Flying with your breastmilk in 2023

If you and your baby are traveling this spring, you may be overwhelmed by the thought of getting through the airport. After all there’s a lot to remember and pack! You have your stroller, diaper bag, your bag, the tickets and IDs, and your baby! Also, don’t forget those pump parts! You may also be wondering whether you can get breast milk, formula, and juice through security. We’re here to help you take at least one thing off your ever-growing, travel-planning plate. 

The short answer is YES you can take your breast milk, formula, and juice through security. Here are a few things to keep in mind from the Transportation Security Administration to help make your trip a little less stressful.

Prepping Your Bag
Formula, breast milk, toddler drinks, and baby/toddler foods (including puree pouches) are considered medically necessary liquids. So, that means if they’re more than 3.4 ounces they are allowed in your carry-on bags. They do not need to fit in a quart-sized bag. This rule also applies to ice packs, freezer packs, and gel packs whether or not there is breast milk. If they’re partially frozen or slushy, they will have to go through a screening. 

Something to keep in mind: Your baby does not need to be with you to bring breast milk, formula or other related items. 

If you’d like the screening process to go a little quicker, (because who likes waiting in security?) you can put your formula and breast milk in clear, translucent bottles instead of plastic bags or pouches. Plastic bags or pouches may not be able to be screened by Bottle Liquid Scanners, so you may have to open them. However, agents will not put anything into the medically necessary liquid (which both are considered to be).

Talk To TSA 
When you get to security, tell the TSA agents you are carrying formula, breast milk, toddler drinks, and baby/toddler food (including those puree pouches) and that it’s more than 3.4 ounces. Take all of these items out of your bag. They’ll be screened separately from your other items. TSA agents may have to test them.

X-Ray Screening 
Now that you’re getting ready to head through security, we want to let you know that there are no known negative effects of sending your items through the x-ray machines. But if you do not want your items to be x-rayed or opened, let the TSA agent know. This will mean you’ll go through additional steps to screen the liquid.

Safe Travels 
If this is your first time traveling with your baby, give yourself some extra time to get through security. We can’t always predict the lines, how your baby will react to the different environments, or who you may be standing next to in line. Having extra time so you’re not stressed about the process or cutting it close and missing your flight will make it much less overwhelming.

If you need special accommodations at the airport, or maybe you’re still concerned with the screening process, you can contact TSA Cares online here or (855) 787-2227.