Clients Ask: Can I Carry Breast Milk on a Plane?

Summer’s here and some of us are preparing for a much-needed getaway. Packing for vacation is stressful enough, and planning for safely carrying breast milk or formula on a plane adds worry. Here’s what you need to know to transport breast milk and/or formula on a plane this summer.  

Legislative Update to TSA Policy

A 2016 law passed by the U.S. Congress deems human milk, formula, and other infant/toddler drinks as “medically necessary liquids.” Unfortunately, many airport security officers don’t know that the law and TSA policy allows these liquids in carry-on bags, even in quantities over 3.4 ounces. For hassled parents, waiting in long security check lines with tired and impatient babies, this means unnecessary questions, unexpected delays and — worst of all — mishandling and potential discarding of their baby’s primary food. The BABES Act is the change we need.

Championed by engineer and science TV host Emily Calandrelli and groups like Chamber of Mothers, the Bottles and Breastfeeding Equipment Screening Enhancement (BABES) Act was approved by the U.S. Congress and became law in 2025. It requires TSA to adopt — and train all airport security personnel in — specific safety protocols related to handling human milk and formula, and products (such as ice packs) needed for their safe transportation.

In its summary, the Act directs TSA to “issue or update guidance to minimize the risk for contamination of breast milk, baby formula, purified deionized water for infants, juice, and related products that are subject to re-screening or additional screening, including by ensuring adherence to hygienic standards.” 

What Does This Mean for Parents Traveling with a Bbaby or Infant?

To quote U.S. House Representative and cosponsor of the bill, Maria Salazar, it “guarantees clear rules, proper training, and full transparency so parents can travel knowing their baby food will be protected, not mishandled or thrown away.” In other words, you can ask and expect respectful treatment for the medically necessary liquids in your bag, and you have recourse if you don’t get it.

As postpartum doulas, we witness firsthand the anxiety parents feel about their baby’s food and feeding … their effort when nursing and pumping milk … their caution when preparing formula … their care when meticulously labeling and storing … all to ensure their babies grow well and healthy. We are deeply grateful to those that championed the BABES Act, its sponsors, and for its bipartisan and unanimous approval by the U.S. Congress.