How do you bring frozen breast milk on a plane?

Navigating Air Travel with Frozen Breast Milk
Traveling with frozen breast milk can be a daunting task for nursing mothers, especially when it comes to navigating airport security and ensuring the milk remains frozen during the journey. However, with the right preparation and knowledge of regulations, it can be a smooth experience.
Understanding TSA Regulations
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has specific guidelines regarding the transport of breast milk. According to their policy, mothers are allowed to bring a “reasonable amount” of breast milk through security, whether they are traveling with their child or not. This means that even if you are flying solo, you can carry your frozen milk without issue.
When preparing to go through security, it’s crucial to inform the TSA officers that you are carrying breast milk. It’s advisable to keep the milk in clear, translucent containers rather than plastic bags, as this can expedite the screening process. If the milk is fully frozen, it typically does not require testing, which can save time and hassle.
Packing Tips for Frozen Milk
To ensure that your breast milk stays frozen during the flight, consider the following strategies:
1. Use Insulated Coolers: Invest in a high-quality insulated cooler. This will help maintain the temperature of the frozen milk. You can also use dry ice or gel packs to keep the milk frozen, but be cautious with dry ice as it can damage the bags if they come into direct contact.
2. Flat Freezing: When freezing your milk, lay the bags flat in the freezer. This not only saves space but also allows the milk to freeze more quickly and uniformly, making it easier to pack.
3. Monitor Temperature: If your journey is long, consider using a thermometer to monitor the temperature inside your cooler. This will help ensure that the milk remains at a safe temperature throughout your travels.
At the Airport
Once you arrive at the airport, keep your cooler with the frozen breast milk easily accessible. When you reach the security checkpoint, take the cooler out of your bag and inform the TSA agents that you have breast milk. They may need to inspect it, but if it’s frozen solid, this process is usually straightforward.
Final Considerations
Traveling with frozen breast milk requires careful planning, but it is entirely feasible. By understanding TSA regulations, using appropriate packing methods, and being proactive at security checkpoints, mothers can successfully transport their milk without compromising its quality. Whether for a short trip or a long journey, these tips will help ensure that your frozen breast milk arrives safely at your destination.

Can you bring ice packs for breastmilk through TSA?

Note that medically necessary gel ice packs in reasonable quantities are allowed regardless of their physical state of matter (e.g., melted or slushy) with or without the presence of breast milk. Please notify the TSA officer at the checkpoint for inspection.

How long can frozen breastmilk sit on counter?

If the milk has been previously frozen, once thawed, it can sit out at room temperature for 1 to 2 hours. If thawed milk is put in the refrigerator, use within 24 hours. Do not re-freeze previously frozen breast milk. If the baby didn’t finish the bottle, discard the milk after 2 hours.

How do you keep breast milk cold while traveling?

+ Breast milk can be stored in an insulated cooler bag with frozen ice packs for up to 24 hours when you are traveling. Once you arrive at your destination, milk should be used right away, stored in the refrigerator, or frozen. More breastmilk facts + tips can be found at CDC.gov here. Sign up for TSA PreCheck.

How long will breastmilk stay frozen in a cooler with ice?

Breast milk can be stored in an insulated cooler with frozen ice packs for up to 24 hours when traveling. At your destination, use the milk right away, store it in the refrigerator, or freeze it.

Does a breast milk cooler count as 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 do you pack baby milk on a plane?

If you’re flying, there’s some good news: the 100ml carry-on limit for liquids doesn’t apply to formula milk or sterilised water. This means you can bring a reasonable amount of each to meet your baby’s needs for the journey.

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 to travel with frozen breast milk by plane?

Similar to liquids, frozen breastmilk and ice packs over 3.4oz are allowed to be carried on flights. The big difference– frozen items do NOT require any TSA testing and do not need to be removed from your luggage when going through security. Frozen items can go through the conveyer belt scanner like any normal item.

How long is breast milk good for after thawing?

Using thawed breastmilk
Milk thawed in the refrigerator must be used within 24 hours. Milk thawed to room temperature or warmer should ideally be used in 1 to 2 hours. If your baby didn’t finish the bottle, the leftover breastmilk can still be used within 2 hours after the baby is done feeding.

Can babies drink cold breast milk?

You can feed expressed milk straight from the fridge if your baby is happy to drink it cold. Or you can warm the milk to body temperature by putting the bottle in a jug of warm water or holding it under running warm water. Do not use a microwave to heat up or defrost breast milk.