BreastfeedLA recently collaborated with TSA and ACLU SoCal to put together a phenomenal resource on how to support lactating travelers. This resource was used to train TSA workers on how to support lactating travelers, and over 3000 TSA workers have since been trained using this resource.
Some of the questions that are addressed in this resource include:
- Can travelers bring breastmilk in their carry-on? How to liquid or gel regulations apply?
Yes! Breastmilk is a medically necessarily liquid, and therefore exempt from TSA liquid regulations (nursing parents can bring more than 3.4 ounces of expressed milk). - Does the baby need to be present for these rules to apply?
No, and the TSA agents should not ask about the baby’s location in order to transport the milk. - Are TSA agents permitted to test the breast/chest milk?
TSA agents may test liquids for explosive or concealed prohibited items, but they may not open containers without consent or place anything inside the milk. - Are airports required to provide a lactation room?
Yes, airports are now required to have one lactation room per terminal available after security screening that is not a restroom.
Thank you to BreastfeedLA, ACLU SoCal, and TSA for this important resource.