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How do you bring breast milk on a plane?

Navigating Air Travel with Breast Milk: A Comprehensive Guide
Traveling with breast milk can be a daunting task for nursing mothers, especially when it comes to navigating airport security and airline regulations. However, with the right knowledge and preparation, the process can be smooth and stress-free.
Understanding TSA Regulations
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has specific guidelines that allow mothers to bring breast milk on planes without the usual liquid restrictions. According to TSA regulations, breast milk, formula, and toddler drinks are permitted in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and do not need to fit within the standard quart-sized bag typically required for liquids. This exemption is crucial for nursing mothers who need to transport larger amounts of milk for their infants.
When preparing to go through security, it’s essential to inform the TSA agents that you are carrying breast milk. This proactive approach allows them to prepare for an additional inspection, which may involve screening the milk separately from other items in your carry-on.
Packing Tips for Breast Milk
To ensure the breast milk remains safe and at the right temperature during travel, consider using a small cooler or insulated bag. Ice packs can be included to keep the milk cold, especially if you are traveling for an extended period. If the milk is frozen, it may also simplify the screening process, as frozen liquids are generally not subject to the same testing as liquids in a liquid state.
At the Airport: What to Expect
Upon arriving at the security checkpoint, be prepared for your breast milk to undergo additional screening. It’s advisable to remove the bottles or bags of breast milk from your carry-on luggage and place them in a separate bin for inspection. This step helps expedite the process and minimizes any potential delays .
If you are using a breast pump, keep it separate from your other belongings as well. This organization not only helps with the screening process but also ensures that you have easy access to your pumping equipment when needed.
Traveling with a Baby or Toddler
If you are traveling with your baby or toddler, you may also bring along other necessary items such as baby food and juice, which are similarly exempt from the liquid restrictions. This allowance makes it easier to manage your child’s needs during the flight.
Considerations for International Travel
When flying internationally, it’s wise to check the regulations of the destination country regarding the importation of breast milk. Some countries may have specific rules or restrictions, so being informed can save you from potential issues upon arrival.
Conclusion
Traveling with breast milk doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. By understanding TSA regulations, preparing your milk properly, and communicating with airport security, you can ensure a smoother journey. With these tips in mind, nursing mothers can confidently navigate air travel while ensuring their little ones have the nourishment they need.

Is it better to check breast milk or carry-on?

Comments Section Breastmilk, your pump, etc. are considered medical decives and are exempt from bag and liquid ounce rules. DO NOT check your milk. If you cannot carry it on for whatever reason, ship it to yourself through a service like milk stork.

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 I get my baby milk through TSA?

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.

Does breast pump bag count as carry-on?

Process keeping everything in a separate clear bag can help speed up the inspection traveling with a baby requires prepar insation. But knowing the TSA guidelines can help make your journey. Smoother.

How much breast milk can I carry-on a plane?

Parents who are Rying (with or without their child) can bring breast milk in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters onto the plane in their carry-on, as long as they declare it for inspection at the security checkpoint. The TSA Security OScers will examine your containers.

Does breast milk have to be frozen for TSA?

You’re allowed to carry freezer bags, ice packs, and gel packs to keep your breast milk frozen, but they need to be frozen solid. If they’re slushy or partially melted, they may be subjected to additional screening. If there’s any liquid in them, they’re held to the liquid rule of 3.4 ounces or less.

How do you keep breast milk frozen in transport?

Pump your breast milk into storage bags or containers and freeze completely. Insert your bags or containers of frozen breast milk into a strong, sturdy plastic bag that zips or seals shut and then secure as tightly as possible (some moms even double-bag their containers for extra protection).

Can I bring a cooler for breast milk on a plane?

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 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!

How should I bag my breast milk?

Refrigerated or frozen milk may be stored in:

  1. Hard-sided plastic or glass containers with well-fitting tops. Make sure you mark them with a date!
  2. Made without BPA/BPS containers, milk bags that are specifically designed for storing and freezing breastmilk, such as Lansinoh’s Breastmilk Storage Bags.
Natasha Lunn

Tash is an IBCLC and Business Coach helping fellow IBCLCs create fun, profitable businesses that are more than just an expensive hobby. Before becoming an IBCLC and starting her private practice - The Boobala, Tash graduated as an Osteopath in 2008 and has been in Private Practice in South West Sydney. She was also a volunteer Breastfeeding Counsellor and Community Educator with the Australian Breastfeeding Association for 6 years. Through her business, Your Lactation Biz, Tash coaches and creates products to help new and seasoned IBCLCs build businesses that suit their personality and lifestyle.

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