TSA Travel Guide
TSA Travel Guide
Know before you go.
Traveling with breast milk and pumping supplies can feel complicated. Here's what pumping moms should know before heading through airport security.
Last reviewed: September 2026
Breast milk can exceed 3.4 oz
Breast milk is considered a medically necessary liquid by TSA. It may be carried through security in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces (100 mL), and it does not need to fit inside a quart-sized liquids bag.
Your baby does not need to be traveling with you for you to bring breast milk and related supplies through security.
Ice packs & cooling accessories are allowed
Ice packs, freezer packs, frozen gel packs and other accessories needed to cool breast milk are permitted in carry-on baggage—even when breast milk isn't currently present. Medically necessary cooling packs may also be permitted when partially frozen, slushy or melted, although additional screening may apply.
What to do at TSA
At the beginning of screening, tell the TSA officer that you're traveling with breast milk in quantities over 3.4 ounces.
Remove the milk and related items from your carry-on so they can be screened separately. TSA officers may need to perform additional screening or test liquids for explosives or prohibited items.
Pump to Plane tip: Keep your milk and cooling supplies organized and easily accessible so you aren't digging through your luggage at the checkpoint.
Bottles vs. milk storage bags
TSA says clear or translucent bottles can make screening easier, although they are not required.
Milk stored in plastic bags or pouches may not be compatible with certain TSA bottle-liquid scanners, which can lead to alternate screening or a request to open the container if feasible.
That doesn't mean you can't travel with milk storage bags—it just means screening may work differently.
Don't want your milk opened or X-rayed?
Tell the TSA officer.
TSA states that travelers can request that breast milk not be X-rayed or opened. TSA may instead use additional procedures to clear the milk, and the traveler may undergo additional screening. X-ray machines will not affect the milk quality.
What about your breast pump?
This is where TSA rules and airline baggage rules are different.
TSA governs what can pass through the security checkpoint. Your airline determines its carry-on and baggage allowances.
Check your airline's policy before your flight to understand how it handles breast pumps, medical devices and additional baggage.
Traveling internationally?
Rules outside the United States can differ. TSA specifically advises travelers on international flights to check with their airline because international regulations may vary from U.S. domestic rules.
Need extra help?
Travelers who have questions or want assistance with the security-screening process can contact TSA Cares. TSA currently recommends contacting the program before travel for assistance at the checkpoint.
View the official TSA breast milk guidance
Flying with a Breast Pump/Milk: Airline Policies
You've made it through TSA—but what happens at the gate?
Breast pump and breast milk baggage policies can vary by airline. We've gathered the current guidance from major U.S. carriers so you can know before you go. Check out the Airline Travel Guide.
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We're here to make traveling while pumping feel a little more prepared—and a lot less overwhelming.
This guide is provided for general informational purposes and is not official TSA or airline guidance. Security procedures and airline policies can change. Always verify current requirements with TSA and your airline before traveling.