How long will pumped milk stay unspoiled in icepack?

[Anonymous]

We're about to take a short flight to Florida but between driving to the airport, dealing with security, flying and driving to our hotel, it will be a 7-8 hour journey. I'm wanting to take four bottles of pumped breastmilk that I can use at different points during the weekend (because I'm leaving my pump at home). Do you think it will stay fresh (i.e. unspoiled) during the 7-8 hour journey? Obviously I will take the bottles in an icepack (assuming they let me take an icepack through security). Once we get to the hotel, I plan to put the bottles in the refrigerator that we requested for our room. TIA.

[Anonymous]

Can you freeze some of it just in case?

But yes, "if" they let you take ice packs through security (which I doubt), it should be fine.

[Anonymous]

I have the Playtex Fridge to Go and I can fit 2 bottles and it stays cold for about 8-10 hours. They're pretty small so you can get two for four bottles. And they had no problems with it at security at the airport.

[Anonymous]

I've flown twice with ice packs with breastmilk and had no trouble. I think the rule is 24 hrs in a cooler with ice packs. But check out LLL or kellymom site to make sure.

[Anonymous]

I pump at work & just keep the milk in the icepack/cooler til I get home. It is sometimes over 6 hours before I get home & it is always very cold. I've been doing this for months & the milk has always been fine.

[Anonymous]

I agree with PPs - with a fully frozen pack you should be fine for 7 or 8 hours. As a back-up, you could bring an empty baggie, and if you get delayed you can request ice at a restaurant in the airport.

OP - I know this is not the situation you posted about but see an opportunity to share. For any ladies travelling for business or for a weekend away from baby - I had an icepack confiscated at Dulles when I was on the outbound, i.e., icepack and empty bottles but no milk. (I explained carefully that I only need to pump when I am AWAY from baby but there was no exchange of ideas happening - they took the ice pack) Of course, I've travelled out of BWI and DCA and never had a problem - TSA can be inconsistent. So, if anyone out there is in a similar situation, I suggest travelling with just an ounce or two of milk on your outbound flight. It's inefficient, but may keep you from an infuriating discussion with security, and needing to purchase, or borrow, a new ice pack at your destination.

[Anonymous]

Great suggestion 22:31