A complete guide to flying with breastmilk: US & UK

As a breastfeeding mom, getting comfortable with breastfeeding in public made being able to get out so much easier. That being said, I also understand the need to still be able to bring milk with you while traveling. Many countries have their own rules when bringing breastmilk through security. Check the rules for your specific airport pair. But here is what you can expect when flying with breastmilk in the US and UK.

How common is breastfeeding: US & U.K.

According to the CDC, 83% of babies born in 2019 were ever breastfed. This number drops to just under half at 6 months. It drops again down to just under 1/4 of babies at a year. This is in stark contrast to the UK. According to an NHS survey, a similar number of babies initiate breastfeeding but drops to less than 1% at 6 months. 

While this doesn’t mean breastfeeding UK travelers will experience any discrimination, it is good to be aware of a lack of understanding. This is mainly due to under-representation. In both countries, breastfeeding in public is protected by law. It is illegal to discriminate against a breastfeeding woman by asking her to stop or leave. 

Please know that moms are welcome in public spaces. In both places, moms are encouraged to breastfeed their child. 

Bringing milk through security

In general, breastmilk, formula, pumping equipment, purified water, baby/toddler snacks, etc are all seen as medically necessary. There is, therefore, no limit on how much you can take. You may, however, need to have it tested or pack it in a particular way. It’s also always a good idea to make security aware of what you are attempting to carry with you. You should also state its intended use (keeping in mind it may not be entirely obvious to security agents who aren’t parents or feed their children differently). 

Expressed milk (not frozen)

Expressed milk is allowed to be brought in hand luggage in both countries and does not need to conform to normal liquid limitations (although there are some limitations). Your child does not need to be with you to bring expressed milk or related supplies through security either.

Frozen milk

Frozen milk is where things get a bit tricky. Frozen milk is allowed in checked luggage in both the US and UK however frozen milk is not allowed to be taken in a carry-on in the UK. You can take frozen breastmilk in a carry-on in the US but it must be frozen solid at the security checkpoint. If it is at all slushy, it will be subject to the same searches as if it were a liquid. 

Read also: What to pack to fly with a baby

Packing Equipment

Both countries also allow cooling gel packs in both carry-on and checked luggage to help keep your milk cold as well. You also don’t need to have your baby with you in order to have these cool packs. It may be worth noting that, while TSA uses the general term “cooling accessories, such as ice packs, freezer packs, and gel packs”, the UK government website does not and specifies “cooling gel packs”. To be on the safe side, I would recommend investing in gel packs anyway, even if not transiting through the UK. Gel packs are proven more effective at cooling and last longer than their ice-pack counterparts. This means you are less likely to encounter spoiled milk on your travels.

Best practice when flying with breastmilk

In any case, it is best practice to always declare your abnormal items to security so they can be aware of them. This is the same with breast milk. For the same reason, it is also a good idea to transport your milk in clear and labeled bags. 

Also, be aware of how long breastmilk at different temperatures is good for. Keep this in mind when deciding which method of transporting your milk is best for you. You will need to strategize when and how you will defrost/heat milk if you intend to use it in the airport.