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A Guide to Traveling with Breast Milk

Created On: July 9, 2023   |   Updated: April 13, 2024   |   By Amanda   |   57 Comments

If you’re taking a trip while exclusively pumping, you’re going to be traveling with breast milk! Below I’ve laid out everything you need to think about when traveling with breast milk, whether you’re driving or flying to your destination, and whether you’re traveling with frozen breast milk or fresh.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you click a link and purchase something, I may make a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products I love! More information here .

Traveling with breast milk by car

If you’re exclusively pumping, most of what you feed your baby will be the milk you pump on the trip, but it’s not a bad idea to bring a little extra milk as well, in case of a spill or other mishap. Here’s how to pack breast milk for a road trip.

How to pack and transport fresh breast milk

If you just want to bring a few extra bottles, you can pack it in a small  breast milk cooler for travel.

Breast Milk Coolers

Medela Breast Milk Cooler

Sarah Wells Breast Milk Cooler

Ceres Chill

Most breast milk coolers come with an ice pack. Make sure the ice pack is frozen solid when you leave, and make your milk the last thing you pack and the first thing you unpack.

If you need to bring a larger amount of milk, you can pack the breast milk in a larger cooler for the trip with ice or ice packs. If you’d like, you can monitor the temperature of your cooler using a thermometer like this one (it tells you whether the cooler is in the “refrigerator zone” or the “freezer zone”).

Fresh breast milk can be stored in a cooler up to 24 hours – more info here on that here.

How to travel with frozen breast milk

If you are traveling with frozen breast milk, you will also want to pack it in a cooler. Depending on the length of the trip, you may or may not want to use dry ice.

Without dry ice

A few tips for packing your frozen milk in a cooler without dry ice:

• Make sure the cooler is as full as possible. If you don’t have enough milk to fill the cooler and don’t want to use a ton of ice, consider freezing water in plastic zip-top bags and using that to ensure it’s full.
• Keep the freezer closed and refrain from opening it until you get to your destination. Opening it will increase the temperature.
• Consider pre-chilling the cooler in the freezer. (Obviously, this won’t be possible if it’s a big cooler – this is just an option for smaller, soft coolers.)

With dry ice

As mentioned above, dry ice is an option for longer trips – here is an overview of how to pack a cooler with dry ice for trips .

Above is what this might look like – Iyana from our Facebook Group packed 4,000 ounces of milk in 150 quart coolers in dry ice for a 14 hour drive; it arrived frozen solid.

Hopefully, you won’t have any issues with your frozen milk thawing en route. However, if does fully thaw (meaning no ice crystals are present), it will need to be used with 24 hours or discarded.

Frozen milk that still has ice crystals is not considered “thawed.”

Traveling with breast milk by plane

Here’s what to consider when you’re flying with your milk.

Packing fresh breast milk to carry on

The best way to pack breast milk for carry on is in a breast milk cooler. If you have a lot of breast milk, some coolers will hold up to six 8 oz bottles; and if you fill these bottles to the top, you can fit about 60 oz of milk.

For passengers flying in the U.S., while there is no defined limit to how much breast milk you can carry on, the TSA website references a “reasonable amount.”

If you’re traveling with a great deal of breast milk and are nervous about going through security, you could consider utilizing TSA Cares .

During the screening process, be sure to take your milk out when you take out your other liquids, laptop, etc., and make sure you tell the screener that you’re traveling with breast milk and that you have a pump. They will likely examine the milk by x-ray.

If you need ice to keep your milk cool (if it’s a long flight or you experience delays), you may be able to get ice from the flight attendant or a restaurant inside the terminal.

Checking frozen milk

Checking your frozen milk is another option if you have a lot of frozen milk.

Again, follow the same guidelines I mentioned above for packing frozen breast milk: pack the cooler full; don’t open it until you get home and are able to put it away (resist the urge to check on it!); and pre-chill the cooler itself it if possible.

Becca from our Facebook group checked 276oz of breast milk and checked it in a Yeti cooler on a flight from Israel to the United States. It arrived frozen solid.

Shipping frozen milk ahead to your destination

This is a great tutorial on how to ship breast milk with dry ice.

If you don’t want to deal with packing it yourself, Milk Stork may be able to ship it for you.

Feeding your baby on the trip

In most cases, it will be easiest to keep your most recently pumped breast milk out at room temperature, and then feed that to your baby.

Fresh milk can safely be kept out at room temperature for about 4 hours ; this way, you don’t need to worry about warming breast milk for baby while traveling.

If you do want to use milk from your cooler and your baby prefers warm milk, you have a few options for warming it:

• You can ask the flight attendant (or if you’re in the terminal, in a restaurant) for hot water in a cup and put the bottle in it for a few minutes to warm. Just make sure that when you go to put the bottle in, there’s enough room so the water doesn’t overflow onto your hand.
• You can use a portable bottle warmer.
• Bring a thermos of hot water with you and warm your bottle in that.

Portable Bottle Warmers

URMYWO Portable Bottle Warmer

Tommee Tippee Portable Bottle Warmer

Mamatepe Portable Bottle Warmer

More on warming bottles on the go here.

Pumping on the trip

A few things to think about when it comes to pumping on your trip:

If your pump doesn’t have a rechargeable battery, you will need either a car adapter or battery pack for your pump. Make sure you get one that has the correct voltage for your pump – more on breast pump battery packs here.

Breast Pump Battery Packs

Medela Battery Pack

Car Adapter – 12V

TalentCell – 12V

If you’ll need to pump more than once, you’ll need to think about cleaning your pump parts. You have a few options:

• You can pack enough sets of clean pump parts and bottles to get you through your trip/one day of travel. Pack each set – flanges, valves, connectors, bottles, and caps – in a gallon-sized zip-top bag so you can just pull it out when you’re ready to pump.
• Washing pump parts safely on the road is difficult, because public restrooms are usually the only option. If you do have access to a clean space, you could consider washing them en route. Make sure to bring a collapsible wash basin , dish soap, bottle brush, and clean towels to put your pump parts on after you wash them.
• If neither of these will work, you can consider using Medela Quick-Clean wipes .

If you are flying with your baby, here is a primer that I wrote up on the logistics of how to manage this.

Planning to travel? Make your trip so much easier – grab the Pumping Travel Planner for $9!

Managing your milk at your destination

Pumping at a location where you don’t normally pump, without the comforts of your pumping station  and setup for storing milk and washing pump parts is one of the more stressful things about figuring out how to travel with breast milk.

Here is what you need to think about, whether you’re staying at a hotel or in a home.

Storing your milk

Before you leave, you’ll want to ensure that there is a fridge that you can use at your destination.

Storing milk in a hotel

If you’re staying in a hotel, call and ask ahead of time if a mini-fridge can be provided for your room. Tell them that you need it to store breast milk – it may be provided at no charge as breast milk is sometimes considered a “medical liquid.”

If you end up using the minibar fridge in the hotel, you may want to check the temperature of the fridge, as they are often kept warmer than normal.

If you need a freezer, you could call ahead and ask if there is a hotel freezer you would be able to use during your stay. Make sure to seal your breast milk into a single container and label it.

Storing milk as a guest

If you’re staying as a guest in someone’s home, it might be a good idea to ask ahead of time to make sure there’s some space in their fridge or freezer that you can use.

Dealing with washing everything

In addition to fridge space, you’ll also need room to wash your pumping gear and bottles.

Ideally, there would be a kitchen counter and sink where you could do that, but in a hotel the bathroom will work. You’ll want to have a collapsible wash basin, dish soap, bottle brush and clean towels to put your pump parts on to dry.

Packing for the trip home

Finally, for the trip home, if you’re using an ice pack for the trip, you will want to be able to freeze it solid before you leave, both to keep your milk cold and to avoid extra inspection from the TSA if you’re flying.

Alternatively, you could ask for ice at a restaurant (obviously, after you go through security if you’re flying).

What other tricks do you use when you travel with breast milk? Feel free to add ideas below in the comments.

• Kellymom. “Human Milk Storage.” https://kellymom.com/store/freehandouts/milkstorage01.pdf
• Transportation Security Administration. “Traveling with Children.” https://www.tsa.gov/travel/special-procedures/traveling-children#quickset-traveling_with_children_1
• Only the Breast. “How to Ship Breast Milk.” https://www.onlythebreast.com/buy-sell-donate-breast-milk/bags-and-bottles/

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Comments & Chitchat

February 7, 2024

Hello, so I will be flying with my little one on a 5 hour flight. I plan to bring cold breastmilk with me in a cooler. You said that milk can be in a cooler for 24 hours. When we get to our destination and I put the milk in the fridge does the milk still need to be used within 24 hours or does the shelf life increase back to 3-4 days since I put it in the fridge?

February 11, 2024

It’s 3-4 days as long as the milk in the cooler stays cool the whole time. Personally, I’d probably use it first “in line” when we get there.

September 24, 2023

I’m almost 6 weeks pp, and I just took a 4-day trip with my family! Now, we live in and traveled in Japan, so some things might be different here than in the West.

I used the Kiinde bags and adapter to pump with my main pump (Spectra S1) while in the hotel and overnight. I also used the fridge hack a few times, since our room had a mini fridge. I only brought a few bottles, since I wasn’t actually pumping into them. While we were out, I just used my manual pump for like 10 minutes on each side, which is usually enough to drain me. Luckily, the pods like the Mamaro pods are fairly easy to find in Japan, so I utilized those. We were going to kid-oriented things anyway for my 4-year-old, so I would pump and change baby in those pods. We took a bullet train to our destination and back, and it was about a 3 1/2 hour ride. I pumped at the beginning and at the end of the train ride using my manual pump and a scarf to cover up.

The only things are that I didn’t have the chance to wash the bottles and pump parts like I normally do, and I didn’t quite get my 120 minutes in, but I figured that I could make up for it in the couple of days after we got home. We also supplement with formula, so we brought some “formula cubes” with us that are available in Japan.

It took some pre-planning, but it’s definitely doable, and it wasn’t as hard as I thought it would be!

September 26, 2023

Thank you so much Rebecca! So helpful!

