Can You Bring Baby Formula and Breast Milk on a Plane? TSA Rules

Where these numbers come from

The catch is the process. Tell the officer at the start that you are carrying these items, then take them out of the bag so they can be screened on their own. Officers may test the liquid for explosives. Clear or translucent bottles move faster than opaque pouches, because a plastic bag can call for extra testing steps.

Here is a worked example. You are flying four hours with a 9 month old and plan three 8 oz bottles of ready-to-feed formula plus a 6 oz bottle of pumped milk. That is 30 oz, about nine times the normal per-container cap, and it is still allowed. A travel-size shampoo in the same bag still follows the normal quart-bag limit.

Cooling gear is covered too. Ice packs and freezer packs can ride in the carry-on even when they are partly frozen. Slushy packs are screened with the same extra steps as the liquids. A baby does not have to travel with you to carry breast milk, formula or related supplies, which helps parents returning from a work trip with milk.

If you would rather not have the milk X-rayed, say so. That request leads to Advanced Imaging Technology screening and enhanced screening of your other carry-on property, so allow extra time. Checked bags have no special limit, but milk and formula are best kept with you in case of delays. TSA Cares can be reached at 855-787-2227 for help before the trip.

Baby feeding liquids have their own lane in the liquids rule. The usual limit is 3.4 oz per container, all packed in one quart bag. Formula, breast milk and juice for a baby or toddler sit outside that limit, so a full 8 oz bottle can go through the checkpoint in your carry-on.

Plan for the other end of the trip as well. The UK exempts baby food and baby milk up to 2 litres at all its airports, and says frozen liquids cannot go in hand luggage. Other countries set their own limits. See the medications page for the related medical-liquid exemption, or run your bag through the 3-1-1 liquids checker.

Sources

• TSA baby formula
• TSA breast milk
• TSA FAQ: formula, breast milk and juice exempt from 3-1-1
• GOV.UK hand luggage liquids

Figures checked on September 30, 2026.

This page is general information, not legal, insurance or travel-agent advice. Fees, rules and limits change, so confirm the figures with the official sources listed above before you book or travel.