Transporting Milk Home on Plane

The TSA rules do not apply to breast milk. I recently traveled and had to pump as well. I just brought a carryon sized cooler and they allowed it without any problems or questions.

I traveled while pumping at least 6 different times and never had an issue in the past 2 years. You can carry-on as much breastmilk as you want, just be sure to let the screener know. Just alert the screener when you put your bag on the belt. They will then pull the bag and inspect it. Each airport I went through was a little different in how they inspected it, but never had a problem. At one airport the screener questioned my icepack, but his superior told him it was fine.
I stored the milk in the plastic milk bags, in small amounts 3-4 ozs each. I found that most hotel fridges have the little freezer in the top, and I would put the bags in there to freeze, once they were frozen, I could just leave them together on the top shelf to make more room in the little freezer and they stayed frozen (make sure the fridge is turned to the coldest temp). I then would pack them in the little cooler bag that fit in my pump and transport them home, a lot of little bags fit in there! Once I even asked the hotel to put my icepack in their freezer so it was frozen solid for the trip home.
You definitely don't have to pump & dump - that stuff is liquid gold!! Since I traveled often, I always had the frozen supply from the previous trip for my son to have while I was away.
Another tip is to get in the security line with a lady screener - be/c in my experience the men always went to find the woman to help me!
One more tip - if the fridge in your hotel room isn't cold enough - request another one - I had to do that on a trip, and they brought me one that worked. In addition, I was never charged for the fridge when I told them it was for breastmilk.
Please let me know if you have additional questions. It was really very easy to travel with the breastmilk.

I would definitly call the airline now and tell them the situation, I'm sure you arent the first one to ask.

why dont u pump b4 u go and just freeze it or fridge it so that you dont have to send it on the plane or anything

They will allow you to bring breast milk on the plane with you. I have done it and as long as you say it is breast milk, they shouldn't give you any problem. I was on a business trip with two male colleagues and bringing home breast milk. I discreetly told the first guy at the screening area that I had breast milk and he seemed to understand I was being discreet or so I thought. He then yelled to the next guy that I had breast milk in my bag right in front of my male colleagues! Oh well.

You are now allowed to bring breastmilk on the plane. It many times is easier with baby, but since this is a business trip this is not possible. I would call my OB & Pediatrician and have them write a note that you are currently breastfeeding and will bringing milk back on your return flight. Every since American had that backlash 3 years ago, it has not really been a problem.

I believe (though I haven't actually tried it) that they still allow you to carry breastmilk on the plane. Either way, I'm they have to provide you with an option, either carry-on or checked. I know several women who have carried it on, prior to the new rules. If you don't get the "right" answer from the airline, contact La Leche League. They get really fired up about this kind of stuff and I am certain they know all the nuiances of the laws/rules. You may have to push the airlines a little if they try to tell you no. But i am certain there is a legal way to do it, even if they don't want to go along with it. But yes, I think the previous posters suggestion to have it in writing directly from the airline (either in an email/letter or in some sort of flyer) will help you if run into someone at the check-in counter or security screening that isn't sure. Also, I would double-check when you check in on your way out of town. The check-in staff might have some pointers on how best to handle it from their perspective.

I would try to pump as much before leaving, freeze it and then pump & dump while you are gone. It will save you a lot of hassle at the airport. They are pretty strict now, don't know the exact amount of liquid but it's very small.

Angela ha sit right on- here is the link

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/children/formula.shtm

Applies to not only breastmilk but formula, food juice and Milk- have a lactose intolerant child so getting milk past security or on the plane is not an option- just be sure to declare it- not telling them and having them screen it and "find" it is when you get in trouble-

TSA sets the rules not the airlines

You may want to call the airline you are flying and ask the best way to transport. E-mail may be a better way, that way you have in writing their response. Unrelated, but I flew several years ago with a couple of live fish when you could still have liquid. I called the airline and they said that was fine in my carry-on. I got to the airport and they said no (according to the lady at the check in counter they were not a domestic pet and it was a betta and a couple of guppies), so I called again and was told they could go in my checked luggage. The counter at the airport decided they did not want to responsible so they let me carry them on. Long story short it may be easier to have it in writing.

I think if you chill it in an insulated container and it goes IN THE HOLD of the plane, it is fine. Liquid can't go in the actual passenger area. Just call and make sure :)