Quick answer: Flying with frozen breast milk is allowed by TSA and most major airlines. With a good cooler, gel packs, and a little prep, you can keep your milk safely frozen for hours, even on long flights, and travel confidently knowing it will arrive ready for your little one.
Whether you're flying for work, visiting family, or finally taking a well-deserved vacation, figuring out how to fly with frozen breast milk can bring a mix of stress and worry. You've worked hard to build that milk supply, and the idea of losing even a single bag can feel heartbreaking.
Breastfeeding moms travel with frozen milk for many reasons, like bringing it home after a work trip, keeping up their supply while apart from their baby, or safely moving a stored supply to a new home.
Whatever your reason, it's completely possible to travel smoothly with your frozen breast milk intact.
This FAQ guide breaks down everything you need to know, from TSA rules to packing strategies, so you can fly with frozen breast milk confidently and keep every ounce safe for your baby.
Related article: Flying With Breast Milk: The Ultimate Guide for Breastfeeding Moms On the Go!
Can You Fly with Frozen Breast Milk?
Yes, you absolutely can. TSA classifies breast milk as a medically necessary liquid, which means it's exempt from the standard 3.4-ounce liquid restriction.
That means you can fly with frozen breast milk in both your carry-on and checked baggage in the U.S.
Do you need to travel with your baby to bring milk on the plane?
No. The TSA allows you to carry frozen or thawed breast milk even if your child isn't present.
This policy helps working moms, traveling parents, and those pumping away from home safely bring their milk back home to their babies.
Related article: Find Out How Much Breast Milk You Can Bring On a Plane!
How to Navigate TSA and Airline Guidelines When Flying with Frozen Breast Milk
How can I take frozen breast milk through airport security?
When you're flying with frozen breast milk, one of the most important things you can do is declare it at the security checkpoint.
Here's what to do at security for a smoother screening:
✅ Tell the TSA agent that you have breast milk before the inspection begins
✅ Place your breast milk cooler on the conveyor belt separately
✅ Expect that officers may swab the outside of your containers or ice packs, but they shouldn't open or test the milk itself
✅ Let TSA know about gel packs, ice packs, or dry ice you are carrying
If you're traveling internationally, rules and procedures for transporting frozen breast milk can vary by country, so it's a good idea to check airline and local security guidelines ahead of time to avoid any surprises.
Do airlines have specific rules for frozen breast milk?
Most airlines treat frozen breast milk just like fresh breast milk, and allow it in your carry-on bag, along with the ice packs or gel packs you're using to keep it cold.
You can also bring a reasonable amount of milk storage bags or containers, and they don't need to fit inside your quart-sized liquids bag.
If you choose to use dry ice to keep your breast milk frozen, it's permitted under FAA regulations, but each airline has its own restrictions and labeling requirements.
The dry ice must always be stored in a vented package to allow gas to escape safely, and the container must be clearly marked as containing dry ice.
For example, American Airlines allows passengers to travel with up to 5.5 lbs (2.5 kg) of dry ice in carry-on baggage if it's:
- Packed in a vented, hard plastic or heavy-gauge Styrofoam container
- Declared to a ticket or gate agent before boarding
Because policies can differ between airlines and especially for international routes, it's always best to check your specific airline's rules before flying. This ensures that both your frozen breast milk and your cooling materials meet current safety and carry-on requirements.
Related article: North American Airlines Breast Milk Policy: 2026 Guide
How to Pack Frozen Breast Milk for Air Travel
When traveling with frozen breast milk on a plane, the goal is to keep it as cold as possible from the time you leave home until you reach your destination.
Start by choosing a travel-friendly insulated breast milk cooler or hard-shell refrigerated breast milk cooler.
A reliable cooler:
❄️ Maintains a consistent temperature
❄️ Prevents thawing
❄️ Protects your milk from temperature fluctuations during layovers or long flights
Think of it as your portable freezer: the better insulated it is, the longer your milk will stay frozen.
Ice packs vs. dry ice: What's better to take on the plane?
To get the best results, pair your cooler with high-quality gel packs or ice packs. When properly frozen and packed tightly around the milk, they can keep breast milk cold, and in many cases, even frozen, for several hours.
