When it comes to traveling with breastmilk, it feels like a science project in the public eye – in addition to catching a plane. Fortunately, TSA has its own guidelines protecting you as well as strategies for packing that will allow your milk to stay cold, minimize leakage and avoid as much of the hassle as possible during screening.
This article will discuss what the TSA permits, what screening could look like for you, strategies for keeping your milk safe in a cooler and a packing list you can use the night before you leave.
TSA’s single most important exemption: breast milk does not count towards the 3.4 oz limit on liquids
When you go through airport security, breast milk is one of the few things you can bring in your carryon and you do not have to follow the 3.4 ounce rule on liquids. Additionally, the accessories you will need to keep breast milk cold (such as ice packs and gel packs) are permitted by TSA as they are considered a component of carrying a medically necessary liquid.
Many parents who travel realize this after their travels: TSA policy also permits you to travel with breast milk even if your baby is not present with you. This is particularly beneficial for work trips or travel where you are pumping to maintain supply.
What to expect at screening (and how to make it better)
The easiest way to minimize potential issues is to let the TSA officer know that you are traveling with breast milk. In general, this means pulling your insulated/cooler bag out of your carryon and putting it in a separate bin so they can inspect it without having to dig through all of your other belongings.
In addition to a visual inspection, TSA may use additional screening procedures for breast milk and related items. This may include additional testing. However, if your milk is frozen solid, it typically is easier for TSA because it acts more like a solid than a liquid during screening. But fresh milk is allowed, too.
One tip that actually works: Organize your milk in your cooler so it is easy to see and handle — organize, seal and separate — because the easier it is for them to inspect your milk, the less likely your bag will be “opened fully” on the table.
Ice packs and gel packs (including slushy ones) are allowed
There is a common worry about, “What if my ice pack gets a bit melty—Will TSA confiscate it?” The answer is no. TSA has a policy that specifically permits ice packs, freezer packs, and frozen gel packs that are used to cool breast milk.
Even if something is allowed, it may still require additional screening — so your goal should be to make the screening process as easy as possible: Keep packs together with the milk and do not hide them under other random liquids.
Safe travel storage for milk: the 24 hour cooler rule
For a food safety standpoint, the primary travel guideline is relatively simple: Breast milk can be safely stored in an insulated cooler with frozen ice packs for up to 24 hours.
Once you arrive at your destination, you then have a very simple decision: Use it, Refrigerate it or Freeze it as soon as you possibly can.
To build a plan for the day of flying and layovers, consider a “temperature control block.” Good cooler + Frozen packs give you time, but as soon as you have access to a refrigerator/freezer at your destination (or a hotel mini-fridge) — use it to restart your cold chain.
Best Container Strategy: Leak Prevention > Everything
The worst type of travel failure are not “TSA problems,” but Leaks. A small leak can turn a cooler into a milky disaster in seconds.
If you’re using bags, double-bagging is your friend. If you’re using bottles, treat them like they’re going to be jostled side-to-side, upside-down, and squeezed — Because they Will Be. The safest thing to do is pack milk containers inside a large sealed bag or secondary bin so that any leaks remain confined.
Labeling (Date/Time) Helps you to quickly use the oldest milk first upon arrival and helps you to keep track of your stash when you are tired.
Cooler Choice: What Matters (and What Doesn’t)
You don’t need a high-end cooler; you just need a cooler that maintains temperature and keeps milk stable. The main characteristics that matter the most are: Seal, Space for Ice Packs to surround the milk, Shape and Size that fit under the seat or in the overhead compartment without being squished.
If you’re choosing between “more ice packs” or “more milk space,” choose the cold source. A half-full cooler that stays cold is better than a packed cooler that warms too quickly because there’s no room for ice packs to do their job.
Cooler packing checklist (night-before friendly)
Here’s the one place a list really helps—because it prevents the classic “I forgot the one piece that makes everything work” travel moment.
Milk + storage
- Breast milk (fresh or frozen) in leak-proof bottles or sealed storage bags
- Labels (date/time) + marker (optional but helpful)
- Large zip-top bags (to contain leaks and keep screening tidy)
Cooling + insulation
- Insulated cooler bag or small hard-sided cooler
- Frozen ice packs / freezer packs / gel packs (bring extras if you have them)
- Thin towel or soft cloth (buffers bottles and reduces clanking/leak risk)
Pumping gear (if pumping during travel)
- Pump + parts you’ll need for at least one full session
- A clean container for used parts (zip bag or hard container)
- Quick-clean supplies (travel soap, wipes intended for pump parts, etc.)
Flight-day convenience
- A spare top (seriously—leaks happen)
- Paper towels or a small pack of wipes
- A printed or saved screenshot of TSA’s breast milk policy page (rarely needed, but calming)
References:
- https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/items/breast-milk
- https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/breast-milk-preparation-and-storage/handling-breastmilk.html
- https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/php/guidelines-recommendations/faqs.html