Can you fly with a cooler of breastmilk?

Flying with a Cooler of Breast Milk: What You Need to Know
Traveling with breast milk can be a complex endeavor, especially for nursing mothers who want to ensure their baby’s nutrition is not compromised during flights. Fortunately, with the right preparation and understanding of regulations, flying with a cooler of breast milk is entirely feasible.
Understanding TSA Regulations
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has specific guidelines that allow passengers to carry breast milk in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) without the need to fit it into a quart-sized bag. This exemption applies not only to breast milk but also to formula and toddler drinks, making it easier for parents traveling with young children. Importantly, breast milk does not count against your carry-on limit, which is a significant advantage for those needing to transport larger quantities.
Packing Your Cooler
When preparing to fly, it’s essential to pack your breast milk properly. Using a cooler filled with ice packs or dry ice is recommended, especially if you are traveling with frozen milk. This method helps maintain the necessary temperature to keep the milk safe for consumption. Some coolers are designed specifically for this purpose, capable of holding multiple bottles and providing adequate insulation for extended periods. For instance, Milk Stork offers a cooler that can keep breast milk refrigerated for up to 90 hours.
Navigating Security Checks
While TSA allows breast milk to be carried on, security checks can sometimes be a hassle. It’s advisable to inform the TSA agents that you are carrying breast milk, as they may need to conduct additional screening, such as a bomb wipe on the cooler. Being proactive and patient during this process can help ease any potential stress.
Travel Tips for Nursing Mothers
1. Communicate with Airlines: Before your flight, check with your airline regarding their policies on traveling with breast milk. Some airlines may offer additional support or accommodations for nursing mothers.

2. Use Hotel Refrigerators: If you’re staying at a hotel, request access to a refrigerator for your breast milk. Many hotels are accommodating and will allow you to store your milk safely.
3. Consider Timing: If possible, plan your travel around your pumping schedule to minimize the amount of milk you need to transport. This can help reduce the stress of managing large quantities of milk during your journey.
4. Stay Informed: Regulations and policies can change, so it’s wise to check the latest TSA guidelines and your airline’s rules before traveling.
In conclusion, flying with a cooler of breast milk is not only permissible but can be managed effectively with the right knowledge and preparation. By understanding TSA regulations, packing appropriately, and communicating with airline staff, nursing mothers can travel confidently, ensuring their little ones receive the nourishment they need, no matter where their journey takes them.

Can breastmilk go through TSA?

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.

How long can you travel with milk in a cooler?

Transporting milk
You can carry freshly expressed milk in an insulated cooler bag with frozen ice packs for up to 24 hours. After arriving at your destination, use the milk right away, store it in the refrigerator, or freeze it.

How to keep breast milk cold without a fridge?

If you don’t have access to a refrigerator or freezer, store the milk temporarily in an insulated cooler with ice packs. Fill individual containers with the milk your baby will need for one feeding. You might start with 2 to 4 ounces (60 to 120 milliliters), and then adjust as needed.

How do you keep breast milk cold while traveling?

When you’re moving from place to place, the best way to store breast milk is in sealed containers kept in a small, insulated cooler bag with frozen ice packs. Many moms like to use pre-sterilized, sealable bags that are specially designed for storing breast milk.

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.

Can you bring a breast milk cooler on a plane?

You can travel with a breast pump and small, soft-sided cooler of breast milk in addition to your carry-on or personal item. These items don’t have to be checked and are allowed even when you’re not traveling with a child. Also, most airports have nursing rooms and stations available for your convenience.

How long can breast milk stay out cold?

Freshly expressed or pumped milk can be stored: At room temperature (77°F or colder) for up to 4 hours. In the refrigerator for up to 4 days. In the freezer for about 6 months is best; up to 12 months is acceptable.

Does a breast milk cooler count as carry-on Delta?

In addition to one bag carry-on allowance, you may bring a booster seat, other infant seat or bassinet, or breast pump and associated cooler bag on the plane as an additional free item, which is still subject to carry-on size restrictions.

How to keep breastmilk cold without a fridge?

If you don’t have access to a refrigerator or freezer, store the milk temporarily in an insulated cooler with ice packs. Fill individual containers with the milk your baby will need for one feeding. You might start with 2 to 4 ounces (60 to 120 milliliters), and then adjust as needed.

How do you pack breast milk for a flight?

Easiest thing is to freeze the breast milk, put it in a small little lunch box cooler with bottles of frozen water. You can bring water through TSA as long as it is frozen, I don’t think breast milk has to be (if you’re planning to feed it to baby on the flight, looks like you’re not bringing baby though). It was easy!