Quick answer: You can fly with as much breast milk as your baby realistically needs for your trip. You're not limited to the usual TSA 3.4 oz liquid rule. But knowing how to carry your pumped milk during air travel and what to expect at airport security can make flying with breast milk easier and stress-free for breastfeeding moms!
You've pumped, measured, and stored your breast milk carefully, but there's always that small worry:
Did I bring enough milk? Is it packed correctly? Will airport security let me through without hassle?
These concerns are completely normal for any breastfeeding mother flying with breast milk, even if it's not your first time.
Packing breast milk for a flight can feel a bit overwhelming. The good news is that it doesn't have to be.
This guide covers everything you need to know about how much breast milk you can fly with, including tips for packing for your flight, going through airport security, and managing fresh or frozen milk, so you can travel with confidence.
Related article: How to Fly With Breast Milk: Everything You Need to Know!
How Much Breast Milk Are You Allowed to Fly With?
In the USA, TSA allows you to bring breast milk on a flight in quantities larger than the usual 3.4 oz rule.
Their official website states that you may bring a "reasonable amount" for your journey, meaning you can pack the amount your baby needs during travel.
The best approach is to pack what your baby will realistically consume, with a little extra for delays.
You don't need to worry about the 3.4 ounces (100 ml) limit for carry-on luggage, whether you're taking a short domestic flight or a longer international journey.
Related article: Does Breast Milk Count Toward Your Carry-On Limit?
Packing Breast Milk in Your Carry-On
TSA screens breast milk differently from other liquids during the airport security process.
You'll need to declare it at the checkpoint and place it in a separate bin for inspection. TSA officers may check expressed milk and related accessories visually or with an X-ray scanning machine.
According to the CDC, X-rays do not affect or harm breast milk, so you can be confident it remains perfectly safe.
✈️ Travel tip: Keep a printed or screenshot copy of the TSA guidelines for traveling with children in your carry-on. This can help clarify any questions with security officers who may not be familiar with the rules.
Related article: TSA Guidelines for Traveling with Breast Milk
Can You Pack Breast Milk in Your Checked Luggage?
You can pack breast milk in your checked luggage, and there's no specific limit on how much you can bring. However, most parents prefer to keep it in their carry-on to better control the temperature and reduce the risk of leaks or delays.
That said, in some countries, like the UK, frozen milk must go into checked luggage, so it's important to check the local regulations before flying.
If you do need to pack fresh or frozen breast milk in your checked bag, make sure it's stored in a breast milk cooler. Label it clearly as breast milk and seal containers securely to prevent spills.
Related article: Think Twice Before Packing Breast Milk in Checked Luggage: Here's Why
What About Frozen Breast Milk?
In the U.S., you can bring frozen breast milk in both your checked bag and carry-on. TSA doesn't set a strict limit. The main consideration is keeping it frozen until you reach your destination.
Make sure to keep milk bottles or containers upright in a well-insulated breast milk travel cooler, like the ones from 4AllFamily, to keep it cool or frozen throughout your journey.
💡WARNING FOR FORZEN BREAST MILK ON PLANES:
Some countries treat frozen milk like regular liquids if your baby isn't traveling with you, limiting how much frozen breast milk you can fly with. In those cases, the usual 3.4 oz / 100 ml limit may apply, or you might need to pack it in checked luggage. To avoid surprises, check both your airline's policies and your destination's regulations before you fly.
Related article: Travel Tips for Flying with Frozen Breast Milk
Can You Fly With Breast Milk Even If Your Baby Is Not Traveling With You?
Even if your baby isn't flying with you, you're still allowed to bring breast milk on the plane in the U.S. TSA understands that many breastfeeding mothers may travel for work or short trips and may need to transport fresh or frozen milk home. Therefore, you can pack breast milk in your carry-on, even if your baby isn't with you.
Most breastfeeding moms prefer carrying it onboard rather than checking it, since checked bags can experience temperature changes, delays, or rough handling, all of which can risk spoilage or leaks.
Keeping your breast milk with you on the plane allows you to monitor the temperature, refresh ice packs if needed, and ensure it stays secure throughout the trip.
Related article: Can You Bring Breast Milk on Any Airline? Here's What You Need to Know
Making Sure Your Breast Milk Supply Stays Fresh on the Plane!
Now that you know how much breast milk you can bring on your next flight, the next step is figuring out the safest way to transport it, which will depend on the length of your journey. A helpful guideline many parents follow for breast milk storage is the 5‑5‑5 rule.
Breast milk should be used within:
- ⏰ 5 hours at room temperature (up to 77°F / 25°C)
- ⏰ 5 days in the refrigerator (up to 39°F / 4°C)
- ⏰ 5 months in the freezer (at -4°F / -20°C)
In real travel situations, it means that:
- Fresh milk can sit at room temperature for up to 5 hours, which makes it perfectly fine for short flights.
- Refrigerating your milk is ideal for trips that last longer than a few hours or involve layovers.
- Frozen milk is great for longer journeys or if your baby isn't flying with you, giving you the flexibility to bring larger quantities of milk without worrying about spoilage.
To keep your pumped milk safe and at the right temperature during your flight, store it like a pro with a breast milk cooler. These breast milk travel storage solutions can make packing and transporting fresh, refrigerated, or frozen milk much easier and give you extra peace of mind while on the go.
Related article: Breast Milk Storage on the Go: Tips for Traveling Parents
Final Tips for Flying with Pumped Milk
Flying with pumped breast milk can feel stressful, especially when you need to bring a large supply on the plane, but it doesn't have to be.
With a little preparation for airport security and packing, you can travel knowing your baby's milk will stay safe and ready when you need it!
Don't forget these important tips:
🍼 No strict limit: TSA allows a reasonable amount of breast milk on board, so bring what your baby needs for the trip.
⏱️ Use the 5-5-5 rule: How you pack (fresh, refrigerated, or frozen) depends on the length of your journey.
🛄 Declare at airport security: Breast milk is screened separately, but remains safe for your baby.
🌍 Check international rules: If traveling without your baby, some countries have different rules for frozen milk.
💬 We'd Love to Hear From You!
Have you traveled with breast milk before? Were you able to bring your full supply on the plane, or did you encounter any issues at airport security?
Share your tips, hacks, or experiences! Your insight could help another parent feel more confident on their journey.
