So can you bring milk on a plane?
Whether you want to bring ultra high temperature processing milk, cow milk or a bottled milk for your infants or toddler on a plane there are some simple regulations that you need to follow.
Here is a quick answer:
You can bring milk in carry-on and checked bags, but in carry-on it must be in containers of 3.4 oz / 100 ml or less, except when traveling with an infant or toddler, milk is permitted in carry-on bags, and the containers can be more than 3.4 oz / 100 ml each, you may pack as much of milk as your child needs.
Keep reading to know more about traveling with milk in both domestic and international flights.
Let’s dive right in.
Tip: Check out this Travelpro Platinum Elite 21” Carry-On Spinner, a sleek and versatile carry-on that is designed to fit within the limits of most airlines, to save you from the hassle of the airports and the pesky airline fees.
Can I Take Whole Milk Through TSA?
The TSA has strict rules on taking large amount of liquids in carry-on and through the security checkpoint.
Passengers can’t just show up to the airport with a gallon of milk hoping that the security agent will turn a blind eye.
According to them you can bring only small containers of milk of 3.4 oz / 100 ml or less placed inside a quart sized bag in carry-on baggage.
Large containers of milk must be transported in checked baggage.
You can bring more than 3.4 oz / 100 ml of milk on board the airplane if you purchase it after you clear the security, this tip works for almost any type of drinks and beverages.
Tip
When traveling with toddlers and infants you can also exceed these limits, because you can’t jut let your little baby starve on a flight.
So you are permitted to bring milk, formula, and Juice for infants and toddlers in containers larger than 3.4 oz / 100 ml in your carry-on luggage.
You will need to inform the TSA officer at the security checkpoint that you are carrying these items and they may need to perform an additional inspection.
This passenger wanted to bring this 8 oz / 23O ml of UHT milk in his flight.
The TSA customer service replied that milk is allowed in carry on and checked baggage but in carry must be in container that are 3.4 oz / 100 ml or less.
| Milk types | Carry-on baggage | Checked baggage |
|---|---|---|
| Rice Milk | 3.4 oz / 100 ML for each container | No limits |
| Hemp Milk | 3.4 oz / 100 ML for each container | No limits |
| Soy Milk | 3.4 oz / 100 ML for each container | No limits |
| Coconut Milk | 3.4 oz / 100 ML for each container | No limits |
| Oat Milk | 3.4 oz / 100 ML for each container | No limits |
| Cashew Milk | 3.4 oz / 100 ML for each container | No limits |
| Almond Milk | 3.4 oz / 100 ML for each container | No limits |
| Plant-Based Milks | 3.4 oz / 100 ML for each container | No limits |
| Goat’s Milk | 3.4 oz / 100 ML for each container | No limits |
| Cow’s Milk | 3.4 oz / 100 ML for each container | No limits |
| Powdered milk | No limits ( remove the powder more than 12 oz. / 350 ML from your bag in a separate bin for X-ray screening) | No limits |
| Any type of milk for infants or toddler | More than 3.4 oz / 100 ML Allowed | No limits |
Can You Take Milk In Checked Baggage?
Milk and liquids in general are allowed without any limits, but it is better to take some precautions.
Liquids if not protected neatly will mess your belongings and suitcase.
Ensure that you use a solid container, It’s also important to note that fresh milk is more likely to spoil on log flights, so it’s recommended to bring UHT (Ultra-High-Temperature) milk instead.
Can You Bring Milk on International Flights?
The TSA regulates only what you can take on flights within and from the United States.
And because raw milk can carry harmful germs, some countries will not let milk or dairy products enter their territories, so taking milk on international flights will depend mostly on where are you heading.
Before you fly, ensure that you have a bit of an idea about the country of your destination customs, and whether they permit dairy products or not.
For example you can bring liquid milk and milk products intended for use by infants to the United States but in reasonable quantities.
But you can’t take milk or milk-based products to the UK from countries outside the European Union.
Final Thoughts
Attempting to take a gallon of milk through airport security without following the proper procedures is not a good idea.
Only smaller containers of milk are permitted in carry-on baggage if you are not traveling with an infant.
Traveling with milk for infants and toddlers is easy and can be done smoothly as you can take as much as you will need for your trip, if you are traveling internationally it is better to contact your airline, use an insulated container, and store milk in a separate bag.
FAQ: Taking Milk On a Plane
Yes, you can take UHT milk on a plane. but more than 3.4 oz must be packed in checked baggage. UHT milk is pasteurized at a high temperature, making it a good option when traveling on long flights.
Yes, just like any other milk you can take cow’s milk on a plane, but only in limited quantities as I already mentioned. The TSA allows you to bring 3.4 oz / 100 ml or less in your carry-on luggage. If you need to bring more than that from your destination you will need to place it in checked baggage.
Water for baby formula is allowed through the TSA checkpoint, but if you are not traveling with a baby, you can bring only 3.4 oz / 100 ml or fill up a bottle of water after you pass the security checkpoint
Breast pumps are good to go on planes as carry-on or checked baggage. You can also take breast milk storage containers, bottles, and freezer packs as long as they are empty or contain breast milk.
Yes, you can bring breast milk on a plane without a baby. However, you need to inform the TSA agent at the security checkpoint that you have breast milk in your bag as they may need to be inspected.
We hope this helps
Happy travels
You Might Also Like
- Can You Bring Frozen Food On a Plane?
- Can you bring fruits on a plane?
- Can You Take Cereal On a Plane?
