What are TSA rules regarding breast milk?

TSA Rules Regarding Breast Milk
Traveling with breast milk can be a complex experience for parents, especially when navigating airport security. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has established specific guidelines to facilitate the process, ensuring that families can travel with essential liquids for their infants without undue hassle.
Exemptions from the 3-1-1 Rule
One of the most significant aspects of TSA regulations is that breast milk, along with formula and toddler drinks, is exempt from the standard 3-1-1 liquids rule. This means that travelers can carry quantities greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) without needing to fit these liquids into a quart-sized bag. This exemption is crucial for parents who need to bring sufficient supplies for their children during flights.
Screening Procedures
When traveling with breast milk, it is important to note that these liquids must be screened separately from other carry-on items. TSA officers are trained to handle oversized liquids, including breast milk, and will screen them for explosives and other prohibited items. Travelers should be prepared for the possibility that they may need to remove these items from their bags for additional screening.
Cooling Accessories
For those who need to keep breast milk cold, TSA allows the use of ice packs, freezer packs, and frozen gel packs. These accessories can accompany breast milk, even if they are partially frozen or slushy. However, such items may also be subject to additional screening, which can sometimes lead to confusion among travelers.
Traveling Without Your Baby
Interestingly, TSA regulations state that parents do not need to be traveling with their baby to bring breast milk through security. This provision is particularly helpful for parents who may be traveling for work or other reasons while still needing to transport expressed milk.
Potential Challenges
Despite these clear guidelines, some travelers have reported challenges at security checkpoints. Instances of TSA agents misunderstanding the rules or requiring unnecessary additional screening have been noted. This has led to calls for clearer communication and training among TSA personnel to ensure that families can travel smoothly with their essential items.
In summary, while the TSA has established rules to support parents traveling with breast milk, awareness and preparation are key. Understanding these regulations can help alleviate some of the stress associated with air travel, allowing families to focus on their journey rather than the logistics of carrying necessary liquids.

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.

How to fly with a formula-fed baby?

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 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 TSA allow water for baby formula?

TSA website states baby formula and water for babies is okay in “reasonable quantities”. Just be ready to take it out of your bag to avoid unnecessary delays.

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 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.

Can babies drink cold breast milk?

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

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.

Do I need my baby’s birth certificate to fly?

You may have to present proof of age like a birth certificate for any children under the age of 18. Families with children under 2 years old can ask to board early at the gate. Only 1 carry-on diaper bag per child is allowed.

How much breastmilk does TSA allow?

3.4 ounces
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.