October 19, 2022

October 3, 2022

October 5, 2022

Hi Elizabeth! I would try the cold but not frozen ice pack and also add ice on the way there. TSA will probably make you dump the ice to go through security, but you can get more past security and/or from the flight attendant on the flight. I think that should work – there are a lot of variables but I think that’s what I would do. Good luck!

April 18, 2022

April 20, 2022

Hi Lauren! Bags are fine! If you’re checking the milk I’d freeze, otherwise probably keep it fresh. Good luck!

February 25, 2022

Hi I will be travelling without my LO for 3 days and plan to pump and store my milk to bring back. The hotel I am staying at will have a fridge in the room and can also store my milk in their freezer. I will be bringing a cooler with many DIY ice packs and plan to check the cooler in, however the cooler will be kept at room temperature for 10-12 hours. Would you recommend freezing the milk or keeping it fresh? (I am in Canada so milk delivery systems are too expensive). Thank you in advance!

Hi Kristine! If you have enough room to keep it fresh in the coolers, and you’re driving, I would do that. Then freeze anything you won’t feed within the 4 day window when you get home. If you’re flying, taking that much fresh might be hard (though I am not familiar with the rules in Canada, only in the US).

My thinking is that frozen is more fragile than fresh so I would try to keep it fresh since you’ll be gone less than four days – but honestly, either way is fine. I would just do what is easiest for you. Hope that helps!

October 21, 2021

Hi! I will be moving to another state and the drive is about 5 hours. How can i transport my deep freezer full of breastmilk?

Hi Lexi! Here you go: https://exclusivepumping.com/moving-breast-milk-stash/

July 2, 2021

I think I might be able to provide you all with some good Intel and a solution to storing breastmilk on car road trips, for any distance. My wife has the same concerns as you all spoilage and transport. Just started a 9 day TX road trip. I brought a cooler with ice with 5.5 days worth of milk… Using a cooler because I haven’t tried my solution out prior (suspense is building). The last min I bought the following off Amazon, and came day of the trip, thank goodness, and I am testing out this min with 28oz…. Well what is it, is a electric car cooler/freezer. So far yes it’s keeping the milk frozen and it also froze a 12 oz bottle of water. It plugs into your car cigarette lighter, and also has a cord to go into electricity when not in car. It doesn’t produce and harmful gas when on in car while driving like dry ice. So far I’m convinced and will start moving more stuff into it. Brand is Bougerv 23 qt refrigerator. It’s not too big, there is also a 30 qt. Of Amazon it cost about $250. It will hold and keep frozen ( keep it plugged in car or electricity) your milk. I hope this helps you all. I will report back at end of our trip with final thought.

August 13, 2021

Just a follow-up. The portable car freezer worked perfectly. The only thing I had to sort out was if we were visiting a museum I brought the freezer inside with me and asked them if I could plug it in behind their desk. I did this at two museums and also at the NASA museum… That’s the one took a little bit longer but when I got close to the door I’ll let them know that had to plug it in right away because it was breast milk and they let me bypass the line 🙂 Also during the road trip and we stopped to eat at some fast food places, I would just leave the car on with it plugged in lock the car and take the key with me with the car still on. This portable freezer is excellent and I definitely recommend it for any road trips.

May 4, 2021

I will be traveling by car for about 6 hours with frozen breastmilk. I will be bringing 8 days worth of milk with me. I am reading that it is not safe to travel with dry ice in your car if the ride will be more than 15 minutes. Will milk really stay frozen with just ice for this length of a car ride?

I think it probably will if you don’t open the cooler and have it packed full. People have done 16 hour flights and it was okay. Also – as long as the milk is still (at least) slushly when you get there, it’s fine to refreeze. I think it will be okay. Good luck!

April 23, 2021

Do you know what size yeti bag she used to transport the 276oz? I will be gone for two weeks for work so will need to bring back about 450oz on a 4 hour flight. Trying to determine what size bag I’ll need. The milk will be frozen in breastmilk bags. Thanks!

April 24, 2021

I don’t know but you could maybe ask her on instagram? Sorry I’m not more helpful! ❤️

March 13, 2022

Hey Cara – Curious to hear what you ended up doing? I’m in a similar boat as you but will be gone for a week with a three-hour flight home. Any guidance would be appreciated! Thanks! -Tara

February 20, 2021

More of a question than a comment. I work outdoors in the summer. In the woods and on the river in up to 32•C heat. Do we think the Ceres chill will work in that setting? Additionally.. I read you shouldn’t mix fresh and chilled milk, so can you not add a fresh pump to the container? It holds quite a bit oz wise so I’d assume it must be from multiple pumps.

February 24, 2021

Hi Ash! I think it would work but I agree that adding a fresh pump isn’t ideal and I’m not sure whether it’s a good idea.

January 10, 2021

Hello im working as a nurse and have 24 hours duty. I’m pumping my milk and keep it in the freezer, then bring it home after my shift using my insulator bag.. im traveling for around 4-5 hours. Can i put back my slightly defrost milk in the freezer or just in the fridge? And how long can i still use it? Thanks

January 11, 2021

Hi Kristel, as long as it has ice crystals, you can put it back in the freezer. If it’s still frozen, normal guidelines for frozen milk would apply. Otherwise, you have 24 hours. You might be better off just keeping it in the insulator bag with an ice pack and putting it in the fridge as soon as you get home?

September 17, 2020

The lady who traveled between the Us and Israel with a checked yeti cooler of breast milk… did she use dry ice? Or was it just packed in? I have a long flight coming up and want to be able to take my milk stash with me!

September 18, 2020

She didn’t use dry ice, it was just all packed in!

August 3, 2023

Did she limit bags to a number of ounces? Like did it need to be under 3 or 3.4? Or did she fill them to any ounce?

February 25, 2020

Thanks for the info! Do you have any tips for exclusive pumper when going on a cruise and baby is not going with you?

I’ve never done that! Excellent question. I would find out if its possible to get a fridge of some kind in your room – I would tell them it’s for a medical liquid (which it is). If you’ll be on the cruise for more than a few days you might have to dump some milk unless you can get access to a freezer. For traveling home you may be able to bring a cooler and fill it with ice on the trip. Good luck!

January 29, 2020

How big of a cooler with frozen breast milk and baby food can you bring on the plane?

I would call your airline and ask, and see if you can get it in writing. Then print it out and bring it with you. The TSA just says “reasonable amounts” – they don’t give you an actual amount.

March 20, 2020

A great option is Milk Stork (milkstork.com). They can help you transport milk safely, ship milk home for you, and even transport frozen milk stashes! It’s run by a mom of 3 who understands our needs! Check them out!

January 23, 2020

I will be away from my 7 month old for the next month due to family emergency back home. Should I store breast milk in fridge or freezer? And how to travel back with it? My trip is 19 hours to go back. Thanks a lot

January 24, 2020

Hi Martina! I think you’ll want to freeze it because Of the length of time you’ll be gone. I would get a cooler. Ask your airline if you can check a cooler with dry ice. Good luck!

January 14, 2020

Hello! This article has helped ease my travel anxiety. I will be gone from my LO for 4 days. Do you recommend freezing breast milk and transporting back frozen? How long does fresh milk stay good in fridge? Thank you.

Hi Leah! Breastmilk will be okay for 3-8 days in the fridge, with less than 3 being ideal. I think you could do it either way. Will you have access to a freezer?

January 2, 2020

I have a different situation. I’m hoping to be done exclusively pumping very soon. Baby is almost 7 months old and I have quite the freezer stash. I think I’ll have enough to make it to a year within the next month. Problem is, we are planning a vacation (by plane) in April or May. Any tips on how to successfully navigate this with frozen breast milk? I’m wondering if I shouldn’t just switch him for the week but then I’d feel guilty and probably just continue to pump until after our vacation.

January 3, 2020

Hi Amber! It can be done, but may be a challenge. Are you staying with family or in a hotel? If with family, it may be easiest to ship it rather than travel with it. A hotel might be tricky because you obviously need access to a freezer.

December 15, 2019

Hi, uhm. I need to bring my baby in the party, that will last about 10 bec. 1 in the morning and 1 in the afternoon. Is it okay to put the breast milk On the cooler?? And bring 1-3 bags? will it still be good for 24 hrs? Or only 2 hours still for 3 bags? Thanks

Hi Ahya, maybe bring a plastic ziplock bag, put the breastmilk in it, and put it in the cooler? If the cooler is less than 59 degrees F, it should be good for 24 hours. Hope that helps!

August 11, 2022

Hi! Do you have any experiences in traveling Internationally with breastmilk? I will be traveling to Germany in a few weeks for 5 days for work. I’m not concerned about the travel from US to Germany as the TSA guidelines are pretty clear. The confusion is with the EU equivalent- transporting all the milk back to the US. I will have access to a fridge but not sure on the freezer. Will liquid be allowed on that international flight? I don’t want to invest in a bunch of special supplies… Thanks!

November 22, 2019

hi. can i put my brestmilk in a small cooler jug with actual ice cubes? how long will it take?

November 23, 2019

Hi Marian! Do you mean putting ice in the breastmilk? I would not do that. Putting ice around a breastmilk bottle is fine. Hope that helps!

October 16, 2019

I will be out of town for 3.5 days and my son will not be with me- is it best to keep the pumped milk in a fridge & transport back home in sealed bags in my cooler OR should I freeze it? (Will be flying and our flight is about 4.5 hours- so I am thinking 7 hours total in cooler bag with ice packs)

I would keep it fresh. Make sure to label it, and then I would feed the oldest when you get home and maybe freeze the rest (or evaluate how long you can keep it in the fridge.)

August 22, 2019

In the TSA regulations it states that you do not have to be traveling with your child to carry on breastmilk.

From the TSA website: “3-1-1 Liquids Rule Exemption

Formula, breast milk, juice in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters are allowed in carry-on baggage and do not need to fit within a quart-sized bag. Remove these items from your carry-on bag to be screened separately from the rest of your belongings. You do not need to travel with your child to bring breast milk.

Ice packs, freezer packs, frozen gel packs and other accessories required to cool formula, breast milk and juice are allowed in carry-on. If these accessories are partially frozen or slushy, they are subject to the same screening as described above. You may also bring gel or liquid-filled teethers, canned, jarred and processed baby food in carry-on baggage. These items may be subject to additional screening.”

