Traveling with Breast Milk in the U.S.

Navigating the challenges of flying with a baby can be overwhelming, from judgmental looks to managing extra luggage. For new moms who are breastfeeding and pumping while traveling, the added stress can lead to anxiety about the whole process. The guidelines for packing breast milk and the associated equipment can often be unclear.

Regrettably, there are frequent reports of breastfeeding mothers facing unnecessary challenges and embarrassment while flying, often stemming from the confusing regulations and occasional misunderstandings by some TSA officials and airline personnel.

Recently, a nursing mother at LAX was preparing to leave her 10-week-old baby for the first time. She intended to pump at the airport to avoid discomfort, bringing ice packs to keep her breast milk cold. However, three male TSA agents informed her that she couldn't take the melting ice packs on the plane. They assured her there would be no issue if she was traveling with her baby or containers of breast milk and denied her request to consult a female agent. Ultimately, she had to place the ice packs in her checked luggage and couldn't pump as planned.

Numerous mothers chimed in on the woman's Tweet regarding her experience, sharing that they too have encountered similar challenges with misinformed TSA agents, despite the passage of the Friendly Airports for Mothers (FAM) Act in 2020. This law mandates that all large and medium-sized airports in the U.S. must offer private, lockable spaces for pumping or nursing in every terminal.

As a nursing mother, you might have questions about traveling. I certainly did when I flew with my newborn a couple of years ago, and even now I juggle ice packs, milk, and water for my 3-year-old.

Here’s TPG's guide to safely and confidently bringing breast milk and pumping gear on your next U.S. flight.

TSA liquid restrictions are waived

Since 2006, TSA has enforced the 3-1-1 liquid rule, which requires travelers to discard any bottles of water before going through security. Additionally, small liquid containers must be packed in a quart-sized plastic bag.

According to the TSA, breast milk exceeding 3.4 ounces is permitted in carry-on luggage.

The TSA allows "reasonable quantities" of liquids, which gives some leeway to the discretion of the officer. If you're traveling with a large amount of breast milk, it's wise to check with your airline beforehand.

Since breast milk usually undergoes separate screening, it's advisable to allocate extra time for security checks. Informing the TSA officer about your breast milk at the beginning of the process helps them prepare for possible additional screening, which might include x-ray checks (which you can refuse), explosive testing, or even sampling.

The same guidelines apply to formula and juice. For those traveling with formula-fed infants and toddlers, you have the right to carry more liquid than usual.

Consider the option of shipping breast milk instead.

If TSA procedures make you anxious, you might want to consider using a service like Milk Stork to ship your milk. With Milk Stork and similar companies, you can order a specially designed cooler that will be sent to your chosen address. You can pump and store your breast milk at your leisure, then send it off using the pre-labeled and prepaid box that comes with the cooler.

Milk Stork provides various shipping options. The Pump & Ship service allows you to overnight refrigerated breast milk to any destination (starting at $199 plus shipping and handling). If you need to send frozen breast milk overnight, the Freeze & Ship option starts at $219 plus shipping and handling. For those who will be at a single location for a while, The Stash lets you ship larger amounts of frozen milk (up to 180 ounces) for $229 plus shipping and handling. Milk Stork also sells coolers for transporting refrigerated or frozen milk to the airport.

FedEx also offers a cold shipping package designed to keep contents at a steady temperature of 2 to 8 degrees Celsius for up to 96 hours. You can preorder one of FedEx's cold shipping boxes.

Airlines have varying regulations regarding breast pumps.

While TSA has clear guidelines for transporting breast milk, the rules around bringing a breast pump can be less straightforward. The FDA classifies breast pumps as medical devices, and TSA allows them in carry-on luggage. However, individual airlines set their own specific policies regarding pumps.

A breast pump is not considered part of your carry-on baggage limit, but there are important details to note. For instance, American Airlines states that a pump doesn’t count toward your carry-on allowance, but advises arriving at the gate at least an hour before departure if you’re bringing one. Virgin Atlantic aims to support breastfeeding mothers and will keep milk chilled. It’s best to check with your airline for their specific policies and try to obtain this information in writing. Bring a printed copy of the airline's rules on travel day—it's better to be safe than sorry.

