There are well-known laws for breastfeeding in public, and the right to pump milk at work, but there are also legal protections for flying with breastmilk! Yes, TSA has accommodations for parents that allow for safe, hygienic, and dignified travel. Know your rights before flying with your baby, or even just as a lactating person.

In the past, many parents have struggled to travel and carry-on the liquids their infants need, despite them being legally defined as protected “medically necessary liquids”. Thankfully, the US government has recently acknowledged the gap between TSA law and the knowledge and practice of TSA agents. There are unfortunate cases in past years of parents having their breastmilk unjustly confiscated or mishandled by TSA staff due to improper training, which has made many parents hesitant to fly at all.

In May 2025, the Bottles and Breastfeeding Equipment Screening (BABES) Enhancement Act was put into effect. This Act includes TSA agents being re-educated and given continuous education regarding all rules involving the medically necessary liquids of children. It also ensures that the screening of these liquids will be hygienic and efficient now that all agents will be properly trained to administer the law. The BABES Act also requires a reevaluation of these rules every 5 years to ensure they keep up with new medical and social standards. Your rights and their training are all listed below.

Is it a TSA law that breastmilk and the ice or gel packs that keep them cool are exempt from the 3.4 ounce limit on liquids for carry on bags. Both breastmilk and and these cooling packs can be fresh, totally frozen, or partially melted. All breast pump supplies can be carried as well. While breastmilk is exempt from the liquid limit rule, it is not exempt from inspection. Declare your breastmilk at the beginning of the security line so TSA agents can prepare for you. Breastmilk and their coolers can be sent through the x-ray along with your other luggage. If you do not want your breastmilk to be scanned by an x-ray, you are allowed an alternative inspection. This is your right. TSA will either do a visual inspection with your clear containers, or they might perform a swab test by pouring out a small sample of your milk.

You’ll always have formula or breastmilk with you when traveling with your baby, but know that the law is not contingent on your infant traveling with you. Many mothers need to travel without their children, and they can bring their pumps, and travel back home with all the breastmilk they pumped while away. If you want to travel with your milk closest to you, you can still follow these carry on bag rules, but you can also put breastmilk and their cool packs in any checked bag as well.

For packing ease, it is recommended by TSA that these liquids be packed in their own bags for a simpler separate screening. As for the type of container, they do not have to be clear, and they do not have to be multiple 3.4 oz containers, they can be a container of any quantity. TSA does recommend on their website to carry breastmilk in clear bottles over plastic pouches. Following these recommendations might make your screening process easier.

Formula, purees, toddler drinks, and liquid-filled teethers are also all exempt from the 3.4 ounce rule. Declare them at the beginning of the security line as well for a separate screening process.

At WIC, we want to help every parent have a positive breastfeeding journey, and this includes traveling confidently. Fly knowing your rights, and know the law is on your side.

For more detailed information on all of these topics and more, please go call our Lactation Warmline at 214-670-7222, or contact our Dallas WIC call center to schedule an appointment with one of our WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselors or Lactation Consultants.