Flying with Breast Milk

You’ve packed the diapers, the bottles, and a backup outfit for the backup outfit. Now you’re looking at your cooler of breast milk, wondering what’s going to happen when you reach security.

That milk represents time, effort, and probably a few very early mornings. Of course you want to know it’s coming with you.

A little preparation can make the airport part feel much more manageable. Here’s what to know before you head to a U.S. TSA checkpoint.

Your breast milk gets an exception to the liquids rule

Your shampoo has a size limit. Your breast milk gets different treatment.

TSA considers breast milk and formula medically necessary liquids, so you can bring more than 3.4 ounces in your carry-on. They also don’t have to squeeze into that little quart-sized bag with your skincare.

Pack what you need, keep it accessible, and leave yourself a little extra time for screening.

Your baby doesn’t need to travel with you

Heading home from a work trip with a cooler full of pumped milk? Taking a weekend away while your little one stays home?

You can bring your breast milk and feeding supplies even when your baby isn’t traveling with you. That includes your pump and cooling accessories.

A slushy ice pack isn’t a packing fail

Ice packs, freezer packs, and gel packs used to keep breast milk cold are allowed in your carry-on—even when you aren’t carrying milk.

And if they’re partly melted by the time you reach security, they can still come through. They may just need additional screening.

Here’s what to say at security

Keep it simple:

“I’m traveling with breast milk and cooling packs. I have more than 3.4 ounces.”

Tell the officer before screening starts, then take those items out of your carry-on for separate screening. Packing them somewhere easy to reach saves you from digging underneath every spare onesie.

Clear or translucent bottles can make screening easier. Breast milk bags and pouches are allowed, too, but may need a different screening method. TSA says screening will not involve putting anything into the milk.

If you prefer that your milk not be X-rayed or opened, tell the officer. Alternative screening is available, though it means additional checks for you and your belongings. And if you’re comfortable with X-ray screening, CDC says the milk remains safe to feed your baby afterward.

Save the TSA page before you leave

Save or screenshot the TSA breast milk guidance before your trip. If you’re told something different at the checkpoint, you can show the guidance and calmly ask for a supervisor to help clarify.

For assistance ahead of your flight, contact TSA Cares at (855) 787-2227 or use its online request form. TSA asks that you request assistance at least 72 hours before departure.

Give your cooler a little planning, too

Getting through security is one part of the day. Keeping your milk properly stored through the drive, the flight, and the inevitable wait for your suitcase is another.

For freshly expressed breast milk, CDC’s guidelines are:

• Insulated cooler with frozen ice packs: up to 24 hours.

• Room temperature, 77°F or colder: up to 4 hours.

• Refrigerator: up to 4 days.

• Freezer: within 6 months is best; up to 12 months is acceptable.

Previously frozen milk has a shorter timeline: use it within 24 hours of fully thawing if kept refrigerated, or within 2 hours once brought to room temperature or warmed. Don’t refreeze fully thawed milk.

Before you leave, figure out where your milk will go when you arrive. Having a refrigerator ready means one less thing to sort out with luggage in one hand and a hungry baby in the other.

A little room in your bag for more flexibility

Some travel days involve a well-packed cooler. Others would feel a lot easier with a feeding option that doesn’t need ice.

That’s where MaiaMilk can fit in.

Our freeze-dried donor breastmilk comes in shelf-stable packets, so unopened packets can travel without a cooler when stored according to the label. They’re easy to tuck into your carry-on alongside the bottles and approximately seventeen other things you might need.

Dry packets aren’t subject to the liquids rule, although powders still go through security and may need additional screening.

When it’s time for a bottle, follow the package directions for mixing with water and handling the milk afterward. Once mixed, it needs the care described on the label.

Whether you’re planning a weekend away or packing an additional feeding option, MaiaMilk gives you a little more flexibility to work with.

Explore MaiaMilk for your next trip

Your before-you-leave checklist

• Save the TSA breastmilk page.

Keep milk and cooling supplies easy to reach.Tell the officer what you’re carrying before screening begins.Allow extra time for additional checks.Plan for milk storage when you arrive.Pack clean feeding supplies and plan for safe water if you’ll be mixing packets.