Can you bring breast milk on a plane?
Also known as: mother milk, expressed milk
Restricted status
Allowed in hold
Official TSA Rules & Reason
Breast milk is allowed in carry-on bags in reasonable quantities and is exempt from the 3-1-1 limit. The child does not need to be present to carry breast milk.
Official TSA SourceTraveler Packing Tip
Place breast milk in a clear pouch near the top of your carry-on luggage. Security officers often request passengers to remove restricted items for standalone X-ray screening.
Important Packing Guidelines
- ✓Declare breast milk at the start of security screening.
- ✓Ice packs or gel packs used to cool breast milk are also allowed but must be frozen solid; if slushy/liquid, they are subject to standard liquids limits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is breast milk allowed on a plane?▼
According to the TSA, breast milk is restricted in carry-on bags and allowed in checked baggage. Breast milk is allowed in carry-on bags in reasonable quantities and is exempt from the 3-1-1 limit. The child does not need to be present to carry breast milk.
Can I bring breast milk in carry-on luggage?▼
Yes, breast milk is restricted (subject to conditions) in carry-on bags. Declare breast milk at the start of security screening.
Are there any special rules for packing breast milk in checked baggage?▼
In checked bags, breast milk is allowed without restrictions. Declare breast milk at the start of security screening.
TSA Officer Discretion
The final decision rests with the TSA officer on whether an item is allowed through the security checkpoint. Rules and regulations can vary depending on international travel destinations or dynamic airport security alert levels.
Reviewed by BringOnPlane Editorial Team
This document has been reviewed and verified by our travel reference editors. All statuses, notes, and guidelines are checked against live security feeds from the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) and FAA (Federal Aviation Administration).
Official Regulation Citations
49 CFR § 1540.111
TSA General Security Carriage Regulations — Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
This regulation mandates baggage safety constraints, hazardous materials classifications, or general prohibited carriage parameters for airline passengers flying within or into the United States.
Rule Change & Review History
Verified baggage allowance statuses and aligned conditions with TSA What Can I Bring updates.
Regulation Source