Yes. Formula, breast milk, toddler drinks and baby food are allowed in carry-on in amounts over 3.4 oz (100 ml) and don't need to fit in the quart bag. Tell the TSA officer and expect separate screening.
TSA treats these as medically necessary liquids, so you may bring more than 3.4 oz. Remove them for separate screening; officers may test them but never put anything into the liquid. Ice packs, freezer packs and gel packs to keep them cool are allowed too.
Allowed in checked bags.
Checked against official TSA, FAA and government pages on . These are US rules unless we say otherwise; the TSA officer at the checkpoint makes the final call.
The rules in numbers
- Formula, breast milk, juice/toddler drinks, baby food: over 3.4 oz (100 ml) allowed in carry-on; no quart bag needed
- Ice, freezer and gel packs to cool them: allowed, even without breast milk
- Breast milk: your child does not need to be traveling with you
Packing tips
- Clear bottles screen faster than pouches; bags and pouches may need to be opened for alternate screening.
- You can decline X-ray or opening; expect extra screening of you and your bags instead.
- Partially melted ice packs are screened like liquids, so keep them frozen solid if possible.
- TSA Cares (855-787-2227) can arrange checkpoint help if you call 72 hours ahead.
Outside the US
- UKAll UK airports allow baby food or milk in containers up to 2 litres in hand luggage. Source
- CanadaCATSA allows baby food, milk, formula, water and juice over 100 ml when traveling with a child under two, and breast milk over 100 ml with or without the child. Source
Flying somewhere else? See the rules for the UK, EU, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and Japan.
Questions people ask
How much breast milk can I bring on a plane?
TSA allows quantities over 3.4 oz in carry-on, outside the quart bag. Declare it at the start of screening.
Can I bring breast milk without my baby?
Yes. TSA does not require the child to be present to bring breast milk or formula.
Will TSA X-ray my baby formula?
Usually, yes; X-ray doesn't harm food. You can ask that it not be X-rayed or opened, but you will get additional screening.