How do I bring breast milk through TSA?

Navigating TSA with Breast Milk: A Comprehensive Guide
Traveling with breast milk can be a daunting task for nursing parents, especially when it comes to navigating airport security. Fortunately, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has established clear guidelines to make this process smoother. Here’s what you need to know to ensure a hassle-free experience when bringing breast milk through TSA checkpoints.
Understanding the Rules
One of the most important things to note is that breast milk is exempt from the TSA’s 3-1-1 liquids rule. This means you can bring quantities greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) in your carry-on baggage without needing to fit them into a quart-sized bag. This exemption also applies to formula, toddler drinks, and baby food, allowing parents to carry what they need for their little ones without restriction.
When you arrive at the security checkpoint, it’s essential to inform the TSA agents that you are traveling with breast milk. This will help them prepare for the screening process. You should separate your breast milk from other items in your carry-on bag, as it will need to be screened separately .
Screening Process
During the screening, TSA officers are trained to handle oversized liquids like breast milk with care. If you have ice packs or freezer packs to keep the milk cool, these are also permitted in your carry-on. However, if these packs are partially frozen or slushy, they will be subject to the same screening procedures as the breast milk.
If you have concerns about your breast milk being X-rayed, you can inform the TSA officer. They will provide alternative screening methods to ensure your milk remains safe for your child.
Traveling Without Your Baby
Interestingly, you do not need to travel with your baby to bring breast milk through TSA. This rule applies to domestic flights within the United States, allowing parents to transport milk for their infants even if they are not traveling together.
Tips for a Smooth Experience
1. Pack Smart: Use insulated bags to keep your breast milk at the right temperature. Consider pre-freezing your milk if you’re traveling for an extended period.

2. Be Prepared: Have your breast pump and bottles organized and easily accessible in your carry-on. This will help expedite the screening process.
3. Stay Calm and Communicate: If you encounter any issues at the checkpoint, remain calm and communicate clearly with the TSA staff. They are trained to assist you and ensure your needs are met.
4. Know Your Rights: Familiarize yourself with your rights as a traveler. The TSA is committed to treating all passengers with respect and courtesy, especially those traveling with children or medical necessities.
By understanding these guidelines and preparing in advance, you can navigate TSA checkpoints with confidence, ensuring that your breast milk is safely transported to your destination. Happy travels!

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 to bring expressed breast milk on a plane?

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 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 much breast milk can I take through airport security?

3.4 ounces
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.

Can you fly with a cooler of breastmilk?

You can bring breastmilk in a cooler. It doesn’t count toward your carry on limit.

How do you pack milk for a baby on a plane?

TSA officers may need to test the liquids for explosives or concealed prohibited items. Although not required, to expedite the screening process, it is recommended that formula and breast milk be transported in clear, translucent bottles and not plastic bags or pouches.

Does TSA allow baby milk?

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.

Do you have to take breast pump out for TSA?

If you’re traveling with a breast pump, it may be carried on and stowed under your seat as a personal carry-on item.

How to get through TSA with breast milk?

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 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.