Can you bring breast milk on a plane with Avianca when traveling with a baby?

 

Bringing breast milk on an Avianca flight

 

Yes — you can bring breast milk on an Avianca flight when traveling with a baby. Airlines, including Avianca, accept breast milk and other infant food or drink in carry-on luggage and it is normally exempt from the usual 100 ml/3.4 oz liquid limit applied to other passengers. To make your trip smoother, follow these helpful practical points:

• Declare it at security: At airport security checkpoints you should tell screeners you are carrying breast milk. It will usually be screened separately; security staff may ask to X‑ray or visually inspect the containers or perform additional screening.
• Quantities: Carry a reasonable amount for the journey and any delays. There's no fixed small-volume limit for breast milk in most jurisdictions — it is treated differently than regular liquids — but you should bring only what you need for the flight and any likely delays.
• Frozen and chilled milk: Frozen or chilled breast milk is allowed. Ice packs, frozen gel packs and dry ice used to keep milk cold are generally permitted, but they may have special screening rules or quantity limits (for dry ice). Pack them so they don't leak and be prepared to have them inspected.
• Breast pumps and accessories: Breast pumps, tubing and extra bottles are normally allowed as carry-on items. Consider carrying them in a dedicated bag so they are easy to present at security. Batteries or power packs should follow airline rules for carry-on batteries.
• Packing and labeling: Use clearly sealed containers, and label them with contents and date. Place milk in a leak-proof cooler or insulated bag. Bring extra plastic bags, wipes and absorbent cloths in case of leaks.
• Onboard handling: Most aircraft do not provide refrigeration for passengers’ food, so plan to keep milk insulated. Cabin crew can sometimes help with warming a bottle using warm water (not a microwave); ask politely if you need assistance.
• International travel and customs: Rules at your destination can vary. While breast milk for infants is commonly allowed, some countries may have specific customs or import requirements. If you are traveling internationally, check the rules for the country you are entering.
• Documentation: A formal doctor’s note is usually not required, but if you have a large amount or special circumstances, carrying a simple note explaining it is breast milk for an infant can reduce questions at security or immigration.
• Carry-on is best: Keep milk and pumping supplies in your carry-on so you can manage temperature, prevent freezing in checked baggage, and have quick access during the flight.

If you want confirmation specific to your route or for a long international journey, you can contact Avianca customer service before travel. Otherwise, follow the security staff instructions at the airport and keep the milk accessible and well packed for screening and the flight.