How do you get breast milk through airport security?

Navigating Airport Security 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. However, understanding the regulations and preparing accordingly can make the process smoother and less stressful.
Understanding TSA Regulations
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has specific guidelines that allow mothers to bring breast milk through airport security. According to TSA rules, you are permitted to carry as much breast milk as you need, regardless of whether you are traveling with a baby. This means that even if you are transporting milk for a future use, you can do so without concern about quantity restrictions typically applied to liquids.
Breast milk, along with formula and toddler drinks, is exempt from the standard 3-1-1 liquids rule, which limits liquids to containers of 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less. Instead, these items can be carried in larger quantities and do not need to fit within a quart-sized bag . This exemption is crucial for nursing mothers who may need to transport significant amounts of milk.
Preparing for Security Screening
When you arrive at the security checkpoint, it’s essential to be prepared for the screening process. You should remove the breast milk from your carry-on bag and present it separately for inspection. TSA officers may need to test the milk, and if they do, they might ask you to pour a small amount into a special container for testing.
Additionally, if you are using ice packs or freezer packs to keep the milk cool, these are also allowed. However, if they are partially frozen or slushy, they will be subject to the same screening procedures as the milk itself.
Tips for a Smooth Experience
1. Arrive Early: Give yourself extra time at the airport to accommodate any potential delays during the screening process.

2. Use Clear Containers: Opt for clear, easy-to-open containers for your breast milk. This can help TSA officers quickly identify the contents and expedite the screening.
3. Stay Calm and Communicate: If you encounter any issues, remain calm and politely explain that you are traveling with breast milk. Most TSA agents are familiar with the regulations and will assist you.
4. Know Your Rights: It’s important to remember that you have the right to travel with breast milk, even if you are not traveling with a baby. If you face any pushback, refer to TSA guidelines to clarify your rights.
Conclusion
Traveling with breast milk through airport security is entirely feasible with the right knowledge and preparation. By understanding TSA regulations and being ready for the screening process, nursing mothers can ensure that their milk is transported safely and efficiently. With these tips in mind, you can focus on your journey rather than the logistics of carrying breast milk.

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.

How to bring expressed breast milk on a plane?

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 do you carry milk on a baby on a plane?

You can take milk in containers, bottles, or cups greater than 3.4 oz (100ml). You are allowed to bring water through security and on your flight for your toddler. There is no defined limit on how much milk you can bring on board for your toddler. The security agent will need to test the liquids’ containers.

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 get breast milk through airport security?

Separate your breast milk from all the other liquids, gels, and aerosols in your carry-on bag. Tell the security oScer at the security checkpoint that you have breast milk to carry on to the airplane. Once you reach the X-ray machine, have your breast milk out and ready for additional inspection.

What is the 3-3-3 rule for breast milk?

The ‘Rule of Three’ guideline suggests allowing the baby to nurse for at least three minutes on each breast to ensure they receive a balance of foremilk (initial, thirst-quenching milk) and hindmilk (higher-fat, calorie-rich milk).

Can babies drink cold breast milk?

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

Can you take baby milk through security at the airport?

TSA Tips + What You Need To Know Breastmilk, formula, juice & baby medications in liquid form are exempt from TSA carry-on limitations but will likely be tested. This means you can pack quantities greater than 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters in your carry-on baggage and these do not need to fit within a quart-sized bag.

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.

Does breast milk need to be frozen for TSA?

Considerations for Air Travel
Passengers can carry with them all expressed milk, ice packs, gel packs (frozen or unfrozen), pumps and pump kits, and other items required to transport expressed milk through airport security checkpoints and onboard flights.