Key takeaways: TSA allows breast milk in carry-on bags in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces, with or without your baby. Tell the officer you have breast milk. Ice packs and freezer packs for milk are allowed. Freshly expressed milk keeps in an insulated cooler with frozen ice packs for up to 24 hours, according to the CDC.
Whether you’re traveling with your baby or pumping on a work trip, you can bring breast milk along.
Airport Security (U.S.)
According to the TSA:
- Breast milk is allowed in carry-on bags in amounts over 3.4 ounces (100 mL). You don’t need to have your baby with you.
- Tell the officer at the start of screening that you have breast milk.
- Ice packs, freezer packs, and gel packs used to cool breast milk are allowed, even if partly thawed.
- Milk may be screened by X-ray or other methods. You can ask that it not be X-rayed, but you may need additional screening.
- Breast pumps are allowed in carry-ons.
Rules in other countries differ, so check before international travel.
From the author
From First Breath to First Birthday is my month-by-month guide to your baby’s first year, written as a NICU and postpartum nurse. If you want feeding help you can flip to in the middle of the night, my book walks you through feeding month by month, from the very first latch to the first birthday.
Keeping Milk Cold
The CDC’s storage guidelines for healthy full-term babies:
- Room temperature: up to 4 hours.
- Insulated cooler with frozen ice packs: up to 24 hours.
- Refrigerator: up to 4 days.
- Freezer: best within 6 months, acceptable up to 12 months.
Bring an insulated bag and plenty of frozen ice packs. Ask hotels for a refrigerator.
Pumping on the Go
- Many airports have lactation rooms or pods.
- Bring a battery pack or a manual pump as backup.
- Pack extra parts, bags, and wipes.
- Clean parts with soap and water; use cleaning wipes or microwave steam bags when needed.
Shipping Milk
Several companies ship breast milk overnight in insulated containers with dry ice. Some employers cover this. Follow the company’s instructions carefully.
Frozen Milk on Planes
Frozen milk is allowed. Use dry ice only within airline limits; check with your airline.
Drinking Water Safety
If traveling where water quality is a concern, clean pump parts with safe water.
The Bottom Line
You can fly with breast milk. Know TSA rules, keep milk cold, and plan pumping sessions ahead.
Want more support for your baby’s first year? My book, From First Breath to First Birthday, is available on Amazon.
Related Articles
- Formula Feeding on the Go
- Power Outages: Keeping Breast Milk and Formula Safe
- How to Prepare Formula Safely: A Step-by-Step Guide
Sources
- Transportation Security Administration. Traveling with children: formula, breast milk and juice. https://www.tsa.gov
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Proper storage and preparation of breast milk; travel recommendations for the nursing mother. https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. How to keep your breast pump kit clean. https://www.cdc.gov/hygiene
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice. Always talk with your baby’s health care provider or your own provider about your specific situation. If you think your baby or you may have a medical emergency, call 911.
