Keeping breastmilk cold on plane

[LKMang]

We will be leaving next Thursday for Orlando. My DS (who will be turning 1 next Friday) drinks breastmilk through a bottle (I’m an exclusive pumper). I have read the more recent guidelines about how it shouldn’t be any problem to get the milk through security, but I’m wondering what the best method would be to keeping it cold. I’m guessing I will probably have about 15-20 oz to bring with me (some in bottles and some in milk storage bags). I’m hoping to freeze the milk bags I want to bring, but how do I keep them cold? Right now our little bottle cooler bag (Playtex fridge-to-go bag) has a built-in ice pack that feels hard (not a gel). Is this okay? What do you recommend for our other little cooler bag (that will hold the bags of milk)? I’m freaked out about any of the milk going bad. Our flight is only about 2.5 hours, but I have to factor in airport time and then getting to the hotel.

TIA!

 

[Zeebs]

How many feeds is the milk you are planning on taking for?

I am assuming you won't need to put it back in the freezer.

Breast milk can be stored at room temp for 4-8 hours. (less than 77)

What I would do is, freeze it, pack it with ice for the trip to the airport and then dump the ice just before going through security as I don't think they will let you take that on the plane. It certainly won't go bad in the time it takes for the flight and the trip from the airport unless you are delayed significantly.

I would get a new cooler bag that doesn't have the icepack in it, it may be let through but who knows given they can't see the substance.

Hope that is of some help.

Kirsten

 

[Lstar311]

I had milk for my son on the plane but they took my ice packs in Florida on the way home. They told me to ask the stewardesses for ice.

 

[KatiJ]

I took pumped milk on the plane quite a few times with no problem. I used ice from the hotel in plastic bags and they let me keep it. I didn't even have the baby with me.

 

[bumbershoot]

you could freeze peas/corn etc, and put those around it?

That's all I have for ideas. But I wanted to say you are a *goddess* for pumping exclusively this long (and continuing)! Many people thought I was self-sacrificing for nursing on demand as long as DS wanted it, but pumping exclusively is truly amazing. I do hope it was easier for you than pumping ever was for me, of course.

 

[MommaMouse411]

have you called the airline? maybe they will let you keep it in their fridge? if you keep it in your baby cooler?? but if not definately ask for ICE..and keeo refilling the bag with ice. But you shoul be ok..would they let you take a small hard cooler? I think hard coolers are better for the ice/icepacks.

 

[brergnat]

Will your baby drink ice cold breast milk? Cause, if it's frozen when you need it, what do you plan to do?

When I was nursing/pumping for my sons, and we would have a day trip somewhere, I'd just bring along the frozen pouches. By the time he needed them, they were usually almost completely defrosted. If they weren't, I'd tuck the pouch inside my waistband of my pants, and that would complete the process in a few minutes.

Anyway, you've got a good 8-10 hours from the time you take it out of the freezer WITHOUT ICE (but inside a padded cooler bag), before you have to consider dumping it. I'm sure it won't be a problem, but if you're really paranoid, just pack some empty ziploc sandwich bags in the cooler bag as well. Once you are past security, go to a food shop and ask for some ice. Put it in the ziplocs and stick that into the cooler bag with the milk.

 

[wmharley]

I had milk for my son on the plane but they took my ice packs in Florida on the way home. They told me to ask the stewardesses for ice.

you were told wrong. you ARE allowed to bring gel or cold packs, as breast milk falls under the items allowed for medical or disabilities (I called in May when the new rules went in effect).
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/specialneeds/index.shtm


you have to declare breast milk and all that stuff PRIOR to getting xrayed and taken out of your bag. they will inspect it seperately and you will be fine.

We forgot to declare it when we returned and they took our items, bomb sniffed it, etc prior to returning it. but we were allowed to have it. They DID ask how long the flight was (for our bottled water) and we said it was 3 hours and we had 2 kids, so they allowed our bottles to pass.

 

[DISNEYFOS]

you were told wrong. you ARE allowed to bring gel or cold packs, as breast milk falls under the items allowed for medical or disabilities (I called in May when the new rules went in effect).
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/specialneeds/index.shtm


you have to declare breast milk and all that stuff PRIOR to getting xrayed and taken out of your bag. they will inspect it seperately and you will be fine.

We forgot to declare it when we returned and they took our items, bomb sniffed it, etc prior to returning it. but we were allowed to have it. They DID ask how long the flight was (for our bottled water) and we said it was 3 hours and we had 2 kids, so they allowed our bottles to pass.

I wouldn't count on every TSA agent agreeing with you. Especially in MCO. We never had issue with breastmilk but They were going to make me throwout my daughters hypoallergenic formula. She was 4 mos old and that was all she ate at that time. I had to argue with multiple levels of TSA agents for a good 30 mins before they would let me take it on. His argument was I could have 2 - 4 oz glass bottles Any more than that was "unreasonable" No allowances for delays etc.

 

[bekkiz]

We have flown with our Playtex fridge to go bag three times, including to and from MCO. I think it will be fine.

 

[LKMang]

How many feeds is the milk you are planning on taking for?