May 14, 2019

Thank you so much! My husband planned a week-long road trip and I had a lot of anxiety about how I was going to handle pumping until I read this. One question: is it better to use actual ice cubes in a cooler or do ice packs do the job just as well?

Ice packs will work too!

February 1, 2019

Hi! If Input refrigerated breast milk in a small cooler with ice packs and put it in a refrigerator when we arrive at our destination (about 6 hours later), will it still be good for a few days? Or only 24 hours still? Thanks!

February 2, 2019

Hi! If it stays as cool as it would be in a fridge (which seems reasonable for 6 hours), I think it still will be fine for a few days in the refrigerator. You could get a thermometer and check the temp when you leave and when you get there, and if it hasn’t changed, you should be good to go. 🙂

January 23, 2019

Hi! Do you know how I could transport 800 oz of frozen milk in a deep freezer from Californian to Georgia ? Moving truck will be taking our things, but we will be flying? Not sure how to do this! Could you please email me! Much appreciated!

Hi Meena! So I think that if you’re flying there, your two options are to ship it or try to check it. Both are going to be pricey. Maybe look into Milk Stork for shipping? If you want to check it, I would get a bunch of the coolers I linked to in this post and pack as much milk as you can, and pay $25 to check each bag. Maybe ship some, check some, and donate the rest? Sorry you have to deal with this!

February 3, 2019

Ship it with milk stork

January 15, 2019

Thank you so much for this amazing article! Returning to work and all of the travel needed for my job has been pretty rough on my breastfeeding goals but I am determined. It has been great to get the tips in your article and the advice of the other moms. I love this site!

I was really surprised at the limited options available for moms without a mini fridge under their desks at work or tons of extra space in their carry-on. So I decided to do something about it! Ceres Chill (www.cereschill.com) is a waste-saving breastmilk thermos system. I would greatly appreciate thoughts and feedback from you and your readers.

Ceres Chill Kickstarter April 2, 2019!!

November 23, 2018

You can also request a microwave in advance at a hotel and bring a microwave sterilizer bag with you to sterilize your parts. I like the Medela bags. Additionally there are now breast milk shipping companies like MilkStork that make traveling with and shipping breast milk very easy.

Great points!

March 15, 2018

Also make sure if the hotel is giving you a mini fridge with a freezer that isn’t normally part of the room that you ask them to put it in the room ahead of time. Otherwise if it doesn’t get turned on until you get to the room the freezer part won’t be cold at all!

You can ask the TSA to skip x-ray on the breast milk but be prepared that most will require you to get a pat down and if the milk doesn’t pass their laser scan for some reason they’ll make you open the top and they’ll hold a little paper above it that they’ll need to scan instead. They are never allowed to actually touch the breast milk itself though.

When traveling internationally though all bets are off and it’s generally going to be the option of x-ray it or dump it.

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Travel with your breast pump: Expressing on the go

Time to read: 5 min.

If you’re breastfeeding and have to travel without your baby, you’ll need to pump to keep up your supply. Here’s how to express on the move and transport your expressed milk safely

Whether for business or pleasure, there may be times when you need to travel away from home as a breastfeeding mum. It might be a work trip, a wedding, or a night away with friends.

But being away from your baby doesn’t mean he has to stop having your breast milk. With the right information and equipment, you can express on the go to maintain your milk supply, store breast milk while travelling, and transport milk home for your baby.

Planning for travelling and pumping

If you’re travelling by rail or road, consider whether you can express on the move or need to plan stops. Train carriages often have electrical sockets but no private space, and roadway services may have a private room but not always sockets. Many electric breast pumps can also be battery-operated – just make sure you carry enough batteries! Some pumps have a built-in rechargeable battery, which makes them even easier to transport, as you can simply plug in to charge when required.

“I used to travel regularly for work, so I expressed milk in many different places,” says Karen, mum of one, Netherlands. “I always informed the organisation I was visiting in advance, telling them that I needed a few breaks per day, and a private place to sit. I had a good breast pump with a battery, so I could express anywhere.”

“When my girls were babies I worked largely from home but often had to travel by train to meetings several hours away,” remembers Hazel, mum of two, UK. “At home I used a Medela Swing Maxi double electric pump after breastfeeding, to build up a supply of expressed milk so my partner could do the feeds when I wasn’t there.”

Yolande, mum of three, Kenya, says: “I attended a three-day conference overseas, away from my breastfed nine-month-old. I confirmed with the hotel beforehand that I would have a fridge in my room and identified where in town I could get dry ice. I pumped throughout the conference, put each milk bag in a portable cooler, and transferred them to my hotel fridge each evening.”

Air travel with a breast pump

If you’re flying, contact your airline in advance to let them know you’ll be travelling with a breast pump and/or expressed milk and ask about any rules for carrying these in your cabin bag or checked luggage – the rules for frozen milk may be different to those for liquid.

Airline staff may also be able to advise you where you can express in the airport and on the plane.

“On the morning of my flight, I packed my milk bags into a cooler with dry ice,” says Yolande, mum of three, Kenya. “At the airport I showed the check-in agent the airline’s instructions on flying with frozen breast milk. The milk travelled from New Orleans to Nairobi, via Atlanta and Amsterdam, and by the time I got home almost 30 hours later, it was still perfectly frozen.”

Essentials for expressing on the go

Having the right kit is vital for successful pumping, particularly if you’re doing it for extended periods.

A double electric breast pump enables you to express simultaneously from both breasts, saving valuable time as well as yielding 18% more milk on average than pumping from each breast in turn. 1 Or you may prefer to use a single electric breast pump, a manual pump, or even express by hand.

You’ll also need to contain your milk – either in a plastic bottle or breast milk storage bag – and somewhere to keep it frozen or cold, such as a cooler bag . It’s also useful to pack a travel-sized hand sanitiser gel and a plug adaptor if travelling abroad.

“I expressed everywhere I went – in the car, on planes, in public toilets, you name it,” says Aisling, mum of one, Ireland. “I always had a stock of storage bags and an electric pump, a portable charging battery pack and a manual pump for emergencies.”

Pumping when you’re staying away from home

If you need to stay away from home, contact your accommodation in advance to book a room with a fridge or ice box, or ask to use the hotel fridge or freezer for storing milk. Pack plenty of breast milk freezer storage bags as well as a breast pump and cooler bag. Transport frozen milk home using ice packs, but if the milk thaws during the journey make sure you use it within 24 hours. Some mums even courier their milk home in dry ice, as discussed above.

Storing breast milk while travelling

Sometimes travelling mums express simply to relieve engorged breasts or keep up their milk supply. But if you want to save the milk for feeding to your baby, then you need to make sure it remains safe to drink. Store your milk in sanitised plastic bottles or breast milk storage bags and label it with the pumping date so you know how long it’s safe to use.

“While away, I used a Medela Harmony manual breast pump so I could express on the train, at the office, in restaurants, or wherever, without needing an electrical socket or batteries,” says Hazel, mum of two, UK. “Mostly I pumped just to maintain my supply and ease discomfort, but sometimes I would take a freezer pack and storage bags with me to bring the milk home.”

During the day, keep your milk in a fridge or freezer before transferring it to a cooler bag. If you’re using a shared fridge label your container clearly so no one puts your carefully collected milk in their coffee!

Transporting your breast milk

Take expressed milk home or to a childcare setting in bottles or bags, inside a cooler bag with a freezer pack. If your ice packs are defrosting then ask for a bag of crushed ice from a fast food outlet or cafe. Bear in mind that breast milk is safe at room temperature for up to four hours. In the fridge it can be kept for three days and in the freezer for up to six months. 2,3

“Work were very supportive and flexible with my need to express,” says Karen, mum of one, UK. “I travel a lot in my job, and wherever I was I would just ask to use a room and store milk in their fridge. I even did this at conferences and events. I only once left a bag of breast milk in a conference centre’s fridge!”

Related Products

Harmony™ is a single manual breast pump, perfect for mums who express occasionally and need a lightweight travel companion.

Use the Easy Pour Breast Milk Storage Bags to store your freshly expressed breast milk in freezer or fridge.

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Articles that may be of interest

5 tips for breastfeeding in public

Cleaning your breast pump equipment

Pumping at work: Tips and mums’ advice

Get the app!

The Medela Family app helps you to keep track of your baby’s needs from pregnancy to nursery.

1 Prime DK et al. Simultaneous breast expression in breastfeeding women is more efficacious than sequential breast expression. Breastfeed Med. 2012;7(6):442-447.

2 Eglash A, Simon L. ABM Clinical Protocol #8: Human Milk Storage Information for Home Use for Full-Term Infants, Revised 2017. Breastfeed Med 2017; 12(7):390–395.

3 Human Milk Banking Association of North America. 2011 Best practice for expressing, storing and handling human milk in hospitals, homes, and child care settings. Fort Worth: HMBANA; 2011.

How to fly with breast milk in the US

Between judgmental stares and extra luggage, flying with a baby is no easy feat. Add on the stresses of breastfeeding and pumping milk while traveling and it's no surprise that some new moms may be a bit anxious about the process. The rules and regulations of packing breast milk — and the equipment that comes along with it — can be confusing.

Unfortunately, stories surface on a fairly regular basis about breastfeeding moms being subjected to unnecessary hardships and embarrassment while flying – due both to the confusing rules and a lack of knowledge on the part of some Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officials and airline staff members.

Recently, a breastfeeding mom at LAX was leaving her 10-week-old infant for the first time to go on a trip. She had planned to pump at the airport so her breasts wouldn't feel uncomfortably engorged, and had brought along ice packs to keep the precious breast milk fresh. She was told by three male TSA agents that she couldn't bring the packs on the plane because the ice had started to melt. They also informed her she wouldn't have a problem if she was traveling with her baby or containers of breast milk, and denied her request to speak with a female agent. She ended up with the packs in her checked luggage and didn't pump as planned.

Many moms responded to the woman's Tweet about the incident, saying they've faced similar situations of dealing with ill-informed TSA agents, even after the Friendly Airports for Mothers (FAM) Act was signed into law in 2020. According to the law, all large- and medium-sized airports in the United States have to provide private, lockable, non-bathroom places to pump or nurse in every terminal.