For longer international flights, some travelers choose to use dry ice, which can keep milk frozen for more than 24 hours.
However, dry ice comes with strict airline limits (typically up to 2.5 kilograms or 5.5 lbs) and requires vented containers to release gas buildup.
For most parents, gel packs are the TSA-friendly, low-hassle alternative that provide excellent cold retention without the extra complications or safety concerns of dry ice.
Step-by-step: packing frozen breast milk for air travel
- Freeze breast milk solid before travel.
- Layer frozen milk bags on the bottom.
- Add ice packs or dry ice between layers.
- Fill any gaps with soft items to prevent shifting.
- Label your cooler "Breast Milk: Keep Frozen."
- Avoid opening it (as much as you possibly can) until you reach your destination.
Related article: Do Airport X-rays Affect Breast Milk? A Safety Guide for Breastfeeding Moms
Should Frozen Breast Milk Go in a Carry-On or Checked Bag?
You can check frozen breast milk, but it's generally not ideal.
Even when stored in a high-quality cooler, checked baggage is exposed to temperature fluctuations, long handling times, and occasional delays that can cause partial thawing.
If you must check your breast milk, for instance, in some countries like the UK, where airport security may require it, pack it as securely as possible.
✅ Use a durable, well-insulated cooler
✅ Clearly label the container "Human Milk: Keep Frozen."
❌ Never rely on checked bags for long layovers or international transfers
Related article: Think Twice Before Packing Breast Milk in Your Checked Luggage: Here's Why!
Keeping your frozen breast milk in your carry-on is almost always the safest choice. It allows you to control the environment and check the temperature throughout your journey, something you can't do once your bag is checked.
Carrying it with you also prevents your breast milk from getting lost or delayed with checked luggage.
How Can I Keep Breast Milk Frozen During the Flight?
To maintain temperature and keep your breast milk frozen:
- Limit how often you open your cooler.
- Pack your breast milk tightly to reduce air gaps.
- Place your cooler near your feet, away from direct sunlight or vents.
When you use a high-quality breast milk cooler and implement the tips above, your milk will stay frozen for:
- 6-10 hours with frozen breast milk only
- 12-18 hours with ice packs or gel packs
- 24-36 hours with dry ice
What can I do if my breast milk thaws during the flight?
If your breast milk is still partially frozen, meaning you can see a few ice crystals, it's safe to refreeze it once you arrive.
But if it's completely thawed, you should store it in the refrigerator and try to use it within 24 hours. Refreezing fully thawed milk isn't recommended, as it can impact both safety and nutritional quality.
When you arrive at your accommodations, transfer your milk to a freezer immediately!
💡 Pro tip: Once you've unpacked, label any thawed bags right away so you know which ones to use first.
Am I Allowed to Fly with Frozen Breast Milk Outside the U.S.?
International flights usually allow breast milk , but always verify with your airline and destination country. Some countries and airports may have stricter liquid rules or require English labeling.
We recommend:
✈️ Printing airline or country guidelines to show at security.
✈️ Labeling containers "Human Breast Milk."
✈️ Keeping milking in carry-on if possible, as checked baggage may experience extreme temperatures.
✈️ Emailing the airline ahead of time for written confirmation of their frozen breast milk policies
Final Advice for Bringing Frozen Breast Milk on a Plane
Traveling with frozen breast milk can feel like one more thing to worry about in an already busy journey, but it doesn't have to be.
With a little planning, the right cooler, and a solid understanding of airline and TSA guidelines, you can travel stress-free knowing your milk will stay safe and ready for your baby when you arrive.
Don't forget these important tips:
🧊 Yes, you can fly with It: Frozen breast milk is TSA-approved and can travel in your carry-on or checked bag.
🧳 Carry-on is best: Keep your cooler with you to maintain temperature and prevent loss or thawing.
❄️ Gel packs are your best friend: They're TSA-friendly, reliable, and can keep milk frozen for hours without dry ice.
🍼 Plan ahead for peace of mind: Check your airline's rules, label your milk, and prep your cooler before you leave home.
💬 We'd love to hear from you!
Did we answer all your questions about flying with frozen breast milk? If not, drop your question below! Or share your own travel tips and experiences. Your insight might help another parent travel a little more confidently.
