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

 

Bringing breast milk on United Airlines

 

You may bring breast milk in carry‑on when flying United. It is treated as a medically necessary liquid and is exempt from the 3.4 oz (100 ml) limit, but you should follow security screening rules.

• Declare it at security — tell the TSA officer you have breast milk before screening.
• Quantity — reasonable amounts for your trip are allowed (there’s no strict small‑bottle limit for breast milk).
• Screening options — bottles may be X‑rayed; if you prefer, request a visual/hand inspection (officer may need to open containers).
• Ice packs and coolers — frozen ice packs are allowed; partially thawed packs are screened and usually permitted.
• Breast pumps — allowed in carry‑on and may be screened separately; bring extra bags and parts for inspection.
• Carry‑on recommended — keep milk with you rather than checked baggage when possible; there are no guaranteed onboard refrigeration.
• International travel — check destination rules and customs for transporting breast milk across borders.

If unsure at the checkpoint, stay calm and politely ask the officer for the appropriate screening procedure — they’re used to assisting families.