As a nursing mom you may have questions about traveling. I certainly did when traveling with my newborn a couple of years ago (even now, I have to manage ice packs, milk and water for my 3-year-old).

Here is TPG's guide on how to safely and confidently carry breast milk and pumping equipment onboard your next U.S. flight.

TSA liquid restrictions don't apply

Since 2006, the TSA's 3-1-1 liquid restriction has been in place, which, among other things, forces people to down any bottles of water they are carrying before heading through security. You're also supposed to pack any small containers of liquids in a quart-sized plastic bag.

An exception, according to the TSA : is that breast milk "in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces" is allowed in carry-on baggage.

When it comes to how much you can bring, the TSA says "reasonable quantities," which leaves some discretion to the individual officer. If you plan to travel with a large quantity of breast milk, you might want to contact your airline before your trip to ensure you're in the clear.

Since the breast milk will likely have to be screened separately, you may want to allow extra time on the day of travel so you aren't left scrambling to get through security quickly. It's best to inform the TSA officer at the start of the screening process that you are carrying breast milk, so they can prepare for additional screening. This might include putting it through an x-ray (you're allowed to deny this), testing it for explosives or even pouring a little out for testing.

Everything mentioned above is also applicable to formula and juice. When traveling with formula-fed babies and toddlers, you also have the right to bring more liquid than the general allowance.

Related: Everything you need to know about TSA's liquid rules

Consider shipping breast milk

If you're really nervous about dealing with TSA, consider shipping the milk using a company such as Milk Stork. With Milk Stork and other similar breast milk delivery companies, you first order a custom-designed cooler from the company and it's shipped to your desired location. You can pump and store breast milk at your convenience and then ship it via the pre-labeled and post-paid box you received with the cooler.

Milk Stork offers several shipping options. The Pump & Ship combo works when you want to overnight your refrigerated breast milk to any location (starting at $199 plus shipping and handling). The Freeze & Ship option is great if you want to send frozen breast milk overnight (from $219 plus shipping and handling). If you are planning to be at one location for a while, you can move or ship large quantities of frozen breast milk (up to 180 ounces) with The Stash (from $229 plus shipping and handling). Milk Stork also sells coolers for those who want to carry refrigerated or frozen milk to the airport.

Another option for shipping is FedEx's cold shipping package, which promises to maintain a constant 2- to 8-degree Celsius environment for up to 96 hours. You can preorder FedEx's cold shipping box .

Related: Milk Stork review: Convenient for pumping moms, but for a price

Breast pump rules vary by airline

While the TSA spells out rules for traveling with breast milk, the regulations for packing a pump are a bit more confusing. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers breast pumps to be medical devices, and the TSA says you are allowed to bring a pump in your carry-on. But the specific policies are left up to the airlines .

While a breast pump should not count against your allotted number of included carry-on bags, there are nuances that you need to be aware of. American Airlines, for example, says a pump doesn't count toward your carry-on allowance, but suggests if you are bringing one you should arrive at the gate at least an hour before departure. Virgin Atlantic states that its goal is to make breastfeeding mothers comfortable and will even put milk on ice. Your best bet? Contact your airline to find out the specific rules and try to get what you are told in writing, if you can. Print out the airline's rules and have them with you on the day of travel. You may not need them but it's best to be prepared.

You don't need to travel with your baby to bring breast milk

The TSA clearly says that you do not need to travel with your baby to bring breast milk, a relief for moms who want to continue to pump while on the go. This rule only applies to U.S. travel; international policies vary, so do your homework if you are leaving the U.S.

One mom was forced to dump 4 gallons of breast milk while traveling for work because, at the time, the U.K. stipulated you must fly with a baby to bring the milk along. To avoid this scenario, check the rules of the country you are visiting. And know that, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), you do not need to declare pumped milk at U.S. Customs when returning to the United States.

Related: 12 tips on how to travel internationally with a baby

Frozen ice packs are allowed through security

In addition to breast milk, the TSA allows "ice packs, freezer packs, frozen gel packs and other accessories required to cool breast milk." And, this is "regardless of the presence of breast milk." Anything liquid-filled, partially frozen, or slushy is also allowed, but additional screening might be required. It is best to use ice packs that are frozen solid.

Dry ice is another option when flying with breast milk, but bringing dry ice in your carry-on or checked luggage can add a layer of complexity. Before going that route, check with your airline for the exact requirements. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) limits travelers to 5.5 pounds (2.5 kilograms) of dry ice in a carry-on or checked bag, but the package must be vented and marked as dry ice. The FAA stipulates that you must get airline approval before flying with dry ice, so again, allow extra time at the airport and bring along a printed copy of the FAA, TSA and airline rules.

Flag your milk to a TSA Agent

To help the process of going through security with your breast milk run as smoothly as possible, separate it (along with any other breastfeeding accouterments) from the rest of your belongings, and notify the TSA officer about what you're carrying. This helped me when I traveled. I was screened separately from other passengers whose bags were flagged when going through the X-ray machine, and I didn't have to wait in the long queue. While that might not always happen, being upfront could help speed up the process.

You can request additional screening

The typical procedure for examining breast milk involves it being X-rayed and/or opened and tested. If you don't want to follow that protocol, you can request additional screening procedures, which can "include a pat-down and screening of other carry-on property," according to the TSA.

Follow breast milk storage guidelines

You've gone through all the hassle of getting your breast milk through security. The last thing you'd want to have happen is for the milk to get spoiled by not staying at the appropriate temperature. Follow the CDC's milk storage guidelines which say that "expressed milk should be stored in clean, tightly sealed containers." You can keep that milk at room temperature for up to six to eight hours, 24 hours in an insulated cooler bag with frozen ice packs and five days in a refrigerator — or longer in a freezer. If you're planning a long-haul trip, consider asking the flight attendants to give you more ice for your cooler midway through the flight.

Bring portable pump cleaners

Not only do you have to ensure your milk stays fresh, but the components of your pump will also require cleaning. If you plan to express milk on the go, remember that droplets of milk will remain inside the bottles and suction components. Those can spoil, too, if not kept refrigerated or adequately cleaned. To avoid unintentionally having spoiled milk while pumping, bring along portable pump wipes for quick cleans until you have access to a more thorough wash.

Print out the TSA rules

Just because the TSA lists the rules and you know them by heart doesn't mean that every TSA officer is as familiar as you are with the nitty-gritty. Just like with the airline rules, go the extra step of printing out the guidelines from the TSA to have on hand in case a screener questions you. Or, have the TSA website pulled up on your phone with the information. It clearly states your rights, which include the fact you're allowed to travel with milk, a pump and ice packs, whether your baby is with you or not.

Allow time for additional screening

The screening process doesn't always go off without a hitch. Even if the TSA officer follows the standard procedures, it could take a bit longer to make it through security, especially during busy times. It's good to add 30 minutes to your airport arrival time when traveling with pumped milk. It will help alleviate some anxiety if additional screening is required.

Bottom line

You have rights as a breastfeeding mom that governmental organizations and airlines have acknowledged. The problem is not every person you encounter on your travels is aware of them. So, following these tips should help you feel more confident when traveling and alleviate some unnecessary headaches because having a baby is stressful enough!

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Flying With Breast Milk — Everything You Need to Know [Detailed Guide]

Chris Hassan

Social Media & Brand Manager

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Table of Contents

What is allowed on u.s. flights, tips for making tsa screenings easier, what is allowed in other countries, lactation areas, larger quantities of breast milk, breast milk delivery services, traveling with a breast pump, final thoughts.

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We have addressed this many times here before, but traveling with kids can be stressful.

As prepared as you might be, there is always the chance of a delay, a tantrum, rude passengers, and more. Add in trying to transport liquid gold (breast milk) through TSA while simultaneously maintaining it at the right temperature and you may soon realize there is a whole new level of stress that you hadn’t known before!

Unfortunately, we ever so regularly see a news report of a poor mother who was forced to throw away her breast milk due to a poorly informed TSA agent. If passengers (and TSA employees) were properly informed, we could all avoid these types of incidents.

Are you allowed to travel with breast milk? Does it have to be frozen? Does it have to be in liquid form? Does the child have to be flying with the parent? What about breast pumps?

Don’t worry, we did all of the research for you and we have the answers to all of these questions below!

We have already laid out the best ways for families to speed through TSA airport security , but let’s dig into the specifics of breast milk, baby formula, and juice (and even breast pumps) for you and your little one.

3-1-1 Restrictions

For “regular” travelers or travelers who don’t have little ones in tow, they are subject to the 3-1-1 restrictions on liquids.

That means normally you can bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes through a TSA checkpoint. These items are limited to 3.4 ounces (100 ml) each.

Breast Milk, Baby Formula, and Juice Restrictions

Parents who are flying with or without a child are allowed to bring breast milk in “reasonable quantities” in containers greater than the standard 3.4 ounces normally required by TSA.

Yes, you read that correctly —  your child does not need to be with you if you are traveling with breast milk . It may be shocking to some, but breastfeeding mothers may at times need to travel for work or even pleasure without their child in tow.

In order to expedite your screening process, it is recommended that you notify the TSA agent in advance and place these items in a separate bin to be inspected.

It is possible that breast milk will only be tested by X-ray, but in our experience, a manual check for explosives is almost always conducted . This means swabbing the outside, and sometimes inside, of the container.

If you are adamant about TSA not opening the breast milk, there are alternative options for testing. However, that will lead to a longer and more comprehensive screening experience .

Ice packs, gel packs, and freezer packs are all allowed when being used to transport breast milk. However, if the ice packs become partially unfrozen or slushy, they also may be subject to additional screenings.

Hot Tip: If the breast milk is frozen, it will be faster and easier to pass the TSA checkpoint as opposed to fresh or partially thawed breast milk that will need special testing.

When traveling with breast milk there are a few steps that you can take to make your TSA screenings a little easier.

