TSA item rule · verified 2026-09-05
Can you bring breast milk & formula on a plane?
TSA's official answer, checked against tsa.gov on 2026-09-05.
Carry-on bag limits apply
Breast milk, formula, toddler drinks and baby food are treated as medically necessary liquids. Quantities greater than 3.4 oz (100 ml) are allowed in carry-on and do not need to fit in your quart bag. Tell the officer at the start of screening and take these items out of your bag to be screened separately. Your child does not need to be with you.
Checked bag yes
Allowed in checked bags — but in practice you will want it with you in the cabin.
Ice packs, freezer packs and gel packs to cool these items are allowed whether or not breast milk is present, as are liquid-filled teethers; if they are partially frozen or slushy they go through the same screening. If you would rather the milk was not X-rayed or opened, tell the officer — additional steps will be taken to clear it instead, and screening will never include placing anything into the liquid.
Liquids, gels and aerosols in carry-on follow the TSA 3-1-1 rule. The final decision always rests with the TSA officer at the checkpoint.
Source: TSA — What Can I Bring? · checked 2026-09-05
Related: ice packs · medication
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Common questions
Can you bring breast milk & formula in a carry-on?
Breast milk, formula, toddler drinks and baby food are treated as medically necessary liquids. Quantities greater than 3.4 oz (100 ml) are allowed in carry-on and do not need to fit in your quart bag. Tell the officer at the start of screening and take these items out of your bag to be screened separately. Your child does not need to be with you.
Can you bring breast milk & formula in checked baggage?
Allowed in checked bags — but in practice you will want it with you in the cabin.