Everything You Need to Know About Getting Breastmilk Through Airport Security
When my son was three months old, I returned to work. By the time he was four months old, I had a travel job that required me to fly across the country. As an exclusively pumping mom with a strong milk supply, my plan was to pump consistently during the trip to maintain my supply and hopefully bring some milk home for my son towards the end of my trip. Luckily, I had pumped enough milk in advance to cover his needs while I was away, but I didn’t want to waste any milk during my travels. My goal was to bring a couple of bags back to keep my stock up.
Before the trip, I went online to research the rules for traveling with breast milk. The information I found was confusing and often contradictory. Ultimately, I ended up pumping and dumping the entire time I was away. Every two hours, I’d sit alone in a public restroom with my in-bra pump for 10 to 15 minutes, pouring that precious liquid gold into the toilet. It was disheartening. My nipples hurt, I spent hours pumping, and all that milk went to waste. Reflecting on that experience, I now ask: What’s the deal? What can pumping or breastfeeding moms traveling without their babies do to navigate airport security and preserve their milk? Let’s break it down.
Can You Get Breast Milk Through Security?
Yes, you absolutely can. According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), breast milk is considered a medically necessary liquid. This means it is exempt from the usual 3.4-ounce liquid limit for carry-on items. Whether or not your baby is traveling with you, breast milk is allowed through security. As it should be…
Does Breast Milk Need to Be Frozen?
Nope! Breast milk can be in any state: frozen, fresh, or partially thawed. TSA doesn’t distinguish between liquid and solid milk. Just inform the agents that you are carrying breast milk so they can follow the appropriate screening procedures.
Does Breast Milk Need to Be in Specific Bags?
Not necessarily. You can pack breast milk in standard breast milk storage bags, bottles, or even mason jars if that’s your preference. Just ensure the containers are leak-proof and stored securely to avoid any mid-flight spills.
Can You Use a Cooler?
Yes, a cooler is a great option for keeping breast milk at the correct temperature. Gel ice packs, frozen water bottles, and dry ice are all allowed but will be subject to screening. Be prepared for TSA to inspect your cooler and its contents.
How Should You Pack Breast Milk?
Choose Leak-Proof Containers: Use breast milk storage bags or bottles with secure lids.
Use a Cooler: Opt for an insulated cooler bag to maintain the right temperature.
Pack Ice Packs: Gel packs or frozen water bottles are ideal for keeping milk chilled.
Keep It Organized: Group the milk together in a separate bag for easier screening.
Pro Tip: Label your containers with the date and volume. While not required, this can help avoid confusion.
Will Security Contaminate the Milk During Screening?
No need to worry—TSA agents will not open your containers of breast milk. They may swab the outside of the containers to check for explosives, but the milk itself remains untouched. If you’re concerned, you can request that the screening is done without opening the containers.
How Much Breast Milk Can You Bring Through Security?
There’s no limit on the amount of breast milk you can bring. Whether it’s 5 ounces or 50, TSA permits you to travel with the amount you need. However, if you’re traveling with a large quantity, be prepared to explain the purpose to TSA agents.
What About Breast Milk in Bottles?
If you have your baby with you and breast milk in bottles, the process is the same. Having your baby present may even make the screening process smoother, as agents are more familiar with moms traveling with infants.
TSA Rules for Breast Milk—A Quick Summary:
Breast milk, formula, and baby food are allowed in quantities larger than 3.4 ounces.
You do not need to travel with your baby to bring breast milk.
Inform the TSA officer about your breast milk at the beginning of the screening process.
Containers may be subject to additional screening but will not be opened.
Ice packs and coolers are permitted but must go through screening.
International Travel with Breast Milk
If you’re traveling internationally, regulations may vary by country. While many countries have similar policies, it’s best to check the rules for your destination. For example:
Canada: Breast milk is allowed but must be presented separately for screening.
UK: You can carry breast milk in containers up to 2 liters, but your baby must be with you.
EU: Rules vary slightly, so confirm with your airline or airport.
Possible Challenges When Traveling with Breast Milk:
Misunderstanding of TSA Rules: Agents may not be familiar with the exemption for breast milk.
Solution: Carry a copy of the TSA guidelines to show if needed.
Screening Delays: Breast milk requires additional screening, which can be time-consuming.
Solution: Inform agents in advance and request clean gloves and swabs.
Temperature Control: Maintaining milk at the right temperature during delays can be tricky.
Solution: Use insulated cooler bags with gel ice packs and monitor the temperature.
Unclear Rules for Accompanying Items: Ice packs and cooling containers may be scrutinized.
Solution: Ensure they are partially frozen to comply with TSA rules.
International Variations: Different countries have different liquid policies.
Solution: Research regulations for each airport on your route.
Inadequate Facilities: Some airports may lack lactation rooms or private spaces.
Solution: Check airport amenities online before your trip.
The Story Of A Traveling Mom
Imagine a mom traveling alone through TSA with a cooler filled with neatly packed breast milk storage bags and gel packs. As she approaches the security line, she informs the agents that she is carrying breast milk. The cooler is set aside for additional screening, and the agent swabs the outside of the containers. The process is quick, and the mom moves on to her gate, reassured that her milk is safely stored. With some planning and patience, traveling with breast milk can be stress-free.
I traveled multiple times without my baby while I was pumping but chose not to save any of my milk during those trips, so I didn’t experience TSA’s rules and guidelines firsthand. There were two main reasons for this decision. First, I had a robust milk supply, so it wasn’t necessary for me to store milk while traveling. Second, I felt intimidated by the process of storing milk, keeping it at the correct temperature, and navigating TSA security. I’d seen horror stories on Instagram about moms having their entire frozen milk supply opened by TSA, leading to contamination, or perfectly packed frozen bags being unsealed for swabbing during additional testing. To avoid that stress, I opted to pump and dump instead.
Traveling as a pumping or breastfeeding mom can feel overwhelming, but with the right preparation, it’s entirely manageable. Knowing the rules, planning ahead, and most importantly advocating for yourself ensures that you can keep up your supply and bring your milk home safely.
Stay fresh, have a laugh & join the club!
FRESH DIAPIE SOCIAL CLUB
Sources:
TSA Guidelines for Traveling with Children
CATSA Guidelines on Breastmilk
UK Travel Rules for Breastmilk