• Separate your breast milk from your other liquids, gels, aerosols, etc. in your carry-on bag and place them in a separate bin at the TSA checkpoint.
• By telling the agents in advance (as opposed to just sending it through the x-ray), you will give them an opportunity to get the appropriate staff and equipment ready for when it is your turn, hopefully saving you and the rest of the line some valuable time.
• As you reach the x-ray machine, have your breast milk out in a separate tray ready for inspection. We like to send anything that may need additional inspection through the x-ray first in an attempt to save time . Just note that the FDA has stated that sending food (or breast milk) through x-ray machines is not harmful. 
• If your breast milk is frozen, it may pass with only a visual inspection. However, if the breast milk is fresh, has thawed a bit, or is slushy, it may be subject to further inspection. You may be asked to open the container so that it can be tested for explosives.
• Be prepared to have any ice packs, freezer packs, or gel packs tested as well.

Just like the U.S. has its own rules, every other country has its own, too, when it comes to traveling with breast milk. And like most things in the travel world, it is subject to change at any time.

For example, in the U.K., you are also allowed to travel with fresh breast milk in your carry-on, but it is limited to 2000 ml (67.6 oz.) per container. But to be honest, traveling with multiple Coke bottles’ worth of breast milk in your carry-on might not be very practical!

However, in the U.K., if the breast milk is frozen it will need to be placed in your checked bag . While this may not be so bad during the winter months, especially if packaged well, be careful if your bag may be subject to warm weather!

Other European countries have similar rules, but as always, it is best to research each country and airline specifically before you head to the airport.

Once you have journeyed through security, you may find yourself needing to feed or pump and would probably enjoy some privacy while doing so.

Fortunately, thanks to the Friendly Airports for Mothers Act of 2017, large and medium hub airports are now required to provide a “lactation area” in each passenger terminal after security to support moms and their babies.

The bill defines a lactation area as a room or other area (like a pod) that:

• Is shielded from view and free from intrusion from the public
• Has a door that can be locked
• Includes a place to sit, a table or other flat surface, and an electrical outlet
• Is readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities
• Is not located in a restroom

While some airports have stepped up and created dedicated spaces like the Mothers Room at Chicago’s O’Hare , you are most likely to see pods in your travels.

The most popular pod at the moment is the Mamava , which is actually a standalone suite available at over 50 airports (as well as at sports stadiums) in the U.S.

The suites offer a mini oasis from hectic terminals for mothers and their babies to have a moment together and get ready for their next flight.

The Mamava suites that we visited recently at BTV and PHL offered 2 bench seats, a changing table, a mirror, nice lighting — and the best part, a bunch of motivational notes left by other mothers!

Hot Tip: If you are traveling while breastfeeding or pumping and want to try a Mamava, they have a handy app that will help you find the closest lactation suite.

If you are going on an extended trip and you are bringing what someone might consider a larger than normal amount of breast milk, you may run into some issues.

While the TSA website states that you can travel with “reasonable quantities” of breast milk, you are essentially leaving that interpretation up to the discretion of whatever TSA agent you get at check-in.

Depending on the age, stage, health, or any other variable your child may be, the “reasonable quantity” can vary a lot between families and the travel duration.

If you think that the amount of breast milk you want to travel with may be an issue, it is probably best to reach out directly to the airline you are traveling with to get some clear guidance (even better if you can get it in writing).

Hot Tip: If you don’t want to deal with the potential hassle of traveling with breast milk, there are alternatives that include shipping the milk to your final destination!

If you have read all of this and have decided that traveling with your little one AND navigating TSA checkpoints with breast milk is just not worth the hassle, we have found some alternatives for you.

Forget about trying to keep that liquid gold at the perfect temperature with rotating gel packs and free ice from the lounge — let a service like Milk Stork deal with it for you!

Milk Stork is a company that specializes in shipping your breast milk in specialized coolers so that you can feed your little one anywhere in the world. They take care of all of the logistics so that you can focus on what is really important.

Milk Stork will ship you a custom-made cooler so that you can pump and store your breast milk at your convenience and then ship it to your final destination via the prepaid label and postage that came with the box.

At the moment, Milk Stork offers 4 solutions for traveling with breast milk:

• This option is best when you want to carry your refrigerated milk home with you and you don’t need to ship it (such as a carry-on, road trip, cruise, etc.).
• Milk Stork will ship you a convenient carry-on tote bag that meets TSA regulations as well as cooling accessories for breast milk that provide up to 60 hours of refrigeration.
• Pricing starts at $79 plus shipping and handling for the tote bag and supplies.
• This option is best when you want to overnight ship your refrigerated milk while you are away.
• Milk Stork will ship you everything you need to have your breast milk overnighted by FedEx with a minimum of 72 hours of refrigeration guaranteed.
• Pricing starts at $139 for 34 ounces and $159 for 72 ounces plus shipping & handling to the final destination.
• This option is for those who are traveling internationally and want to take their refrigerated breast milk with them as a checked piece of luggage.
• Milk Stork will ship you their custom 108-ounce cooler (which they say is the equivalent of a 3-5 day supply of breast milk for most moms) which will provide a minimum of 90 hours of refrigeration from activation. The exterior dimensions of the cooler are 12 x 8 x 10 inches and the cooler weighs 16 pounds when fully loaded.
• 25 breast milk storage bags
• Circular seals to secure the exterior of the cooler, however, these may be broken if airport security feels the need to inspect the cooler
• Tamper-proof stickers to secure each individual breast milk storage bag
• Luggage tag
• Pricing starts at $289 .
• This door-to-door solution via FedEx is ideal for international travelers.
• Simply log onto their website with at least 4 business days of lead time to set up your delivery. Just be aware that they cannot process rush orders and that Saturday delivery isn’t available for international shipments.
• $289 — North America (Mexico, Canada, and the Caribbean)
• $329 — Europe, Asia, and Australia
• $399 — All other areas

Hot Tip: Call your airline to see if stored breast milk will qualify as child gear, as most airlines won’t charge for extra checked luggage for items such as strollers and car seats. 

Maven is a women’s and family healthcare company that offers a wide range of services to families and mothers.

One of their services is Maven Milk , which was created to help new parents transition back to work and get breast milk back to their baby easily, safely, and reliably.

Similar to Milk Stork, Maven Milk offers easy to use, TSA-approved, and travel safe options for your breast milk.

They even have very similar names and packages, such as:

• This option can domestically transport up to 36 ounces of breast milk and keep it refrigerated for up to 72 hours.
• 6 tamper-proof breast milk bags
• Medical-grade refrigerated shipping container
• FedEx packing and shipping directions plus delivery alerts
• These foams packs are TSA-friendly, keep breast milk cold longer than gel or water ice packs, fit easily in most travel coolers , and are reusable.
• This kit is designed to get you home from a trip abroad with your frozen breast milk (think working mom who is still pumping and had to leave her little one at home).
• Packs up to 270 ounces of frozen milk (about 9 days worth)
• Keeps milk frozen up to 24 hours
• Durable Coleman cooler with antimicrobial liner
• 9 foam cooling packs

While these kits all sound great, at the moment Maven Milk is only available through employers, so ask your HR rep if your company offers this service.

If you really don’t want to deal with the hassle of breast milk at the airport but are still more of a do-it-yourselfer, you can always just ship your milk to your final destination on your own.

FedEx offers some great options for shipping items that need to stay cold in transit. Their Temp-Assure shipping packages come in 5 different options and can get keep your breast milk between 35.6°F-46.4°C for up to 48 or 96 hours.

The Temp-Assure technology can keep your breast milk cold without the weight, hassle, and expense of using gel packs or dry ice.

Each of the 5 cold shipping packages includes a chilling unit that is activated by the shipper (by the press of a button!) and placed in the box with the breast milk. The unit continuously evaporates small amounts of water at a low pressure keeping your package at a safe temperature.

Some of the packaging highlights include:

• Constant Temperature : Your shipment will maintain a consistent temperate between 35.6°F and 46.4°F.
• 2 Cooling Duration Options Across 5 Box Sizes: Keep shipments cool up to 48 hours with the standard units available in 3 sizes, or up to 96 hours in the medium and large-sized boxes.
• Lightweight: Compared to dry ice or gel packs, you will pay less to the ship the unit itself.
• Hassle-Free Preparation: Simply press a button to start the unit before you pack it.
• Replacement Cooling Engines: Easily replace an expired cooling engine on your cold shipping package. Engines are available in all 5 package sizes which are great for reusing on future trips.

Prices start at $46 for the small standard duration unit (48 hours) and jump to $155 for the large extended duration unit (96 hours). Replacement engines start at $59 for a pack of 2 for a small box and go up to $170 for a pack of 3 that can be used in the large boxes.

How to Set up Your FedEx Breast Milk Shipment

Once you have decided that you are going to ship with FedEx, you will need to order your boxes from orderboxesnow.com which will then be delivered to you by FedEx.

After receiving your boxes and cold packs (“engines”), you just pack up your breast milk, press the button on the cold pack and schedule a pickup and delivery with FedEx.

Bottom Line: Milk Stork is obviously catered towards mothers and breast milk delivery, which may help make the process feel easier. However, if you are looking at shipping from point A to point B, FedEx has some pretty compelling options as well. 

This may be one area where things get a little confusing for TSA staff, not only because there aren’t any black and white rules regarding traveling with breast pumps, but also due to lack of personal familiarity.

While it is plausible that TSA agents without children may understand the need to travel with breast milk, it may not be as obvious why a mother (who may be without a child at the moment) may need to carry-on a breast pump.

As murky as the rules are for traveling with breast milk, at least they are laid out on the TSA website that you can bring up if needed. However, it is not as clear when it comes to breast pumps.

Is a Breast Pump a Medical Device?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does consider breast pumps to be medical devices. That means that you can carry it on your flight and TSA should give you no trouble.

However, specific policies regarding the number of carry-on items are still left up to individual airlines.

Bottom Line: If you think you may be near your carry-on limit and are traveling with a breast pump, it may be a good idea to reach out to the airline directly to get clarification.

The most important take away is that you are allowed to bring breast milk above and beyond the standard 3-1-1 limits in your carry-on when traveling in the U.S.

On top of that, you are also allowed to bring baby formula and juice in quantities above the normal TSA limit of 3.4 ounces as well.

