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Liquid Limits

Can I take breast milk on a plane? The full parent's guide

Breast milk, formula, expressed milk and baby food are exempt from the 100ml rule in the US, UK, EU, Canada, Australia and most of the world — even when travelling without the baby in some jurisdictions. Declare it at the start of screening and expect extra checks.

Last updated · Reviewed against current airport security guidance

Short answer

Breast milk, formula, expressed milk and baby food are exempt from the 100ml rule in the US, UK, EU, Canada, Australia and most of the world — even when travelling without the baby in some jurisdictions. Declare it at the start of screening and expect extra checks.

General guidance

Rule basis: General airport security guidance — rules can vary between airports and change over time. Confirm with your departure airport before you fly.

What to do: Pack to 100ml per container in a single 1-litre clear bag unless you've confirmed a larger allowance at both your departure airports.

Liquid Limits is a travel planning tool, not an official aviation source. Always confirm with the airport before you travel.

At a glance

Security

Will this pass the checkpoint?

Check rules

Rules vary by airport — some still enforce 100ml, others now allow 2L containers in CT scanners.

Source: Airport operator pages
Airline

Can this travel in cabin or checked baggage?

Cabin OK

Most airlines defer to airport security on liquids in the cabin.

Border

Can you bring this into the destination country?

Usually OK

Liquids themselves are rarely a customs issue — but contents (alcohol, dairy, CBD) might be.

Three separate rule systems · Any one can stop your item

Quick answer

Yes — in reasonable quantities for the flight, exempt from 100ml, no 1-litre bag needed.

TSA and the UK both allow breast milk in the cabin even if you're flying without your baby. EU policy varies by country — check before you fly.

Cabin vs checked

TypeCabinChecked
Expressed breast milkYes, declaredYes
Formula (powder or pre-mixed)Yes, declaredYes
Baby food pouchesYes, declaredYes
Frozen ice packs for milkYes if fully frozenYes

How screening works

  • Declare it at the start of screening — don't put it in your 1L bag
  • Officers may ask to open and test it (X-ray or vapour test, not chemical contamination)
  • You can refuse opening; they'll do extra pat-down screening instead
  • Frozen breast milk in solid form is easier — treated as a solid, not a liquid

International travel

TSA allows up to ~3.4L per trip without question. UK has no fixed limit but officers judge reasonableness. EU, Canada, Australia and NZ all follow similar exemptions. Some Middle Eastern airports are stricter — pack a backup in checked baggage.

FAQs

Do I need to be travelling with my baby?

In the US and UK, no. In some EU countries officers prefer you to be — check your departure airport.

Will my milk be ruined by X-ray?

No. Standard cabin X-rays don't damage breast milk.

Can I freeze breast milk for the flight?

Yes, and it's the easiest option — solid frozen milk is treated as a solid through security.

Check your trip

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