on diaper bag per child is allowed.

How long can frozen breastmilk sit on counter?

If the milk has been previously frozen, once thawed, it can sit out at room temperature for 1 to 2 hours. If thawed milk is put in the refrigerator, use within 24 hours. Do not re-freeze previously frozen breast milk. If the baby didn’t finish the bottle, discard the milk after 2 hours.

How much baby milk can you take through airport security?

Here’s all you need to know. First off it’s important to know that the 100ml limit for liquids doesn’t apply to formula, or the water you need for making it, so technically you can take as much as you’d need to last the flight.

Can you take milk through airport security?

There is no legal limit to how much you can take however check with your airport before you travel. You can carry breast milk in hand luggage even if you’re not travelling with a baby. You cannot carry frozen breast milk in hand luggage. Individual containers of breast milk must hold no more than 2,000ml.

How much frozen breastmilk can you bring on a plane?

Parents who are Rying (with or without their child) can bring breast milk in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters onto the plane in their carry-on, as long as they declare it for inspection at the security checkpoint. The TSA Security OScers will examine your containers.