Can You Bring Breast Milk On A Plane? 2024

There are strict and special policies on taking large amounts of liquids and food on airplanes.

But things are more lenient when it comes to traveling with breast milk and baby food in general.

The TSA stated that all type of liquids need to be 3.4 oz / 100 ml or less for each container when transported in carry-on bags, but there are exceptions when traveling with baby food and breast milk so they do not need to follow the TSA 3-1-1 liquid policy.

But how and where should you pack your breast milk on flights?

Let’s dive right in, and start with more about the TSA rules.

A cute newborn drinking milk from bottle in hands of his mom — _{Photo by Sarah Chai on Pexels.com}

Can I Take Breast Milk Through The TSA Security Checkpoint?

The TSA ( Transportation Security Administration ) search for prohibited and dangerous items at the security checkpoint.

So they regulate what is allowed on flights within and from the US.

And according to them, breast milk, baby formula and infant drinks are considered medically necessary liquids so you can take them through airport security and on board the airplane with no restrictions but in reasonable quantities .

They are exempted from the TSA 3-1-1 liquid rule and do not need to fit within a quart sized bag.

Here’s what they say about breast milk.

You will need to let the TSA officer know that you have these types of liquids inside your diaper bag to inspect them separately.

It makes more sense to place any baby food including breast milk in transparent and clear containers, before placing them in your bag to speed up your screening process.

Even if you do not travel with a baby you can bring breast milk and baby formula on board the airplane, and it can exceed the liquid size limits.
Important

I checked social media to find some answers from the TSA customer service.

Mike understands that he can take over 3.4 oz / 100 ml of breast milk to carry on; but he wonders if the jar can be a glass mason jar with a lid of the jar that needs to be plastic.

The TSA didn’t specifically answer his questions, but the TSA does not restrict which container to use for breast milk or any or type of baby food (even though they advise passengers to use clear bottles).

Let’s take a look at checked baggage.

Can You Pack Breast Milk In Checked Luggage?

If you want to bring additional breast milk that you won’t need during your flight, you can pack it in checked baggage.

Ensure that the breast milk is well protected to avoid any leaks inside your bag.

You can use a solid diaper bag like this waterproof MOMINSIDE Diaper Bag or a cooler to maintain the temperature of the milk and keep it fresh.

Keep in mind that checked bags can be thrown around, crammed together and from time to time can go missing.

So you don’t have to send any type of baby food in checked baggage if you can bring it on board the airplane.

Can You Bring Breast Pump On a Plane?

Yes you can bring both electric and manual breast pumps on a plane in both carry-on and checked baggage.

You will be required to place the pump in a separated bin when going through the security checkpoint.

Here are the TSA rules regarding breast pumps.

Can You Bring Frozen Breast Milk On a Plane?

The TSA liquid rules restrict only items that are in liquid form, that means solid food items are good to go in carry-on baggage without any limits.

The good news is breast milk does not have any restrictions in both forms: frozen and liquid.

The breast milk will be subject to additional screening but overall you are good to go.

Again here is an answer from the @AskTSA on twitter answering that frozen beats milk permitted on planes and the TSA liquid rules didn’t apply.

Frozen food in general are considered solid on any airline, but it needs to be solid and the ice need to be solid when transported through the security checkpoint.

Final Thoughts

Whether you are traveling with a baby or not you can bring breast milk, frozen or liquid, on planes and it does not need to follow the TSA 3-1-1 liquid rule.

Even when you are traveling with ice to keep the milk or the baby formula fresh the ice itself still can go over the liquids limits.

We hope this helps

Happy travels

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Gargie, is writer, traveler & a digital marketing specialist passionate about traveling and exploring new cultures. She is a savvy traveler who likes to pack light, testing various luggage brands and seeking out budget-friendly airline options. Gargie enjoys creating unique recipes when she’s not on the go.