You can carry on breast milk in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters in your carry-on baggage, and it does not need to fit within a quart-sized bag. You will need to remove the breast milk from your carry-on bag to be screened separately.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
Carrying Breast Milk Onboard: A Practical Guide
TSA Guidelines for Breast Milk:
- Volume: Breast milk, formula, and juice in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) are allowed in carry-on baggage.
- Separate Screening: These items do not need to fit in your quart-sized bag but should be removed from your carry-on bag to be screened separately.
- Security Process: TSA officers may screen liquids by performing tests on the outside of the container. If they cannot clearly determine whether the liquid is safe, they might need to open the container to conduct additional screening.
- Inform TSA: When you are going through security, inform the TSA agent that you have breast milk. This can help make the screening process smoother.
Practical Tips for Traveling with Breast Milk:
- Packing: Pack breast milk in insulated bags with ice packs or frozen gel packs to keep it cold.
- Containers: Use durable, leak-proof containers designed for storing breast milk.
- Labeling: Label containers clearly with the date and time of expressing.
- Quantity: Plan the amount you'll need for the trip, including delays.
- Documentation: While not always necessary, you may choose to carry documentation indicating the medical necessity of breast milk for a smoother security process, especially when traveling with a child.
Example Scenario:
Imagine you are bringing 5 ounces of breast milk on your carry-on.
- You do not have to keep it in your quart-sized bag with your other liquids.
- When you go through the security checkpoint, you will take it out of your bag and place it separately into the bins for screening.
- The TSA agent might swab the exterior of the containers or ask to open them for further inspection.
| Item | Quantity | Quart Bag Requirement | Screening |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breast Milk | Greater than 3.4 ounces (100 ml) | No | Separate Screening |
By following these guidelines, you can carry your breast milk through security easily and efficiently.