I am assuming you won't need to put it back in the freezer.

Breast milk can be stored at room temp for 4-8 hours. (less than 77)

What I would do is, freeze it, pack it with ice for the trip to the airport and then dump the ice just before going through security as I don't think they will let you take that on the plane. It certainly won't go bad in the time it takes for the flight and the trip from the airport unless you are delayed significantly.

I would get a new cooler bag that doesn't have the icepack in it, it may be let through but who knows given they can't see the substance.

Hope that is of some help.

Kirsten

Thanks Kirsten. I'm hoping to have enough milk for about half a day, so I won't be needing to refreeze it. I'm definitely considering using ice.

you could freeze peas/corn etc, and put those around it?

That's all I have for ideas. But I wanted to say you are a *goddess* for pumping exclusively this long (and continuing)! Many people thought I was self-sacrificing for nursing on demand as long as DS wanted it, but pumping exclusively is truly amazing. I do hope it was easier for you than pumping ever was for me, of course.

Hehe, love the peas/corn idea! Thank you, it has been a tough road but I'm thrilled I've made it to almost a year (and what better way to celebrate than going to Florida!)

Will your baby drink ice cold breast milk? Cause, if it's frozen when you need it, what do you plan to do?

When I was nursing/pumping for my sons, and we would have a day trip somewhere, I'd just bring along the frozen pouches. By the time he needed them, they were usually almost completely defrosted. If they weren't, I'd tuck the pouch inside my waistband of my pants, and that would complete the process in a few minutes.

Anyway, you've got a good 8-10 hours from the time you take it out of the freezer WITHOUT ICE (but inside a padded cooler bag), before you have to consider dumping it. I'm sure it won't be a problem, but if you're really paranoid, just pack some empty ziploc sandwich bags in the cooler bag as well. Once you are past security, go to a food shop and ask for some ice. Put it in the ziplocs and stick that into the cooler bag with the milk.

DS will drink milk right out of the refrigerator but if I need to use the frozen milk I'll have to warm it up a little. I usually use the Playtex bag when we have been on vacation (you put the whole thing in the freezer in between uses), but this is our first time flying with the baby.

you were told wrong. you ARE allowed to bring gel or cold packs, as breast milk falls under the items allowed for medical or disabilities (I called in May when the new rules went in effect).
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/specialneeds/index.shtm


you have to declare breast milk and all that stuff PRIOR to getting xrayed and taken out of your bag. they will inspect it seperately and you will be fine.

We forgot to declare it when we returned and they took our items, bomb sniffed it, etc prior to returning it. but we were allowed to have it. They DID ask how long the flight was (for our bottled water) and we said it was 3 hours and we had 2 kids, so they allowed our bottles to pass.

Thank you for the information. To "declare" the milk, do I just need to take it out of the bags and let them know? Also, I'll be bringing the pump with me as my carryon - should I bring that out of my bag too? I'm totally clueless!

I wouldn't count on every TSA agent agreeing with you. Especially in MCO. We never had issue with breastmilk but They were going to make me throwout my daughters hypoallergenic formula. She was 4 mos old and that was all she ate at that time. I had to argue with multiple levels of TSA agents for a good 30 mins before they would let me take it on. His argument was I could have 2 - 4 oz glass bottles Any more than that was "unreasonable" No allowances for delays etc.

I can’t believe you had such a problem bringing your daughter’s formula! Absolutely ridiculous. All I can think about are those poor passengers who get stuck on the runway for hours and hours.

We have flown with our Playtex fridge to go bag three times, including to and from MCO. I think it will be fine.

Thank you! I’m tempted to try to use the Playtex cooler bag, but a part of me is a little nervous they won’t let us take it and we LOVE that bag.

 

[tjmw2727]

Breastmilk is exempt from the restrictions on liquids, this is not airport or airline specific but a TSA rule. Also exempt is an ice pack to keep them cold so no worries about looking your cooler pack.

Quote "Medications, baby formula and food, breast milk, and juice are allowed in reasonable quantities exceeding 3.4 ounces (100ml) and are not required to be in the zip-top bag. Declare these items for inspection at the checkpoint"

For the official information become familiar with the TSA rules - here is a link to the section that deals with the excemption:
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/children/index.shtm#formula

If a TSA official says otherwise they are mistaken and you should ask for a supervisor. Some parents carry a copy of the TSA website page as backup.

 

[wmharley]

I wouldn't count on every TSA agent agreeing with you. Especially in MCO. We never had issue with breastmilk but They were going to make me throwout my daughters hypoallergenic formula. She was 4 mos old and that was all she ate at that time. I had to argue with multiple levels of TSA agents for a good 30 mins before they would let me take it on. His argument was I could have 2 - 4 oz glass bottles Any more than that was "unreasonable" No allowances for delays etc.

I emailed via the TSA website the exact question and I printed out their response, AND the policy online.. If i'd have gotten stopped, I'd have asked to speak with a supervisor and shown him the papers.

Thank you for the information. To "declare" the milk, do I just need to take it out of the bags and let them know? Also, I'll be bringing the pump with me as my carryon - should I bring that out of my bag too? I'm totally clueless!

