Can you take breast milk through the airport?

Navigating Airport Security with Breast Milk: What You Need to Know
Traveling with breast milk can be a daunting experience for nursing mothers, especially when it comes to navigating airport security. However, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has established guidelines that allow mothers to carry breast milk through security checkpoints, making air travel more manageable for families.
TSA Regulations on Breast Milk
According to TSA regulations, mothers are permitted to bring breast milk in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) in their carry-on baggage. This is a significant allowance, as it means that mothers do not need to confine their milk to the standard quart-sized bag that applies to other liquids. Instead, breast milk can be transported in larger containers, which is particularly beneficial for those who pump and store milk for their infants.
When passing through security, it is essential to remove the breast milk from your carry-on bag so that it can be screened separately. This procedure is similar to how other liquids are handled, but the TSA has made it clear that breast milk is exempt from the usual liquid restrictions.
Quantity and Storage Considerations
Mothers can bring as much breast milk as they need for their travels, provided it is for personal use. However, if traveling with a large quantity of milk, it may be wise to consider alternative options, such as shipping the milk to your destination. This can help avoid potential complications at security checkpoints, especially if the amount exceeds what might be deemed a “reasonable quantity”.
For those who choose to travel with breast milk, proper storage is crucial. It is recommended to use insulated coolers or bags with ice packs to keep the milk at safe temperatures during transit. This not only ensures the milk remains fresh but also helps in complying with health guidelines.
Challenges at Security Checkpoints
Despite the clear TSA guidelines, some mothers have reported challenges at airport security. Instances of TSA agents misunderstanding the regulations have led to mothers being asked to dispose of their breast milk or cold packs. This inconsistency can create unnecessary stress for traveling families. As a result, new legislation is being proposed to address these issues and ensure that mothers are treated with respect and understanding at security checkpoints.
Conclusion
Traveling with breast milk is entirely feasible, thanks to TSA regulations that support nursing mothers. By understanding the rules and preparing adequately, mothers can navigate airport security with confidence. It is advisable to stay informed about your rights and to advocate for yourself if you encounter any difficulties during your journey. With the right preparation, air travel can be a smooth experience for both mothers and their little ones.

How to take expressed breast milk on a plane?

One of the questions I am asked a lot is about traveling with breast milk, flying with breast milk and whether you can take expressed breast milk through airport security. The answer is yes, you can bring expressed breast milk through airport security in individual containers no more that 2000ml each in size.

Can you take pumped breast milk through airport security?

Breast milk is exempt from the normal TSA rules regarding liquids — it is not limited to the 3.4 ounces that other liquids are limited to. You can carry it in bottles and/or milk bags. Since I primarily pumped with the Willow wearable breast pump on my trips, I always had my milk in milk bags.

How do you carry pumped milk while traveling?

You’ll also need to contain your milk – either in a plastic bottle or breast milk storage bag – and somewhere to keep it frozen or cold, such as a cooler bag. It’s also useful to pack a travel-sized hand sanitiser gel and a plug adaptor if travelling abroad.

How do you carry breast milk for a baby while traveling?

The best storage containers for safely transporting breast milk are sturdy, reliable and will fit in your preferred travel case. Plus, if you’re going far away, make sure your containers can be frozen and kept on ice easily. For long-distance travel, consider using breast milk storage bags.

How soon after giving birth can you fly?

Experts caution against flying in the first seven days after a baby is born. Some healthcare professionals suggest not traveling for the first few months.

How do you pack baby milk for travel?

We’d suggest packing several bottles with pre-measured amounts of formula powder, plus bottles of cooled, boiled water (not in a vacuum flask, as this might cause problems at security) to make up the formula en route.

What is the 5 5 5 rule for breast milk?

Something I recommend to moms is the 5-5-5 rule. Try and use milk within five hours at room temperature, five days in the fridge, and by five months in the freezer.

Can you take baby milk through security at the airport?

TSA Tips + What You Need To Know Breastmilk, formula, juice & baby medications in liquid form are exempt from TSA carry-on limitations but will likely be tested. This means you can pack quantities greater than 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters in your carry-on baggage and these do not need to fit within a quart-sized bag.

What are TSA guidelines for baby bottles?

Go ahead…
Did you know formula, breast milk, juice, baby food, and even liquid medications in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces are exempt to the 3-1-1 liquids rule! That’s right, when it comes to baby bottles and sippy cups you are in the clear!

Can you fly with a cooler of breastmilk?

Your breast milk cooler does count as a carry-on item. 2. Bring a watertight cooler, plenty of ice packs and all your empty bottles or breast milk storage bags.