Just keep in mind that all of these items need to be separated from your other carry-on items to pass through the x-ray and will be subject to additional screening and explosive testing.

Additionally, if you are traveling with a large amount of breast milk that may be interpreted as more than a “reasonable quantity,” you could also consider shipping the milk to your final destination and avoid the stress of airport security.

Companies like Milk Stork and FedEx offer practical solutions for maintaining breast milk at safe temperatures while also assisting with transportation logistics.

At the end of the day, whether you are traveling with your child or not , there are plenty of options for transporting breast milk on your next trip!

And if you want to make sure you have no issues at check-in, be sure of have a printout of this TSA webpage handy!

Want more tips and tricks on family travel? Explore our dedicated Family Travel section.

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Flying with Breast Milk: Everything You Need to Know

Don’t leave for the airport without reading this., by babylist staff.

The new parent learning curve is pretty steep, especially the moment you step out your front door and attempt to do anything even a little bit complicated that you may have done in your pre-kid life. One of the biggest (and most confusing) stressors for lots of new parents? Flying with your baby , though we’ve got a lot of that handled for you already, like which travel stroller or travel car seat is best for you. But what about feeding your baby, and the rules around breastmilk?

Keeping the rules straight around everyday air travel is hard enough. Throw in lugging around breast milk and ice packs and coolers and keeping track of what’s allowed and what isn’t can get you feeling very overwhelmed very quickly.

While sometimes in parenting, a little ignorance may be bliss—this is not one of those times. Knowing the rules around flying with breast milk can make the whole process a little less daunting and a lot more efficient.

In this article:

• Can You Fly with Breastmilk?

How to Fly with Pumped Breast Milk

• Tips and Tricks

Can You Fly with Breast Milk?

Worried you’ll have to store your breast milk in special containers or check it with your luggage? Don’t be. Breast milk is considered a medically necessary liquid according to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and is allowed in carry-on baggage.

While most liquids you may want to carry onto a plane like shampoo, toothpaste or lotion can’t exceed 3.4 ounces and must fit into a quart-sized bag, breast milk, along with other kid-related food and liquid items like formula , toddler drinks and baby/toddler food (including pouches), don’t apply to this rule. Also permitted: items to keep your breast milk cool like ice packs, freezer packs or gel packs. All are allowed to pass through security, regardless of the presence of breast milk.

Although it’s not required, TSA recommends that you transport breast milk in clear, translucent bottles instead of in bags or pouches. That’s because it’s easier (and faster) for bottles to be scanned by the agency’s Bottle Liquid Scanners. If you prefer to transport your milk in bags or pouches, don’t worry, they’ll still be allowed on your flight—you just may be asked to open them for alternate screening.

The X-ray machines in airport security checkpoints won’t damage your breast milk in any way, according to TSA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention . But if you’re hesitant to let your milk pass through them, you do have other options. Inform your TSA agent that you don’t want your milk X-rayed and follow the alternate screening procedures they recommend.

Can you fly with breast milk without baby?

Yes, you’re allowed to fly with breast milk and related cooling items whether or not your little one is traveling with you.

Can you fly with frozen breast milk?

TSA permits flying with fresh, frozen or partially frozen breast milk. If you’re traveling with ice packs and they begin to melt, they’re also permitted, but may be subject to further screening by TSA.

Can you check breast milk?

Checking your breast milk, whether it’s fresh or frozen, is permitted and is a good option if you don’t want to carry your milk through security and onto the plane.

Pro tip : Double bag your milk to protect your bag in case of leaks. Place your milk storage bags or containers into larger Ziploc bags for extra protection. Pack your cooler tightly to limit the amount of air that’s trapped inside, and be sure to add plenty of cooler packs or double-bagged ice bags.

How much breast milk can you fly with?

There is no official guidance on the TSA website regarding how much breast milk is permitted either in a carry-on or checked bag. If you’re traveling with an extremely large amount of milk, reach out to TSA directly prior to your trip to avoid any issues on your travel day.

There’s a lot to think through when you’re traveling with breast milk. Taking things step by step can help.

Before You Leave

A little planning before you leave goes a long way if you’re traveling with breast milk. Priority number one? Pack and organize your bag with everything you need (and even a few things you may not, but want on hand just in case) before you go.

If you’re planning to fly with breast milk in your carry-on, be sure to pack:

• Your milk, ideally in breast milk storage bottles (bags or other containers are permitted, but may slow you down)
• A cooler or another way to keep your milk cool, like a breastmilk chiller
• Plenty of ice packs or gel/freezer packs (if using a cooler)
• A few large Ziploc bags

You’ll be asked to remove your breast milk for screening to get through security, so be sure everything is either packed all together in a separate bag or is easily accessible in your main carry-on bag.

If you know you’ll be pumping in the airport or on the plane, add these items to your breast pump bag :

• Breast pump , flanges and any other accessories your pump requires
• Power cord or extra batteries, if needed
• A manual breast pump , just in case
• Quick clean wipes or spray to clean pump parts on the go
• A nursing cover , wrap or shawl
• A hands-free pumping bra , if needed
• A small towel to wipe up any messes or to use as a clean surface to spread out your pumping gear
• Other extras to consider: milk storage bags, nursing pads , lactation massagers, nipple cream

Pro tip: If you’re flying with breast milk and your baby and bringing your stroller along, you can use the stroller basket to stash all of your stuff and lug it through the airport—just know that you’ll have to empty it all when you go through security in order to break down your stroller to get it through the X-ray machine. (Pack a baby carrier if you have one so you can wear your baby during this time and keep your hands free.) The more organized and better packed you are, the easier and quicker this all will be.

At the Airport

Going through airport security with breast milk can feel stressful, especially the first time. Keeping these three things in mind can help.

• Inform. As soon as you get to security, inform the TSA agent that you’re traveling with breast milk and other baby-related items. They’ll take things from there.
• Stay organized. If possible, carry a separate bag with all of your breast milk and related items, or designate an easily accessible spot in your carry-on bag. You’ll have to remove your milk and cooler items for screening, so having them organized and readily available can help expedite the process. (The folks in line behind you will thank you for this, too.)
• Advocate. Familiarize yourself with TSA’s rules and regulations around traveling with breast milk before your trip. Keep a printed copy in your bag, or have the TSA site open on your phone in case you run into an uninformed TSA agent and need to reference it quickly. You can also add TSA’s Customer Service number to your contacts in case you need to reach out to them: 1-866-289-9673.

Pro tip: Build extra time into your travel schedule if you’re flying with breast milk. Airport security lines can take a long time even without additional screenings; bringing breast milk along is only going to slow things down more. Add 30 minutes of additional time to your schedule when planning your trip.

Flying with Breast Milk: More Tips and Tricks

Breast milk storage guidelines, international travel rules and pumping on the go are just a few other things you may need to be mindful of as you think about traveling with breast milk. Consider these additional tips as you plan your trip.

Follow Breast Milk Storage Guidelines

It’s easier to plan for traveling with breast milk if you keep in mind the guidelines around how to safely store and freeze your milk .

Pro tip: As long as there are still ice crystals present in frozen breast milk, it’s safe to refreeze. That means if you’re flying with frozen milk and it has started to melt but hasn’t thawed completely when you reach your destination, it’s still safe to pop it back into the freezer and use at a later date.

Consider Shipping

If you’re traveling without your baby on a longer trip or simply don’t want to deal with the hassle of transporting breast milk yourself, consider a breast milk shipping service .

Milk Stork is a popular service that offers both domestic and international breast milk shipping for up to 180 ounces of milk. Frozen milk will stay cold for up to 96 hours while refrigerated milk up to 72, depending on which shipping plan you choose. If you’re traveling for work , contact your human resources department before your trip—many employers cover the cost of shipping breast milk.

Pumping on the Go: Keep Calm and Carry On

When you need to pump, you need to pump—no matter where you are. Pumping while traveling is more difficult than pumping at home, but it’s totally doable if you plan ahead.

Need to pump in the airport ? You have a few options.

• The Friendly Airports for Mothers and the Friendly Airports for Mothers Improvement Acts mandate that all small, medium and large hub airports provide private lactation areas in the terminals for nursing and pumping parents. The areas need to have a lock, a place to sit, a table or other flat surface, an electrical outlet and a sink or other sanitizing equipment and need to be accessible for people with disabilities. (Bathrooms don’t count. Phew.) To see how your local airport stacks up, check out this list of the best airports for breastfeeding travelers .
• Look for a Mamava lactation pod. These freestanding lactation spaces have everything you need to pump or nurse on the go, including features like seating, outlets, shelves and more, and are located in airports across the United States. You can locate pods and unlock them through the Mamava app , so be sure to download it before you travel.

If you’re on a long flight, you may need to pump while you’re in the air. Don’t worry— pumping on a plane is actually easier than you may think.

• Planes are loud, and that built-in white noise will work to your advantage. Most people will be none the wiser as to what’s actually going on in your seat.
• Keep your pumping gear easily accessible in your carry-on bag and pack a nursing cover.
• If you own a wearable breast pump , an airplane is an ideal time to use it. Wearables are more discreet than traditional electric breast pumps, and they’re much more portable, too, which means less stuff for you to lug around.
• Flight attendants can give you a bag or two of ice to keep your milk cool if you run out or if you forget your cooler packs at home. Don’t be afraid to ask.

Crossing the Border? Do Your Homework.

International travel: awesome for you, not so awesome for your breast milk. Figuring out the rules and regulations about traveling outside of the U.S. with breast milk in tow is complicated. Each country has their own set of (sometimes very specific) guidelines, so it’s important you research those rules beforehand.

If at all possible, reach out to other nursing or pumping parents who have traveled to your planned destination before you head out. (Online parent groups are a great place to ask these types of questions.) Firsthand information is often the most helpful, so learn from other parents who’ve been there if you can. You can also try reaching out to the American consulate in your destination country for more information.

EXPERT SOURCES:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Travel Recommendations for Nursing Families
• United States Congress: Friendly Airports for Mothers Act of 2017
• United States Congress: Friendly Airports for Mothers Improvement Act
• Transportation Security Administration: Traveling with Children

Babylist Staff

Babylist editors and writers are parents themselves and have years of experience writing and researching, coming from media outlets like Motherly, the SF Chronicle, the New York Times and the Daily Beast, and the fields of early childhood education and publishing. We research and test hundreds of products, survey real Babylist parents and consult reviews in order to recommend the best products and gear for your growing family.

