News article

TSA to allow unlimited quantities of breastmilk in airplane cabins

July 22, 2007

(Washington D.C.) In an overdue policy change, the Transportation Safety Administration is modifying the procedures associated with carrying breastmilk through security checkpoints, according to a TSA press release from July 20. Mothers flying with or without their child will be permitted to bring breastmilk in quantities greater than three ounces as long as it is declared for inspection at the security checkpoint. Breast milk is in the same category as liquid medications. The policy goes into effect on August 4, 2007, along with changes to the policies on lighters.

Here is an excerpt from frequently asked questions about the new policy, available here:

Q. Why is breast milk not a threat?

A. Breast milk is a medical necessity and it is being classified as such. It must be declared at the checkpoint.

Q. How do you ensure liquid explosives disguised as breast milk or medications are not brought through the checkpoint?

A. Since September 2006, certain liquid medications have been permitted at the checkpoint as long as they are declared to security officers and are subject to additional screening.

Q. Do passengers carrying breast milk need to taste it to prove it is not a liquid explosive?

A. No. We will not ask a traveler to taste breast milk.