Can you bring frozen breast milk on a plane?

Traveling with Frozen Breast Milk: What You Need to Know
Traveling with frozen breast milk can be a daunting task for nursing parents, but understanding the regulations and best practices can make the journey smoother. Whether you’re flying for a family visit or a business trip, knowing how to transport breast milk safely is essential.
TSA Regulations on Breast Milk
According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), you are allowed to bring breast milk on a plane, whether it is frozen or unfrozen. The TSA permits liquids like breast milk in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) to be carried in your carry-on baggage without the need to fit them into a quart-sized bag. This means that nursing parents can travel with significant amounts of breast milk without worrying about the usual liquid restrictions that apply to other passengers.
When going through security, it is important to inform the TSA agents that you are carrying breast milk. You should remove these items from your carry-on bag for separate screening. This process is designed to ensure that the milk is not subjected to the same restrictions as other liquids, which can be a relief for parents traveling with infants.
Best Practices for Transporting Frozen Breast Milk
To keep your frozen breast milk safe during travel, consider the following tips:
1. Use Insulated Coolers: Packing your breast milk in an insulated cooler with frozen ice packs can help maintain the temperature. This method is effective for keeping the milk frozen for up to 24 hours. Many parents recommend using a cooler lunchbox specifically designed for this purpose.
2. Flat Storage: When freezing breast milk, store it flat in the freezer. This not only saves space but also allows the milk to thaw more evenly when needed.
3. Check Airline Policies: While TSA regulations are consistent, individual airlines may have their own policies regarding the transport of breast milk. It’s advisable to check with your airline ahead of time to ensure compliance and avoid any surprises at the airport.
4. Be Prepared for Security Checks: Some TSA agents may be unfamiliar with the rules regarding breast milk, so it’s wise to be prepared for questions or additional screening. Having documentation or being knowledgeable about the regulations can help ease any concerns.
International Travel Considerations
If you are traveling internationally, be aware that regulations can vary significantly from country to country. For instance, some countries may have restrictions on the amount of breast milk you can bring, or they may not allow frozen milk at all. Always check the specific regulations of your destination to avoid complications.
Conclusion
In summary, bringing frozen breast milk on a plane is not only allowed but can be done safely with the right preparation. By understanding TSA regulations, using proper storage methods, and being aware of airline and international policies, nursing parents can travel with peace of mind, ensuring their little ones have the nutrition they need, no matter where the journey takes them.

Does TSA test frozen breastmilk?

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.

Can I take frozen milk through airport security?

If it’s completely frozen, you’re fine. Just bring enough ice packs to make sure it’s fully frozen when you get to TSA and you’re good to go. Worst case, you’ll have to pull it from your bag for a visual inspection.

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.

How do you travel with frozen breast milk?

Frozen breastmilk & ice packs can be packed in carry on luggage. Similar to liquids, frozen breastmilk and ice packs over 3.4oz are allowed to be carried on flights. The big difference– frozen items do NOT require any TSA testing and do not need to be removed from your luggage when going through security.

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 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 much breast milk can you bring on a plane?

3.4 ounces
Liquid Formula, Breast Milk, Toddler Drinks, and Baby/Toddler food (to include puree pouches) Formula, breast milk, toddler drinks and baby/toddler food (to include puree pouches) 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.’);})();(function(){window.jsl.dh(‘1JhoZ5S5BZPX3AOQ5NmhCA__31′,’

What are TSA rules for breastfeeding?

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.

Can you bring frozen bottle through TSA?

Frozen liquid items are allowed through the checkpoint as long as they are frozen solid when presented for screening. If frozen liquid items are partially melted, slushy, or have any liquid at the bottom of the container, they must meet 3-1-1 liquids requirements.

How do you fly with cold breast milk?

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. If these accessories are partially frozen or slushy, they are subject to the same screening as described above.