In short, if it’s for childcare, you can bring milk or baby formula on a plane with no quantity restrictions. There are also no restrictions for bringing milk in checked baggage. If you’re not caring for a child, milk is limited to 3.4 ounces or 100 mL. It must be in a sealed container to prevent spills and make screening easy.
As you’re packing up for your trip, you might need milk to care for your infant or toddler. Or maybe you’re just wondering if you can bring it on a plane for yourself.
How to Pack Milk in Carry-On
When you go through airport security, you may need to set aside your milk for a separate screening. It’s best to pack it in a sealed, labeled container to make screening quick and easy. The container must be able to fit into a quart-sized bag.
Sometimes, items can obstruct the x-ray machine making it difficult for TSA agents to screen your luggage. So it’s best to pack your milk separately to minimize delays at the security checkpoint.
If your milk is for childcare, then it doesn’t follow the TSA’s 3:1:1 rule. Make sure that the TSA agents know this when you go through screening. With baby formula, milk or any other drink for infants, you can bring as much milk as needed. But make sure it’s a reasonable quantity.
In other words, only bring on as much as you need. Don’t try and get past the TSA checkpoint with several gallons. You’ll likely end up exceeding the weight limit of your carry-on luggage, as liquids are quite heavy. You may be subject to additional screening too. TSA agents reserve the right to confiscate your belongings if they violate their policies.
How many 3.4 oz containers of milk can you bring on a plane?
You can bring between six and eight 3.4 ounce containers on a plane. Six to eight containers are approximately how many you can fit into one quart-size bag.
Can I bring milk in checked baggage?
Yes, you can bring milk in unlimited quantities in checked baggage.
Keep in mind that each airline has weight restrictions for luggage. Liquids are quite heavy, so the weight of your luggage can add up quickly. When flying with milk in your carry-on, it must all fit in one quart-sized bag. Your milk should be in a sealed container. The bag is a nice backup if the seal happens to break. You won’t have to deal with a mess once you get to your destination and unpack your things.
How to Pack Milk in Checked Baggage
When packing milk in checked baggage, make sure it is closed tightly and secured to prevent spills in transit. Weigh your luggage before going to the airport to ensure it’s within the weight limit of your specific airline. Otherwise you may have additional fees to pay when you go to check in.
How much milk can you take on a plane in checked baggage?
You can take as much milk as you need on a plane in your checked baggage. But you should double check on the TSA’s website to make sure there are no regulations.
Certain toiletries, like spray deodorant, have limits established by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Read more about traveling with spray deodorant in this article.
Can you bring breast milk on a plane without your baby?
Yes, parents can bring breast milk on a plane, with or without their baby. If needed, you can bring more than 3.4 ounces or 100 mL on a plane.
Can you take oat milk on a plane?
Oat milk follows the TSA’s 3:1:1 rule. So you can bring 3.4 ounces or 100 mL of oat milk on a plane. It must fit inside a quart sized bag.
Can you bring formula powder on a plane?
Yes, you can bring formula powder on a plane. The TSA allows reasonable quantities of formula powder, but if you bring over 12 ounces or 350 mL, you may have to go through additional screening. If the TSA doesn’t find anything suspicious, they will clear your formula powder.
Can you bring powdered milk on a plane?
Yes, you can bring powdered milk on a plane. The TSA allows reasonable quantities of formula powder, but if you bring over 12 ounces or 350 mL, you may have to go through additional screening. If the TSA doesn’t find anything suspicious, they will let you bring your powdered milk on board.
Is milk considered a liquid by the TSA?
Yes, milk is considered a liquid by the TSA. Milk needed for childcare has special exceptions, though. It does not abide by the TSA’s 3:1:1 rule so you can bring as much as you need to care for your child, within reason. Keep in mind that you have to abide by the airline’s weight restrictions for carry on bags.
What is the TSA’s 3-1-1 rule?
The 3-1-1 liquids rule is a rule implemented by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) that regulates how much liquid you can bring on a plane. This rule states that you can bring up to 3.4 ounces or 100 mL of liquid on a plane. All of your liquids must be in separate containers of 3.4 ounces or less. And they must fit in one quart-size bag. 3.4 ounces, 100 mL, one quart-size bag. Hence, 3-1-1.
The 3-1-1 liquids rule can be misleading because not all the items that follow this rule are technically liquids. It also applies to gels, aerosols, creams, and anything in between. Here’s what @AskTSA has to say about the rule.
You won’t be able to bring more liquid than whatever will fit in the quart-size bag.
TSA Liquid Rule Exceptions
For some liquids, the TSA makes exceptions to the 3-1-1 rule. You can bring more than 100 mL of the following liquids.
- Baby formula
- Breast milk
- Juice or water for babies
- Medically necessary liquids, prescription liquids, and gels
To make screening smooth, let the TSA agent know how much of these liquids you are bringing.
Read Also: Can I Bring Creatine On A Plane?
Frequently Asked Questions
How strict is the TSA on liquids?
The TSA is incredibly strict on liquids. They are committed to ensuring all passengers are safe and there are no liquid explosives in carry-ons. Do not try and get around the 3-1-1 liquids rule. It will just create more trouble for you as you’ll have to throw out any containers larger than 3.4 ounces. To make screening quick and easy, put your liquids in a separate bin.
What does the TSA do with confiscated items?
The TSA typically sends confiscated items to state agencies where they are distributed and resold. The TSA does not profit from the selling of these items. Some items are donated to non-profit organizations or recycled. TSA employees are prohibited from stealing confiscated items for personal use.
If you bring prohibited items through security, here are a few options aside from giving your items to the TSA.
- Pass the item to a friend who’s not traveling.
- Transfer the item to your checked baggage.
- Throw away the item.
- If it’s a liquid, dump it out and carry the empty container or bottle.
Recap and My Recommendations
You can bring milk on a plane. Just make sure that you follow the TSA’s rules and regulations.
Keep in mind that milk may be subject to additional screening at the security checkpoint. You can take it in your checked baggage to avoid that hassle. If the milk is for your child, be sure to tell the TSA agent.
If your milk is for your baby and you are bringing your baby on a plane, definitely bring it on board. Or if you need it for a medical reason, take it with you on the plane. Otherwise, keep it in your checked baggage. Milk can take up space you might need for other items. You might want space for electronics or books to keep you entertained in flight.
You could also buy milk once you get to your destination. Then you don’t have to worry about getting through security or leaving enough space for milk in your carry on. It just makes your life a little easier.
Thanks for reading! Check out more ‘can I bring’ articles below to help you pack for your trip. Have fun!