Is breast milk allowed for carry-on on a plane?

Understanding the Rules for Carrying Breast Milk on Planes
Traveling with an infant or expressing milk while on the go can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to navigating airport security. Fortunately, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has established clear guidelines that allow parents and caregivers to carry breast milk in their carry-on luggage without the usual restrictions that apply to liquids.
Breast Milk Exemptions from Liquid Restrictions
According to TSA regulations, breast milk is permitted in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) in carry-on baggage. This exemption means that parents do not need to confine breast milk to the standard quart-sized bag typically required for other liquids. Instead, they can bring as much breast milk as necessary for their journey, whether for immediate use or for later consumption by their child.
When passing through security, travelers are advised to remove breast milk from their carry-on bags for separate screening. This process is similar to how other medical liquids are treated, ensuring that the milk is properly inspected without compromising its integrity.
Traveling Without a Baby
Interestingly, the TSA allows individuals to carry breast milk even if they are not traveling with a baby. This provision is particularly beneficial for mothers who may need to transport expressed milk for various reasons, such as work or personal commitments.
Storage and Cooling Requirements
To maintain the quality of breast milk during travel, it is essential to keep it properly stored. Ice packs, freezer packs, and gel packs are also allowed in carry-on luggage to help keep the milk cool. These cooling accessories can be partially frozen or slushy, but they will undergo the same screening process as the breast milk itself.
International Travel Considerations
While the TSA’s guidelines apply to domestic flights within the United States, international travel can introduce additional complexities. Different countries have varying regulations regarding the transport of breast milk. For instance, the UK allows travelers to carry up to 2000 ml (67 ounces) of breast milk in their carry-on luggage, provided it is not frozen. Therefore, it is crucial for travelers to check the specific rules of their destination country before flying.
Conclusion
In summary, carrying breast milk on a plane is not only allowed but also facilitated by TSA regulations that prioritize the needs of nursing mothers. With the right preparation and understanding of the rules, parents can travel with confidence, ensuring that their infants have access to the nourishment they need, regardless of where their journey takes them.

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

3.4 ounces
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.

How do you carry milk for a baby while traveling?

To keep the breast milk cool you can bring cooling gel packs in your hand luggage. You cannot carry frozen breast milk with you in your hand luggage. If packing breast milk in your checked-in luggage you can pack both liquid breast milk and frozen breastmilk.

How to store breast milk in bags?

If using breastmilk storage bags, squeeze the air from the top before sealing tightly. In general, place storage bags upright in another container or the milk may leak. But if the double zipper seal on the breastmilk storage bag is reliable, laying the bag flat in the freezer will help the milk thaw faster later.

How much breastmilk can I fly with?

Formula, breast milk, juice 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. Remove these items from your carry-on bag to be screened separately from the rest of your belongings.

Can you go through TSA with baby milk?

Infant and children’s food/drinks are exempt from TSA regulations (to a reasonable limit for small children) – so you can certainly bring juice, milk, formula with you.

Can I give my baby a 5 day old breast milk?

It is best to use refrigerated breast milk within 4 days. To warm breast milk from the refrigerator: Place the bottle in a bowl of warm water or run it under warm water. Microwaving breast milk is not safe due to the risk of scalding your baby with hot milk.

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 to take expressed breast milk on a plane?

It must be in liquid form, not frozen, and must be presented in individual containers no larger than 2l. The milk will be subjected to screening and, if successful, will be allowed on board an aircraft. Passengers will not have to be accompanied by the breastfeeding infant.

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 much breastmilk can you bring 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.