Airline Travel with Unlimited Breast Milk
July 20, 2007 by Angela White, J.D., breastfeeding counselor
Filed under activism, breastfeeding, law, pumping, travel
The Transportation Security Administration loosened its restrictions on carrying expressed breast milk on an airplane to allow mothers traveling without children to bring unlimited quantities in their carry-on bags. Today’s TSA press release states the new rule, which goes into effect August 4, 2007:
TSA is also modifying the procedures associated with carrying breast milk through security checkpoints. Mothers flying with or without their child will be permitted to bring breast milk in quantities greater than three ounces as long as it is declared for inspection at the security checkpoint.
Thanks to Jake Marcus of Birth Without Boundaries for the tip!
Under the old airline rules, if a mother were traveling without her child, the carry-on amount was limited to one quart-sized clear plastic zip-top bag holding three-ounce containers of breast milk. Some women were forced to dump their breast milk either because the restrictive guidelines had not been met, or the TSA officer was unaware of the guidelines allowing properly packaged milk. Apparently complaints by those mothers, and the 5,700+ others who signed the petition to change the rules, made all the difference.
Ms. Marcus indicates that under the new policy, breast milk will be treated the same way as medication, which must be declared separately but may be carried on-board in unlimited quantities and in no special packaging. She recommends that traveling mothers print out a copy of the press release to take with them in case there is any question at the security checkpoint.
It would be great if we all took the time to contact the TSA and thank them for the change in policy. I am one of the people who had contacted them to express my frustration with their previous limited on carry-on breastmilk. Thanks to the TSA for supporting moms and babies!
How is the new rule working? Are you allowed appropriate ice packs with the breast milk? The press release doesn’t say.
Even though the rules were changed almost 2 years ago, be prepared! I had to fight with a TSA supervisor at JFK yesterday about bringing home 15 oz of milk that I pumped during a daylong business trip. I was asked repeatedly “where’s the baby?” and then “why do you need to bring the milk home?”. The agents clearly had no understanding of breastfeeding — I had to explain that I would be highly uncomfortable to go all day without pumping, then explain that it was not acceptable to simply pour it out and “feed the baby something else”!?!?! I finally convinced the supervisor to go consult her regulations. I wish I had thought to print out a copy of the TSA website to carry with me (http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/children/formula.shtm). I certainly will next time!
KatieD, I’m sorry to hear you had to go through such a hassle. Good for you for educating that supervisor!
Are you allowed to bring an ice pack with the pumped milk on board? It doesn’t say that you can bring an ice pack in the press release. I have a 4 day trip coming up and am concerned about carrying it back.
I have a 5-day trip coming up….what did you experience? What worked? What didn’t? Please be specific. Thanks in advance. Ann
I am curious how your trip went. I also have a business trip coming up and am wondering what is the best way to transport the breastmilk.