How much breastmilk can I carry-on a plane?

Traveling with Breast Milk: What You Need to Know
When it comes to flying with breast milk, parents can breathe a sigh of relief. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has specific guidelines that allow you to carry breast milk in quantities greater than the usual liquid restrictions. This is particularly important for nursing mothers who need to transport expressed milk while traveling.
Quantity Limits and Regulations
According to TSA regulations, you are allowed to bring breast milk in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) in your carry-on baggage. Unlike other liquids, breast milk does not need to fit within the standard quart-sized bag that typically applies to carry-on liquids. This exemption is designed to accommodate the needs of breastfeeding mothers and their infants.
Screening Process
To ensure a smooth experience at the airport, it’s crucial to inform the TSA officer at the beginning of the screening process that you are carrying breast milk. You will need to remove these items from your carry-on bag so they can be screened separately. This step is essential to avoid any delays or complications during security checks.
Storage and Preparation Tips
When preparing to travel, consider how you will store the breast milk. Using insulated bags with ice packs can help keep the milk at a safe temperature during your journey. Additionally, if you anticipate needing a significant amount of milk, it’s wise to plan ahead and pack more than you think you’ll need. This preparation can alleviate stress in case of unexpected delays or other travel hiccups.
International Travel Considerations
If you are traveling internationally, be aware that regulations may vary by country. For instance, in the UK, travelers are allowed to carry up to 2000 ml (67.6 oz.) of fresh breast milk per container. Always check the specific rules of your destination to ensure compliance.
In summary, flying with breast milk is manageable with the right knowledge and preparation. By understanding TSA regulations and being proactive about storage and screening, nursing mothers can travel confidently with their expressed milk.

How to transport breast milk when traveling?

It is best to seal your breast milk bottles in ziploc bags and then pad them with crumpled up newspaper inside your cooler of dry ice. You can print out a FedEx shipping label online. I have heard of people shipping breast milk on regular ice via overnight US mail.

How much breastmilk can I take on a plane?

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.

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.

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.

Is there a limit to breast milk on plane?

Checked Bags: Yes
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.

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).

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.

What is the 120 pumping rule?

The first 12 weeks of your breastfeeding journey requires frequent breastmilk removal, stimulating healthy milk production. Studies show moms who exclusively pump for a minimum of 120 minutes per day can make enough to feed their babies primarily breastmilk.

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.