Does breastmilk have to be frozen for TSA?

Understanding TSA Regulations for Traveling with Breast Milk
Traveling with breast milk can be a daunting task for nursing mothers, especially when navigating airport security. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has specific guidelines that aim to facilitate the process while ensuring safety. Here’s what you need to know about whether breast milk must be frozen when flying.
Breast Milk and TSA Guidelines
According to TSA regulations, breast milk is classified as a medically necessary liquid. This means that it is exempt from the standard 3-1-1 liquids rule, which typically limits liquids in carry-on baggage to containers of 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less. Mothers can carry breast milk in quantities greater than this limit without needing to fit it into a quart-sized bag.
Freezing Breast Milk: Is It Necessary?
While it is not a requirement for breast milk to be frozen when traveling, freezing can simplify the screening process. If the breast milk is frozen solid, it generally undergoes a quicker screening process, often requiring only a visual inspection. This can help avoid the more extensive screening that may occur if the milk is liquid or partially frozen, which could lead to additional checks such as pat-downs or further examination of carry-on items.
Traveling with Ice Packs and Accessories
Mothers are also allowed to bring ice packs, freezer packs, and gel packs to keep the breast milk cool during travel. These accessories can be particularly useful for longer flights or when traveling in warmer climates. However, if these ice packs become slushy or partially unfrozen, they may be subject to the same screening procedures as the breast milk itself.
Practical Tips for Traveling with Breast Milk
1. Pack Strategically: If you choose to travel with frozen breast milk, ensure it is packed securely in a cooler or insulated bag with sufficient ice packs to maintain its temperature.

2. Screening Process: Be prepared to remove the breast milk from your carry-on for separate screening at the security checkpoint. Inform the TSA officer that you are traveling with breast milk to facilitate the process.
3. Plan Ahead: If you are flying solo with your baby, consider the logistics of pumping and storing milk during your trip. Having a plan can alleviate stress and ensure you have enough milk for your child.
In summary, while breast milk does not have to be frozen for TSA travel, doing so can streamline the security process and provide peace of mind for nursing mothers. By understanding the regulations and preparing accordingly, traveling with breast milk can be a manageable experience.

Does breast milk need to be frozen for TSA?

TSA regulations state that you can bring any amount of breast milk and that ice packs need not be frozen, but agents have told me multiple times that it’s easier if they are frozen solid. This cooler bag:

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.

How do you pack breast milk for travel?

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.

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.

How long can breast milk stay in the fridge?

Freshly pumped breast milk can be stored in the back of the refrigerator (39° F or 4° C) for up to four days — just don’t forget it’s back there. Thawed, previously frozen breast milk can stay in the refrigerator for 24 hours before you have to throw it out.

Can babies drink cold breast milk?

Breast milk does not need to be warmed. It can be served room temperature or cold.

What are TSA rules about milk?

Formula, breast milk, juice 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. Remove these items from your carry-on bag to be screened separately from the rest of your belongings.

How do you fly with refrigerated breast milk?

At the beginning of the screening process, inform the TSA officer that you are carrying expressed milk or related accessories, and separate them from other liquids, gels, and aerosols that are limited to 3.4 oz. (100 mL) each, subject to TSA’s Liquids Rule.

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 long can breast milk stay in a cooler with an ice pack?

Freshly expressed breast milk can be stored in an insulated cooler with ice packs for up to one day. Refrigerator. Freshly expressed breast milk can be stored in the back of the refrigerator for up to four days in clean conditions. However, it’s optimal to use or freeze the milk within three days.