That's it.. take it out, tell the person standing there helping to unload items in the bins you have breast milk (even tell the guy at the start of the line who probably will just wave you on) and take it out of the bag and show it. I'd keep all that in seperate bags away from anyother 3-1-1 items so its easier to account for it..

 

[polynor]

I would consider using your frozen milk as "ice" for some unfrozen milk if you'll be able to use them in quick succession (considering the milk melts faster than ice). When he was drinking bottles, I never had problems bringing all the milk I needed. The frozen vegetables would probably work too if you're worried about them confiscating your gelpacks (which they shouldn't).

Hopefully you won't have any issues with TSA in MCO. When we left MCO, they would only allow me one milk carton and one juice carton for my DS3 because our flight back to houston wasn't too long -- but that of course didn't factor the flight being delayed for 4 hours after we were supposed to leave...I was quite upset with the TSA (1 extra apple juice doesn't seem an unreasonable amt to me) since he's a picky drinker.

 

[DISNEYFOS]

Breastmilk is exempt from the restrictions on liquids, this is not airport or airline specific but a TSA rule. Also exempt is an ice pack to keep them cold so no worries about looking your cooler pack.

Quote "Medications, baby formula and food, breast milk, and juice are allowed in reasonable quantities exceeding 3.4 ounces (100ml) and are not required to be in the zip-top bag. Declare these items for inspection at the checkpoint"

For the official information become familiar with the TSA rules - here is a link to the section that deals with the excemption:
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/children/index.shtm#formula

If a TSA official says otherwise they are mistaken and you should ask for a supervisor. Some parents carry a copy of the TSA website page as backup.

So the key word is "reasonable". Apparently that is open to interpretation by TSA agents. He felt my quantity of formula (I brought enough for 24 hours in case of major delays) was excessive for my 3 hour flight. It was special formulas, not sold in most stores. I was not leaving without it. I showed him the TSA info from the website (I had a copy)...and spoke with supervisor.. We went back and forth about "what ifs' for literally 30 mins before they allowed it. I'm just saying be prepared.

 

[wmharley]

[/B]

So the key word is "reasonable". Apparently that is open to interpretation by TSA agents. He felt my quantity of formula (I brought enough for 24 hours in case of major delays) was excessive for my 3 hour flight. It was special formulas, not sold in most stores. I was not leaving without it. I showed him the TSA info from the website (I had a copy)...and spoke with supervisor.. We went back and forth about "what ifs' for literally 30 mins before they allowed it. I'm just saying be prepared.

I also had several bottles (4 or 5) of water to mix the formula. i think i had enough forumla/water for 12 hours worth of feeding. I also had my DD4 with us. the TSA asked us how long our trip was (3 hours) and after pausing, said it was ok. We said the water was for all the forumla and my DD.

I wish i would have brought a can in the luggage as in PR, they only had the Walmart brand once.. every time afterwards i had to buy Good Start at a premium.

 

[pixidustmom]

I too will be traveling with frozen breast milk. I believe it will last and be fine in a soft sided cooler type thing. I actually just donated over 400 oz of milk and shipped it over night in an igloo cooler and two ice packs. All the milk was still frozen. That was a much longer time that what we are planning to be traveling.lol

 

[dis-happy]

I wouldn't count on every TSA agent agreeing with you. Especially in MCO. We never had issue with breastmilk but They were going to make me throwout my daughters hypoallergenic formula. She was 4 mos old and that was all she ate at that time. I had to argue with multiple levels of TSA agents for a good 30 mins before they would let me take it on. His argument was I could have 2 - 4 oz glass bottles Any more than that was "unreasonable" No allowances for delays etc.

Absolutely horrifying that this happened to you. One other layer you could try (if you're still traveling with the special formula) is to have your ped write you a prescription for the specialized formula to show the TSA. It might help.


OP: I've brought EBM on the plane. Used a small softsided cooler with ice packs. Handed it over seperately and said loudly and clearly: I'm declaring EBM. Honestly, this young guy almost cringed, looked the bag over quickly and handed it back. No problems there.

One thing to keep in mind (I supposed you know this??) Once EBM is frozen and defrosts it's only good for 12 hours, while fresh EBM lasts a couple of days. So, keep your frozen stuff really frozen or consider also bringing a couple of bags of fresh if you can.

 

[kohlby]

I'd take two freshly pumped and two frozen if you think you'll really need 15-20oz. Otherwise, I'd take about 8oz - one freshly pumped, one frozen, and one handheld breastpump. Fresh breastmilk can actually stay fresh up to 10 hours! Since you're an exclusive pumper, your baby will go through that first one way, way before that. The frozen one be be thawing on its own and ready for use when you need it. (You can run it under water if needed before). Then just pump for whatever else you need.

 

[Jgetterman]

Take a small cooler/lunch bag with you filled with ice to keep it cold. Toss it before going thru security. After you pass security, you can purchase ice at a stand or food place in the airport, toss it in your bag, and carry it on the plane. If it melts during your plane ride, you can toss the ice again after you get off the plane in the bathroom, and again purchase ice at a stand/food place for the trip to your hotel.