How to Travel With Breast Milk

When traveling with breast milk, a little planning ahead makes the process quite simple and hassle-free! By now, you may already have your stash developed or a pumping routine in place, but now you need to plan how to transport the milk, whether fresh or stored. Whether you are taking a road trip or are flying across the country, knowing how to store the milk, or pump you bring, is imperative to keep your milk safe and save you time.

Before you head out, consider these factors to ensure a stress-free trip with your breast milk stash:

• Method of Travel: Are you flying, driving, or taking a train? Your storage needs will vary with the length of the commute.

• Trip Duration: How long will you be traveling? This determines how many ice packs you’ll need and whether you should plan for a mid-trip pump session.

• Milk Volume: Calculate the estimated total ounces to be collected or transported to choose the right-sized cooler.

• Pumping vs. Nursing: Determine whether you will be pumping exclusively or breastfeeding directly during the trip.

• Storage Gear: Ensure you have all necessary materials, including your pump, accessories, and milk storage bags.

• Luggage Space: Account for space in your carry-on or checked bag to hold milk. Is it possible to combine or consolidate the pump bag with the rest of your luggage?

• Pumping Schedule: If your drive or flight is longer than 3 hours, plan to pump during the trip to keep to a consistent schedule (typically every ~3 hours).

• Destination Logistics: If staying in a hotel, call ahead to see if there is access to a freezer, a mini fridge, or a "medical fridge" for your milk.

• Alternative Shipping: Decide if a shipping service like Milk Stork is a better option for your destination than carrying the milk yourself.

Store breast milk in small, usable amounts to avoid waste, which on average is 2-3 ounces for babies under 6 months of age. This helps minimize waste, allows for even temperature regulation and a quicker cooling time, and is easy to store in compact bags, freezers, and coolers.

• Notify a TSA agent: Separate the stored breastmilk, cooler bag, and pump parts from your other carry-on baggage for screening.

• Medical Device Status: Breast pumps are considered medical equipment. According to TSA regulations, they must not be charged for or combined with the checked bags' weight.

• Extra Baggage: Some airlines provide an additional allowance for diaper bags, soft-sided coolers for transporting breastmilk,  and strollers beyond your standard carry-on allowance. Check with your carrier to see if your pump bag can be carried for free.

• In-Flight Cooling: Frozen packs will stay cooler longer, but ice should be available on the flight if your packs begin to melt.

• Right to Breastfeed: It is legal to breastfeed and use a breast pump on planes with or without a cover.

The Friendly Airports for Mothers Improvement Act requires airports to provide a quiet, clean, and discreet area for pumping or breastfeeding. Many airports now have pods for just that. Some restroom areas may also have separate spaces designed for nursing and feeding.

Formula, breast milk, and juice in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters are allowed in carry-on baggage under the 3-1-1 Liquids Rule Exemption. These do not need to fit within a quart-sized bag. Remove these items from your carry-on bag so they can be screened separately from the rest of your belongings. You do not need to travel with your child to bring breast milk.

Ice packs, freezer packs, frozen gel packs, and other accessories required to cool formula, breast milk, and juice are allowed in carry-ons. If these accessories are partially frozen or slushy, they are subject to the same screening as described above. You may also bring gel or liquid-filled teethers, as well as canned, jarred, and processed baby food, in carry-on baggage. These items may be subject to additional screening.

If you’re bringing a breast pump, it is considered medical equipment under TSA regulations and must not be charged for or included in the weight of checked bags. Other medically necessary accessories include your bottles, milk storage bags, coolers for expressed milk or formula, and any pumping accessories. 

Your flight attendant can also assist with where to keep your additional baggage.

TSA X-ray machines do not adversely affect food or medicines. However, if you do not want the formula, breast milk, toddler drinks, or baby/toddler food (including puree pouches) to be X-rayed or opened, please inform the TSA officer.

Additional steps will be taken to clear the liquid, and you or the traveling guardian will undergo additional screening procedures, including Advanced Imaging Technology screening and additional/enhanced screening of other carry-on property.

Travelers requiring special accommodations or concerned about the security screening process at the airport may request assistance by contacting TSA Cares online at or by phone at (855) 787-2227 or via the federal relay at 711.

To make your journey as smooth as possible, ensure you have these items packed in an accessible bag:

• Breast Milk Storage Bags: Don't forget to label them with the date!
• Permanent Marker: For on-the-go labeling.
• High-Quality Cooler: An insulated lunch box or dedicated breast milk cooler bag.

Don’t let your pumping schedule hold you back from your next adventure. Whether you’re heading on a business trip or a family vacation, having the right gear makes all the difference.

For the ultimate travel companion, the Motif Luna is a powerful yet lightweight choice with a long-lasting battery that can handle even the longest layovers. If you prefer a completely hands-free experience while navigating the airport or road-tripping, the Motif Aura Glow fits discreetly in your bra so you can pump on the go without missing a beat. Don't forget to stock up on our leak-proof, BPA-free Milk Storage Bags and Accessories to ensure your hard work stays safe from takeoff to touchdown.

Safe travels, Mama, you’ve got this!

Information provided in blogs should not be used as a substitute for medical care or consultation.