You can bring breast milk even if you're not traveling with your baby.

The TSA clearly states that you don't need to be accompanied by your baby to transport breast milk, which is a relief for moms who want to pump while traveling. This rule is applicable only for domestic U.S. flights; international regulations may differ, so be sure to research if you're flying abroad.

One mother had to discard 4 gallons of breast milk during a work trip because, at that time, the U.K. required you to travel with a baby to carry milk. To prevent such situations, always verify the rules of the country you are visiting. Additionally, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), you do not need to declare pumped milk at U.S. Customs when returning home.

Frozen ice packs are permitted at security checkpoints.

The TSA allows not only breast milk but also ice packs, freezer packs, and frozen gel packs needed to keep breast milk cold. This is permitted regardless of whether breast milk is present. Liquid-filled, partially frozen, or slushy items are also allowed, though they may require additional screening. It's best to use ice packs that are completely frozen.

Dry ice can be used when transporting breast milk, but it adds some complexity to your travel. Before choosing this option, confirm the specific requirements with your airline. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) allows a maximum of 5.5 pounds (2.5 kilograms) of dry ice in either carry-on or checked luggage, but the package must be vented and labeled as dry ice. Airline approval is necessary before flying with dry ice, so plan for extra time at the airport and have printed copies of FAA, TSA, and airline regulations handy.

Inform a TSA agent about your milk before screening.

To ensure a smooth experience at security when traveling with your breast milk, keep it and any related items separate from your other belongings, and let the TSA officer know what you have. This approach worked for me during my travels, as I was screened separately from passengers whose bags raised flags in the X-ray machine, allowing me to avoid long waits. While this might not happen every time, being transparent could help expedite the process.

You can opt for extra screening if needed.

Typically, breast milk is examined by X-ray and/or opened for testing. If you'd prefer not to go through that process, you can ask for additional screening methods, which may include a pat-down and checks of other carry-on items, according to the TSA.

Adhere to breast milk storage guidelines.

After successfully getting your breast milk through security, the last thing you want is for it to spoil due to improper temperature control. Follow the CDC’s guidelines for milk storage, which recommend keeping expressed milk in clean, tightly sealed containers. You can store milk at room temperature for up to six to eight hours, in an insulated cooler bag with frozen ice packs for 24 hours, and in the refrigerator for up to five days—longer in the freezer. If you're on a long flight, consider asking the flight attendants for extra ice for your cooler during the trip.

Pack portable pump cleaners.

In addition to keeping your milk fresh, it's essential to clean your pump components. If you're expressing milk while traveling, remember that milk droplets can linger in the bottles and suction parts. These can spoil if not properly refrigerated or cleaned. To prevent any risk of spoiled milk while pumping, bring portable pump wipes for quick cleanups until you can thoroughly wash everything.

Have a printed copy of the TSA rules.

Knowing the TSA rules is one thing, but not every TSA officer may be equally informed about them. To be prepared, print out the TSA guidelines to have on hand in case you encounter any questions from screeners. Alternatively, keep the TSA website accessible on your phone; it clearly outlines your rights, including your ability to travel with milk, a pump, and ice packs, regardless of whether your baby is traveling with you.

Factor in time for extra screening.

The screening process can sometimes be unpredictable. Even if TSA officers adhere to standard procedures, getting through security may take longer, particularly during peak travel times. It's wise to arrive at the airport 30 minutes earlier than usual when traveling with pumped milk. This extra time can help ease any anxiety if you encounter additional screening.

Key Takeaway

As a breastfeeding mother, you have rights recognized by government agencies and airlines. However, not everyone you meet while traveling may be aware of these rights. By following these guidelines, you can travel with greater confidence and reduce unnecessary stress, since traveling with a baby is challenging enough as it is!