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How much breast milk can you bring on a plane?

Traveling with Breast Milk: What You Need to Know
For nursing mothers planning to travel by air, understanding the regulations surrounding breast milk can alleviate some of the stress associated with flying. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has specific guidelines that allow mothers to bring breast milk on board in quantities that exceed the standard liquid limits.
Quantity Regulations
According to the TSA, mothers can carry a “reasonable” amount of breast milk in their carry-on luggage, which is exempt from the usual 3.4-ounce (100 milliliters) limit that applies to other liquids. This means that whether you’re bringing a few ounces or several bottles, you can do so without worrying about fitting everything into a quart-sized bag, as is typically required for other liquids.
Screening Process
When traveling with breast milk, it’s important to inform TSA agents at the security checkpoint. You will need to remove the breast milk from your carry-on bag so that it can be screened separately. This process is similar to how other larger liquids are handled, ensuring that your milk is checked without compromising its safety.
What Constitutes a “Reasonable” Amount?
While the TSA does not specify an exact quantity that constitutes a “reasonable” amount, it generally refers to what a mother might need for her child during the flight. This could vary based on the length of the flight and the age of the child. For instance, a longer flight may necessitate more milk, while a shorter trip might require less.
Additional Considerations
Mothers should also consider how they will store and transport the breast milk. Using insulated bags with ice packs can help keep the milk at a safe temperature during travel. It’s advisable to check with the airline regarding their specific policies on carrying breast milk, as some airlines may have additional guidelines or recommendations.
In summary, traveling with breast milk is manageable and supported by TSA regulations that prioritize the needs of nursing mothers. By understanding these guidelines and preparing accordingly, mothers can ensure a smoother travel experience for themselves and their little ones.

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).

Does breast pump count as carry-on?

Breast pumps and baby formula are allowed to be carried onto an aircraft and don’t count against your carry-on allowance. Be sure to notify a TSA officer when going through the security check-in.

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.

Does TSA check breast milk?

For ease of screening, inform the TSA officer at the beginning of the screening process that you are carrying breast milk in excess of 3.4 ounces in your carry-on bag. Also, be sure to remove it from your bag to be screened separately from the rest of your belongings. Typically, these liquids are screened by X-ray.

How to carry breast milk while travelling?

Transporting your breast milk. Take expressed milk home or to a childcare setting in bottles or bags, inside a cooler bag with a freezer pack. If your ice packs are defrosting then ask for a bag of crushed ice from a fast food outlet or cafe.

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.

How to pack breast milk for a day out?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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