Breastfeeding on a Plane: A Guide to Your Rights and Airline Policies

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

When travelers think of contentious issues on planes, jockeying for overhead bin space or debating whether to recline a seat likely come to mind. But breastfeeding on a plane can be one of the most fraught dilemmas in the sky for new parents. Among a patchwork of airline policies, federal regulations, and obnoxious passengers, many are left wondering if they're allowed to breastfeed on a plane, and if so, what guidelines are in place?

If you feel confused about the topic, you’re not the only one. Even airline cabin crews can seem ill informed on their carrier’s policies—and parents’ federally mandated rights—leading to distressing stories of nursing parents being told to stop feeding or to cover up . Flight attendants have also landed in hot water for shuffling nursing mothers into the lavatory and not allowing their breast pumps on board.

These flight attendants aren’t just going against airline policy, they could be violating federal regulations. In fact, all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia have laws that allow women to breastfeed in any public or private location where she is legally authorized to be.

In airports specifically, legislation passed in 2018 and in 2020 requires small, medium, and large hub airports to provide a private, non-bathroom space in every terminal building for the expression of breast milk. Many airports offer freestanding Mamava lactation pods—small spaces with a door that locks, an outlet, and sometimes a sink. The pods can usually be booked on Mamava’s app ; check your airport’s website to find the pods in each terminal. Another option is Minute Suites , which offers lactating parents free 30-minute stays in its private napping rooms.

Although there’s no overarching federal rule that declares breast pumps as necessary medical devices, many airlines do view them as such and allow passengers to bring them on board (along with a small cooler) without counting toward a fliers’ carry-on limit. But these policies are something you will want to double check with each airline you fly.

Rules and regulations aside, when it comes down to it, breastfeeding during different phases of flight can also potentially help make your baby more comfortable. The CDC advises lactating parents traveling with babies to nurse “during takeoff and landing when traveling by airplane. This will help to protect your child from ear pain due to cabin pressure changes.”

Below, we’ve rounded up the specific policies for breastfeeding and pumping on board popular airlines like American and Delta. Consider printing out your airline’s policy before you fly and carry it with you, just in case you run into any crew members who aren't fully informed.

Breastfeeding policies on popular airlines

According to its special services policies , Air Canada allows formula, juice, and breastmilk in carryon bags. The crew may provide extra ice as needed to keep these items cool. “We’re also happy to support breastfeeding on board our aircraft, whenever safety permits,” the airline’s policy states.

American Airlines

"We support breastfeeding and pumping in any of our customer facilities that mothers are comfortable using—that’s inclusive of onboard our aircraft, in our Admiral’s Clubs, and other airport facilities," an American spokesperson said in an emailed statement in 2019. (The airline could not be reached for an updated statement.)

Breeze Airways

“According to TSA regulations, items needed for infant nourishment such as baby formula, juice, breast milk, and breast pumps do not count towards your carry-on limit,” Breeze’s policy on infant formula and breastfeeding states. “Breastfeeding and the use of breast pumps are allowed during Breeze flights.”

British Airways

"We carry thousands of infants and their families on our flights every year," a spokesperson said via email. "And we welcome breastfeeding on board." The carrier was also named World’s Most Family Friendly Airline at the annual Skytrax World Airline Awards in 2024.

Cathay Pacific

“Breastfeeding your baby is allowed during all phases of flight,” says Cathay’s page on traveling with infants and children. If you wish to use electric breast pumps while on board, you can do so after the announcement that electronic devices could be switched on, and up until the seat belt sign is switched on before landing. The pumps must be stowed for take-off, taxiing and landing.”

“Delta fully supports a woman’s right to breastfeed on board Delta and Delta Connection aircraft and in Delta facilities,” states the infant air travel section of the airline’s website. “Breast pumps are allowed on board.”

“As per our family‑friendly policy, we want mothers to feel as comfortable as possible,” Emirates says. “You can breastfeed at your seat if you choose, and we’ll provide you with a blanket if you’d like some extra privacy.” More information about traveling with a baby can be found on the airline’s family travel page .

Frontier Airlines

“We welcome nursing customers who wish to breastfeed onboard,” says an FAQ page on Frontier’s website. “Baggage containing a breast pump and/or breast milk may be brought onboard in addition to the standard free personal item.”

Hawaiian Airlines

A spokesperson for the airline says it does "not have a specific policy regarding breastfeeding inside our aircraft."

“Mothers wishing to either breastfeed their infants or use a breast pump may do so in any public area including the aircraft cabin,” a spokesperson for JetBlue said in an email.

“We believe it’s every mother’s right to be able to nurse their infant or express on board,” Singapore’s policy states . “You can choose to do so at your seat if you prefer—our crew will be happy to provide you with an extra blanket for added privacy.” The airline also notes that both manual and electric breast pumps are allowed on board, but the device’s batteries must meet approved guidelines .

Southwest Airlines

“Moms are welcome to nurse and pump onboard,” says an advice page on Southwest’s website. “A breast pump does not count toward the carryon limit.”

United Airlines

According to its “flying with children” page , United allows passengers to “breastfeed or pump from your seat or the bathroom.” Flight attendants will also bring “ice to keep milk and formula cool.” The carrier allows a breast pump, breastmilk, and formula onboard, “along with a carry-on bag (even if you’re not traveling with your child).”

This story has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

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Lactation and Air Travel

Answers to the most frequently-asked questions about bringing breast milk (and baby) on board.

We’re approaching holiday travel season, so if you’ve got a baby on board (literally), you’ll want to have this article bookmarked in your favorites for all your excursions. From navigating the three-ounce rule to pumping on the plane, here’s a rundown on the rules for breastfeeding and air travel from a parent who has been there, pumped that.

The rules of the air: Lactation and air travel

Q: Does my breast pump count as a second carry-on?

A: Nope, it’s a medical device and does not count as one of your two carry-ons. However, be aware that your (separate) breast milk cooler does count as a carry-on. Always double check carry-on regulations for your airline and type of ticket, either via the airline website or a call to customer service. And be sure to let TSA know it’s a breast pump when you send it through the X-ray machine—don’t be shy!

Q: Does the three-ounce rule apply to breast milk?

A: No, you can bring as much breast milk as you need. Also, you do not have to portion out breast milk into three-ounce amounts and place them in a quart-sized bag like you do with your shampoo and face wash. Again, just be sure to give the TSA officer a heads-up when you get to security. Note: When breast milk is frozen or in containers under three ounces, it doesn’t need to be screened. Larger quantities may need additional screening, though they won’t ever open the containers.

Q: Can I bring breast milk I’ve already pumped in a cooler?

A: Yes! Bag or bottle that liquid gold and place it in an insulated cooler for easy traveling . Just declare it to TSA at security and they’ll do a quick extra check without opening the individual bags or bottles. There are no limits on the quantity when traveling in the US, but Heathrow airport, on the other hand, is a whole different story. Check the rules before you travel so you don’t end up having to throw away your breast milk (nothing more painful for a lactating parent).

Tip: Make sure any ice packs you use are frozen solid. If they’re thawed out, they’re considered a liquid and likely won’t pass the three-ounce rule—which means they will have to be screened by the agent.

Q: Do I need to travel with my baby to transport breast milk?

A: No. This might seem like a silly question, but some TSA officers have been known to get this rule mixed up. However, the TSA website clearly states that you do not have to travel with your child in order to bring breast milk. As any lactating parent knows, if you’re traveling without your baby, you’ll definitely need to pump to prevent engorgement, clogs, or mastitis, and will likely want to bring back that precious milk!

Q: Will TSA need to open the bags or bottles of milk to test it?

A: They shouldn’t need to. If the milk isn’t frozen, the TSA agent will usually swipe the outside of each bag or bottle with a swab and/or place them in a machine for a few seconds. It’s a quick process—a couple of extra minutes, tops. While the TSA website says they may ask you to open a container and transfer a small amount to a separate empty container, you can tell them you don’t want it opened and go through additional screening. 

Bonus Travel Hacks for First-Timers!

• Frozen vs. fresh: It can be tough to keep breast milk frozen while traveling. Because breast milk is fine in a fridge for a few days or in an insulated cooler with ice packs for up to 24 hours, you can totally keep it unfrozen for shorter trips. (Plus, if you’re traveling with your baby, you might need some fresh milk!) If the milk is not frozen, be sure to build in a few additional minutes at security for extra screening.
• TSA: We’ve all heard the horror stories, but most of the time, flying with your pump or breast milk is a non-event. Don’t let the security process intimidate you! At the mention of a breast pump or breast milk, many TSA officers will actually try to get you through more quickly. If it makes you feel better, print and carry a copy of the TSA’s official guidelines for flying with breast milk.
• Nursing pods: Check online to see if the airport you are flying into/out of has nursing pods. More and more airports are adding these amenities for nursing and pumping parents (finally, right?). If you can’t find the info online, you can also ask at the airport service desk. Otherwise, pump where you’re most comfortable—a bathroom (family or regular), an empty gate area, or a secluded corner.
• Pumping on the plane: Long flight? You might be in a situation where you have to pump from 10,000 feet up. Have no fear, it can be done! The noise of the plane will cover the sound of the pump, so just act like you know what you’re doing and go for it. If you have a battery-operated or manual pump, throw on a nursing cover and pump in your seat. Or talk to a flight attendant about the best time and place to pump. Some may suggest one of the bathrooms (not an ideal spot but provides the most privacy) while others may offer a perch in the staff area.
• Extra supplies: Think through the whole process of pumping, cleaning and storage to ensure you have everything you need. Bring battery packs or adapters, extra batteries, quick-cleaning wipes, empty storage bottles or bags, ice packs, a cooler, backup parts, a nursing bra or cover—whatever you’ll need to feel comfortable and preserve your milk. Toting a manual pump as a backup (Batteries died! No outlet in sight! Can’t leave the seat!) is not a bad idea.

And lastly, enjoy that holiday! Don’t worry too much about the air travel—just think of the memories you’ll make once you land.

