Can you take pumped breast milk through airport security?

Traveling with Pumped Breast Milk: What You Need to Know
Navigating airport security can be a daunting task for any traveler, but for nursing mothers, the process comes with its own unique set of challenges, particularly when it involves transporting pumped breast milk. Understanding the regulations and best practices can help ensure a smoother journey.
TSA Regulations on Breast Milk
According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), mothers are allowed to bring unlimited quantities of breast milk through airport security. This is a significant exception to the standard liquids rule, which typically limits liquids to 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) per container. Breast milk, along with formula and toddler drinks, is classified as a medically necessary liquid, meaning it does not need to fit within the usual quart-sized bag requirement.
When traveling, it is essential to remove the breast milk from your carry-on bag during the security screening process. TSA officers will screen these items separately, which helps expedite the process and ensures that the milk is handled appropriately.
Practical Tips for Traveling with Pumped Milk
1. Storage and Packing: It’s advisable to pack breast milk in insulated bags with ice packs to keep it fresh during your travels. This is particularly important if you are traveling for an extended period or if your flight is long.
2. Communication is Key: If you encounter any issues at security, don’t hesitate to communicate your needs clearly. Some mothers have reported misunderstandings with security personnel regarding the importance of their pumped milk, leading to unnecessary stress. Being assertive about your rights can help mitigate these situations.
3. Know Your Rights: You do not need to travel with your child to bring breast milk through security. This means that even if your child is not accompanying you, you can still carry your pumped milk without hassle.
4. Lactation Spaces: If you need to pump at the airport, look for designated lactation spaces. If these are unavailable, you may be directed to family restrooms, but it’s important to advocate for appropriate spaces to pump, as many mothers prefer not to do so in a bathroom setting.
Conclusion
Traveling with pumped breast milk is entirely feasible with the right knowledge and preparation. By understanding TSA regulations and advocating for your needs, you can ensure that your journey is as smooth as possible. Remember, being informed is your best tool when navigating airport security as a nursing mother.

How do you transport expressed breast milk?

Breast milk that’s been cooled in the fridge can be carried in a cool bag with ice packs for up to 24 hours. Storing breast milk in small quantities will help avoid waste. If you’re freezing it, make sure you label and date it first.

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.

How to pack a breast pump for a flight?

Pack all your pumping equipment and accessories in your carry on bag. I like to put all my accessories (tubes, flanges, etc.) in a ziplock bag. You can pack them in your checked luggage (TSA allows both), but only do this if you absolutely will not need it while en route.

How do you carry pumped milk while traveling?

Store your milk in breast milk storage bags so that you can fit a lot of them in the insulated cooler bags on the way home. Also bring a small cooler with ice packs to store pumped milk when you are away from your hotel room.

Does a cooler for breastmilk count as a carry-on?

Bring your regular carry-on luggage but be prepared to explain that your pump is a medical device. Your breast milk cooler does count as a carry-on item.

Can you fly with expressed breast milk?

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.

Is a cooler for breastmilk considered a carry-on?

Bring your regular carry-on luggage but be prepared to explain that your pump is a medical device. Your breast milk cooler does count as a carry-on item.

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 pack pumped breast milk?

In addition to safely storing your pumped breast milk, it’s important to transport it properly. Pack your breast milk in a secure container: Use a sturdy container, such as a small cooler or insulated bag, to transport your breast milk. Make sure the container is sealed properly and won’t leak during transport.

Can you bring pumped breast milk through TSA?

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.