Traveling with breast milk
Coolers, ice packs, and airport screening.
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In a cooler
The CDC says breast milk can be stored in an insulated cooler with frozen ice packs for up to 24 hours when traveling. At your destination, it says to use the milk right away, refrigerate it, or freeze it.
More than 3.4 ounces
The TSA says breast milk in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters is allowed in carry-on baggage and does not need to fit within a quart-sized bag. It says breast milk is considered a medically necessary liquid.
Tell the officer
The TSA says to tell the officer at the start of screening that you are carrying breast milk over 3.4 ounces, and to remove it from your carry-on to be screened separately.
Ice packs
The TSA says ice packs, freezer packs, and gel packs used to cool breast milk are allowed in carry-ons, regardless of the presence of breast milk.
No baby needed
The TSA says: "Your child or infant does not need to be present or traveling with you to bring breast milk, formula and/or related supplies."
The officer decides
The TSA says the final decision rests with the TSA officer on whether an item is allowed through the checkpoint. Check the TSA page before you fly; its breast milk page was last updated July 28, 2022.
FAQ
General information only, not medical advice. For questions about pumping, breastfeeding, milk supply, or feeding your baby, talk to your doctor, midwife, or lactation consultant, or your baby's pediatrician. Follow the maker's instructions for your pump and its parts. The FDA says that if you are injured while using a breast pump or have pain, contact your health care provider. In an emergency, call 911.
Next: storing milk
Countertop, fridge, freezer.