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Tips for Pumping on a Plane

Pumping is totally doable on a plane.  Whether you are pressed for time upon arriving at your destination, have a long flight, or are trying to stick to a strict schedule, you may be wondering if it is possible to pump on a plane. The short answer is YES!  Below are 4 easy tips you can follow if you’re taking off for a weekend getaway or business trip.

#1 Plan Ahead   

A breast pump is considered a medical device and does not count against you as a carry on so you don’t have to worry about getting it onboard.  Make sure to take it out of your suitcase or bag when going through security to prevent getting stuck longer than necessary. It is highly recommended that you carry your breast pump and pumping accessories in a dedicated bag.  This will make it easier when you go through TSA security as well as when you go to pump.

Once on the plane, you have the right to pump on a plane.  However, you are not allowed to do so in a jump seat or common areas due to safety concerns.  So, make sure you aren’t in an “Exit row” seat! This means your options are in your seat or in the bathroom when the “fasten your seatbelt” sign is off.  Check the airline’s guidelines before you get that ticket!

#2 What you need

Of course, a good pump is essential for efficiency.  Spectra Baby USA has some great options to consider, especially if you want a quiet, and not to mention cute, efficient pump.  Make sure you don’t forget a Ziploc bag ready for holding your used parts until they can be cleaned and a small cooler to keep your milk cold.

When finished pumping, you should be able to ask for ice to keep your milk cooled but, unfortunately, airline staff is not allowed to store milk for you.  A bottle cooler is ideal for storing your breast milk while traveling.  You can always ask for ice if needed.  Lastly, it is always wise to bring batteries for your pump since it’s hard to count on electricity on the plane. Thankfully, some Spectra’s breast pumps don’t need batteries; but, if using the S2 Plus a compatible battery pack would be a helpful tool to have so you can pump without needing a power outlet!

#3 Where to pump

As we mentioned, you have two options on the plane: in your seat or the bathroom.  Pumping in your seat has to do with your comfort level. With the hum of the plane and a cover, no one will be the wiser, which is great.  If you’re not comfortable with this you can certainly squeeze into the bathroom. If you are worried about spending too much time in the bathroom try to time it when there are fewer people needing the bathroom ( for example when the cabin is dimmed for sleeping or meals are being served ).  You can even break it up into a few 5-10 minute sessions at a time.  No matter what you choose, having everything set up and ready to go before flying will make pumping as stress-free as possible.     

#4 Details to consider

It can get a lot more complicated if your baby is with you.  The best case scenario is that you have a travel companion that can hold and entertain baby while your pumping.  Otherwise, you should definitely consider buying a seat for baby ( instead of having them on your lap ) so they have their own space while you’re pumping.  You can also take your chances with getting an open seat ( they will usually give you one for free if it is available ) or a baby bassinet ( usually first come, first serve ).  Otherwise, you may have to ask for help from a friendly neighbor.  If you aren’t comfortable with these options, you may consider alternatives such as pumping on the drive to or at the airport .

Pumping on a plane is totally doable.  Do a little preparation to help everything run smoothly and try not to feel self-conscious.  After all, you are providing your baby with the best possible nutrition! For more general information on feeding and flying check out our blog post here .

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• Special assistance

Traveling with children

Traveling with children and infants.

We are committed to caring for people on life’s journey and want you and your children to have a safe and positive travel experience. To allow enough time for check-in, arrive early and be sure to have any required travel documents. You may have to present proof of age like a birth certificate for any children under the age of 18.

• Families with children under 2 years old can ask to board early at the gate.
• Only 1 carry-on diaper bag per child is allowed.

You can travel with a breast pump and small, soft-sided cooler of breast milk in addition to your carry-on or personal item. These items don’t have to be checked and are allowed even when you’re not traveling with a child. Also, most airports have nursing rooms and stations available for your convenience.

If you’re a family traveling with children under 15, we want to help make sure you’re seated together on your flight. Here are some tips for when you book:

• Be sure to book everyone in the same reservation.
• The farther in advance you book, the better. (Seats become limited closer to the day of travel.)
• On the seat map, choose seats for your entire family or skip seats for that flight.
• It’s better to skip seats than to choose just a few seats or seats scattered throughout the cabin. Our gate agents can try to reseat you but getting seats together the day of travel is difficult.

If you skip seats

If you’re unable to choose seats, don’t want to pay for seats, or chose a Basic Economy fare, our system will detect that you’re a family traveling. The system will search for seats together automatically before the day of departure. We’ll try our best to keep you together, but if seats are limited, we’ll assign seats so children under 15 are next to at least 1 adult.

Children and adults traveling in separate reservations

If you and your children are traveling together but have separate reservations, call Reservations so we can note it in each reservation.

Contact Reservations

Children 2 or older are required to have their own seat, a ticketed adult fare. Children under 5 can’t travel alone under any circumstances.

If you don't choose seats in Main Cabin or Basic Economy, we’ll assign seats a few days after you buy your tickets so children under 15 are next to at least 1 adult they’re traveling with.

We welcome infants as young as 2 days old, but infants under 7 days old must have a doctor's letter stating that they are medically cleared to travel.

Keep in mind:

• Only 1 infant may be seated in the lap of each ticketed accompanying adult and the infant must be included in the reservation.
• Additional infants under 2 years old must be ticketed and occupy an infant safety seat or in a separate aircraft seat.
• The infant must be under 2 years of age for the duration of the trip. If they turn 2 during a trip, they will need their own seat for the remainder of the trip.

Adding an infant to your trip

If you’re traveling within the U.S., including Puerto Rico, you can add an infant to your trip when you book on aa.com, or later once it is ticketed. You only need to contact Reservations if you’re traveling with an infant who is under 7 days old; or if you’re traveling outside of the U.S. (taxes and a percentage of the adult fare may apply on international trips).

Book a new trip

• Book your trip on aa.com
• Enter your information on the ‘Passenger details’ page
• Select ‘add infant in lap’

Book a trip

Update an existing trip

• Find your trip on aa.com
• Scroll to the ‘Passengers’ section

Find your trip

Call Reservations if:

• You’re traveling with an infant who is less than 7 days old
• You’re not traveling within the U.S., and Puerto Rico

Reserved seat

If your infant will travel in their own seat, you must buy a ticket. The infant must either travel in a safety seat approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) or be able to sit upright in their seat without assistance and have their seatbelt securely fastened during taxi, takeoff, landing and whenever the 'fasten seatbelt' sign is on.

Bassinets and changing tables

• Changing tables are available in the lavatories of all wide-body aircraft.
• Bassinets are available on a first come, first serve basis at the gate for travel only on 777-200, 777-300 and 787 aircraft.*
• Bassinets are not available in First / Business cabins.

*Infants using bassinets must be younger than 2 years old and weigh no more than 20lbs (9kg)

Acceptable safety seats

Most safety seats that are approved for use in motor vehicles are acceptable for use in aircraft. The seat must have a solid back and seat, restraint straps installed to securely hold the child and a label indicating approval for use on an aircraft.

The label may include:

• These notes: 'This child restraint system conforms to all Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards' and 'this restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircrafts' or 'this restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft.'
• Approval of a foreign government or a label showing that the seat was manufactured under the standards of the United Nations.
• The safety seat can't be used in an exit row or in the rows on either side of an exit row; window seats are preferred.
• Install the seat in the direction appropriate for the size of the child and according to the instructions on the label.
• The child must remain in the safety seat with the harness fastened during taxi, takeoff, landing and whenever the 'fasten seatbelt' sign is on.
• To carry on a safety seat, you must have bought a seat for the child, or a seat must be available next to you. If an unoccupied, adjoining seat is not available, the gate agent will check the safety seat to your final destination.

Review seat dimensions before your trip.

Safety seats are not allowed in First or Business on select planes due to the seat angles.

Airbus 321T

• Boeing 777-200
• Boeing 777-300
• Boeing 787-800
• Boeing 787-900
• Any device without an approval label
• Booster seats with no approval label or shoulder harness
• Vest and/or harness-type devices, except Aviation Child Safety Devices (ACSD) showing the FAA aircraft approval label
• Belt extensions that attach to the parent or the parent's restraint
• Any device that positions a child on the lap or chest of an adult

Carry-on and checked bags

If you’re flying internationally with an infant on your lap, we’ll issue the infant a ticket. You may check 1 bag for the infant at the same rate as the adult’s first checked bag.

• Each ticketed customer is allowed 1 stroller and 1 car seat to be checked free of charge
• Strollers over 20 lbs / 9 kgs must be checked at the ticket counter
• All other strollers should be checked at the gate before boarding
• If you have a stroller and a car seat only 1 can be checked at the gate
• Breast pumps and a small, soft-sided cooler of breast milk don’t count as your carry-on or personal item
• Play pens, wagons, cribs and 'pack and play' count as regular bags
• If any of these exceed carry-on limits they’ll be checked and incur regular fees

International documents

Children or infants traveling outside the U.S. are required to have the same documentation as an adult. If anyone under 18 is traveling internationally without both parents, they may be required to present a Letter of Consent.

International travel

Traveling during pregnancy

If your due date is within 4 weeks of your flight, you must provide a doctor’s certificate stating that you’ve been recently examined and you’re fit to fly.

Special assistance throughout your trip

For domestic flights under 5 hours, you won’t be permitted to travel within 7 days (before and after) your delivery date. If you need to travel within this time frame:

• Approval from your physician and a special assistance coordinator is required.
• Your physician will be required to fill out a passenger medical form before your flight. A special assistance coordinator will send the form directly to your physician.

Clearance from a special assistance coordinator is required for international travel or travel over water:

• Within 4 weeks of your due date (travel also requires a physician's note stating that you’ve been examined within the past 48 hours and you’re fit to fly)
• 7 days before or after your delivery (travel also requires a passenger medical form to be completed by your physician)

Flying on a partner airline?

Find helpful information if your trip includes 1 or more flights with our partner airlines.

• British Airways
• Japan Airlines
• Qatar Airways

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Breast Pump

Carry On Bags: Yes Checked Bags: Yes For more prohibited items, please go to the 'What Can I Bring?' page.