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Good news for traveling parents: breast milk – both powdered and bottled – along with water mixed with breast milk, are exempt from the 100ml liquid limit when flying with an infant from an Australian airport. You can carry enough cash for your trip in your bag for both domestic and international travel. You only need to declare these items in a secure location so they can be displayed separately.
Flying with a baby can be very difficult without worrying that security will confiscate your milk at the gate. Here’s a clear overview of Australia’s airport baby formula rules, carry-on, and how to navigate with a hungry baby on your hip.
Is breast milk 100ml not allowed?
Yes. Airline security checks in Australia apply the Liquids, Aerosols and Gels (LAGs) rules for flights departing from Australian airports, which generally restrict containers of 100ml inside a one-litre transparent bag. However, there is a specific exemption for parents traveling with infants and toddlers.
When you are traveling with a baby, the following are allowed a lot clear on the go and do no must fit into a one liter bag:
- Powder milk milk
- Formula bottles
- Breastfeeding (with or without baby on most airlines – check yours)
- Water for drinking water
- Baby food, purees and reusable food bags
- Cooling gel packs to keep the milk cold
“Sounds on the go” It means enough for flights and delays – you don’t have to consume a single bottle, but the presence of a week in your travel can attract questions. Pack more in the carry-on bag and keep what you need in the air with you.
Does this also apply to domestic flights?
Flights to Australia generally do not have the same strict liquid limits as international transport, but screening still applies and exemptions are granted for taking on a child depending on the route. Whether you’re flying from Sydney to Perth or heading overseas, you can bring milk, formula and baby food through check-in – just declare it.
When traveling internationally, remember that your rules return or connect flights are established by the country’s authorities. Many are not allowed to eat the same baby food, but it’s a good idea to check the rules of your destination before you fly.
How to pass security successfully
- Separate children’s items before you go shopping. Take formula, bottles, breast milk, water and gel in your bag and arrange them in a tray.
- Report it to the security officer. Let the staff know that you have mixed milk with milk before the test. This goes through a variety of processes and doesn’t count towards your one liter hydration pack.
- Save the powder easily. Powdered formula is prohibited, but may need to be removed and analyzed separately, so take it where you can easily reach it.
- Expect additional checks. Adults can open containers or test liquids. This is normal – it does not mean that there is nothing wrong.
- Carry what you will use in the air. Most items fit in a checked bag to keep your luggage light and check in quickly.
To learn more about feeding in flight, our guide to flying with a bottle-fed baby covers meal times, settling the baby on take-off and more.
The safest way to make formula on the fly
The Raising Children Network recommends making nutritious meals for every meal instead of packing warm, pre-made bottles that are safe to reheat for long periods of time. When traveling by plane, the easiest way to be safe is to:
- Pour the pre-measured baking powder into a clean container.
- Ask the staff at the kiosk for hot (freshly boiled) water, or bring bottled water.
- Mix a new bottle when your baby is hungry, then refrigerate until warm before feeding.
If you’d rather warm a bottle than mix it up on a mid-flight, see if you can use a bottle warmer on an airplane – and how to organize the cycle. Our guide to staying warm while traveling has great options for airports, hotels and long-haul flights.
Flying with breast milk
Donated breast milk is treated in the same way as breast milk – it is deducted from the 100ml rule in the adequate route and evaluated separately when you declare it. Cold or frozen milk in gel packs is best to carry. For more information on transporting, cooling and thawing breast milk while traveling, read our guide to traveling and flying with breast milk.
Useful things to carry in your travels
- Pre-measured formula powder in a printed form
- Sterile bottles (one per expected meal, including leftovers)
- A small sealed bag of frozen milk gel
- Portable bottle warmer to warm bottles on arrival
- Reusable bags for when your baby starts to harden
- Extra clothes, wipes and replacements (for all of you!)
When you land, a portable bottle warmer makes it easy to bring a cold bottle to body temperature in the hotel or car without having to hunt for hot water. Shop for travel bottle warmers →
Frequently asked questions
Can I take baby formula through airport security in Australia?
Yes. Baby food (powder and formula), formula, and breast milk are not allowed in the 100ml liquid limit when traveling with an infant. Advertise them by viewing them separately.
How much formula can I bring on the plane?
Sufficient funds for your trip, including delay allowance. There is no strict milliliter limit for baby milk, but keep a large amount in a carry-on bag and carry what you need in the air.
Do I need to taste the milk or the protected milk?
Australian authorities may open or test containers as part of the inspection, but in most cases you will not be asked to drink. Allow extra time for security if you check again.
Can I bring formulated bottles, or just the powder?
All are allowed. However, the prepared preparations are not safe to be heated for many hours, so for long trips it is better to carry powder and mix new bottles with hot water from the staff.
Are the rules different for domestic and international travel?
Air travel within Australia has simple liquid rules, but the exemption for taking on children’s items applies to both. For international travel, check the immigration laws of your destination and any connecting countries.
Can I bring ice or gel to keep the milk cold?
Yes. Cool gel packs for breast milk or formula are allowed. Explain to them and other things about your child on social media.