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Yes, you can travel and fly with breast milk in Australia. The trick is to freeze it: put your milk in a sealed bag with ice cubes, start with cold or as cold milk as possible, and pack what you need plus a little extra to slow it down. Breast milk, breast milk and baby food are allowed to carry on and are not prohibited like other liquids, although security staff may ask to be checked during screening.
Whether it’s a trip to the beach, a family outing or your first plane ride, packing formula can be a challenge. With a little planning it is completely possible. Here’s how to secure your liquid gold from door to door.
Know your breast milk storage time first
Safe travel starts with knowing how long breast milk lasts at different temperatures. As a comprehensive guide based on the Australian Breastfeeding Association’s breastfeeding advice:
- It has just been described in terms of temperature – use within 6 hours.
- In an airtight cooler bag with ice cubes – about 24 hours.
- In the refrigerator (4 ° C or cold) – up to 3 days is good, up to 5 days for the best condensed milk.
- In the fridge – about 3 months in the refrigerator, up to 6 to 12 months in the deep freezer.
- Sparkling milk – use within 24 hours without stopping.
Our breast milk storage guides break down these times in detail, along with our guide on how to store breast milk covers labeled and refrigerated at home.
Carrying breast milk on a car trip or day out
For road trips and days out, a sealed cooler bag with dry bricks is your best friend. A few helpful tips:
- Start with pre-frozen or frozen milk, so it stays in a safe place for a long time.
- Use plenty of ice cubes and keep the bag in direct sunlight and away from the hot boot.
- Refrigerate the milk until you are ready to use it, then rewarm it slightly before eating.
- If you’re talking on the road, a clean, quiet place with a hand or battery pump makes life easier.
The Raising Children Network also has practical, Australian advice on breastfeeding and communicating while travelling.
Flying with breast milk: airports and ongoing regulations
Flying with expressed milk is allowed, and it is easier than many mothers expect:
- Continuity is good. Breast milk, breast milk and baby food can be carried and do not have a liquid limit of 100ml. Bring your flight requirements and possible delays.
- Notify security personnel. Let them know that you have packed the breast milk and will be ready for the test. They can open or test containers.
- Keep cool. There is no fridge up there, so carry milk in a bag sealed with frozen bricks. Dry milk is good for long journeys.
- More can go in a checked bag if you’re packing a big stash, it’s well protected and cool.
Regulations can vary slightly by airline and country, so it’s a good idea to check your airline’s schedule before departure. If the milk has thawed on a long trip, use it within 24 hours and do not store it again.
Let it be subtle with Cherub Baby
Keeping the milk organized and clearly labeled will make for smoother travel days. Our reusable breast milk bag organizer keeps your bag clean in the freezer and cooler, and our airtight breast milk storage bags are sterile, leak-proof, and easy to label the day.
Buy Breast Milk Bags → | | See Bag Repair →
Warm breast milk while you are away
You won’t always have a handy kitchen, so the portable option helps. A portable bottle warmer allows you to warm up warm milk in the car or on the go, without the need for a microwave oven. Warm milk slowly in warm water, swirl to mix, and test the temperature on your hand before eating. Our guide to rewarming breast milk explains the safe methods. Avoid microwaving, which can cause hot spots.
A quick list before you start your trip
Before you leave, stock up on the following: a sealed cooler bag, ice cubes, pre-labeled storage bags or bottles, your pump and changing kit, a milk warmer, and more milk than you think you’ll need. Put a few leftovers in your pantry and you’re good to go.
Frequently asked questions
Can you breastfeed through airport security in Australia?
Yes. Breast milk, breast milk and baby food are allowed for safety and continuity, and are not limited to other drinks. Tell security staff that you are carrying breast milk and prepare it for inspection, as they may also inspect it.
How do you keep breast milk cool while traveling?
Use an airtight freezer bag with dry ice cubes. Milk stored this way is usually safe for about 24 hours. Start with cold or frozen milk, keep the bag in the sun, and only warm milk before eating.
How long does breast milk last in a cooler with ice cubes?
Breast milk placed in a cooler bag sealed with frozen ice cubes is usually safe for 24 hours. If it melts or warms, use it within 24 hours and do not re-open it.
Can I take frozen breast milk on a plane?
Yes. Frozen breast milk is best for flying because it stays very cold. Put it in an insulated bag with ice cubes. For a larger fee you can also use a searchable property. Notify security that you have picked it up.
What happens if my breast milk melts during travel?
If the formula is thawed, refrigerate it and use it within 24 hours. Do not refreeze the formula, as this is not recommended for safety and quality.
How do I heat breast milk while traveling without a kitchen?
A portable bottle warmer or warm water container works well. Warm the milk slowly, swirl to mix, and test a few drops on your hand. Avoid microwaves, which are extremely hot and can burn your baby’s mouth.
This article provides information for Australian parents and is not a substitute for personal advice from your doctor, child health nurse, midwife or lactation consultant. Always check your flight schedule before departure.