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

 

Bringing pumped breast milk on a plane with Lufthansa

 

Short answer: Yes — you can bring pumped breast milk in your carry-on when traveling with a baby on Lufthansa. Airport security rules make an exception for breast milk and baby food, so you may carry more than the usual 100 ml limit if it is for the child on your flight.

What to expect and how to prepare:

• Declare it at security: At the security checkpoint tell the agent you have breast milk and separate those containers from your other carry-on items for inspection.
• Amounts: You may carry a “reasonable quantity” for the journey — generally enough for the flight and any planned layovers. There’s no strict millilitre cap, but security staff will assess that the quantity is appropriate for infant needs.
• Screening: Containers of breast milk will be screened separately. Security may X-ray bottles, ask you to open them, or request an additional inspection such as an explosive trace test. If milk is frozen, it may be X-rayed; if it thaws during screening it will be treated like a liquid.
• Ice packs, coolers and frozen milk: Gel ice packs, coolers and frozen breast milk are generally allowed to keep milk cold. They may also be screened separately and might need to be opened if required by security.
• Carry the pump and accessories in the cabin: Manual or electric breast pumps and parts should be carried in carry-on baggage. Portable batteries (including spare lithium batteries) should also be carried in the cabin and protected against short circuits — keep them in your carry-on, not in checked baggage.
• Onboard handling: Cabin crew can usually help with hot water to warm milk and provide cups or assistance as needed, but policies vary by crew and flight. It’s best to ask politely if you need help.
• International travel and connections: Security rules are applied by the airport you pass through, not Lufthansa directly, so procedures can differ by country or connecting airport. Allow extra time at transfer points and be prepared to declare and rescreen milk at each security checkpoint.

Practical tips to make travel easier:

• Pack milk in clearly labeled bottles or bags and keep them together in an insulated bag so security sees them easily.
• Bring spare bottles and feeding supplies for delays or missed connections.
• Carry written or digital notes about infant needs (e.g., feeding schedule) if you feel it will help explain quantities at busy checkpoints.
• Protect pump batteries — place spare batteries in their original packaging or tape over terminals to prevent shorting.
• Arrive early to allow time for any additional screening, especially on international itineraries.

Final reassurance: Airport security and Lufthansa staff are experienced with traveling families. If you explain you are carrying breast milk for your baby, they will guide you through the required inspection steps.