Breastfeeding on an Airplane

TSA's Policies

Did you know that TSA has modified screening procedures for children under the age of 12? These modified policies apply to what can be brought though airport security and how these items are screened. 

"Formula, breast milk, toddler drinks and baby/toddler food (to include puree pouches) in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters are allowed in carry-on baggage and do not need to fit within a quart-sized bag. Formula, breast milk, toddler drinks and baby/toddler food (to include puree pouches) are considered medically necessary liquids. This also applies to breast milk and formula cooling accessories, such as ice packs, freezer packs and gel packs (regardless of presence of breast milk). Your child or infant does not need to be present or traveling with you to bring breast milk, formula and/or related supplies. Inform the TSA officer at the beginning of the screening process that you are carrying formula, breast milk, toddler drinks and baby/toddler food (to include puree pouches) in excess of 3.4 ounces. Remove these items from your carry-on bag to be screened separately from your other belongings. TSA officers may need to test the liquids for explosives or concealed prohibited items." per https://www.tsa.gov/travel/tsa-cares/traveling-children on 8/20/2024.

It's important to allow extra time to go through security because although these items are allowed, TSA will perform additional screenings of your property to resolve any alarms that are triggered by the additional liquids. We have had full pat downs and hand swabs performed every time we've gone through security with our baby's things. It's never an issue, but it takes some extra time to navigate security. 

Airlines are required to allow you one bag in addition to your personal bag and carry-on bag for your breast pump and other breastfeeding supplies. Your pump is considered medical equipment and you are allowed to keep it within reach at all times when flying. 

Before flying, visit your airline's website and print a copy of their policies related to traveling with children. To find this information, simply Google your airline's name "+Breast Pump Policy." Here's an example from Southwest Airlines. I recommend printing the policy because not all airline employees are fully informed of your rights. So, be an advocate for yourself and have a printed copy on hand to give them if anyone tries to tell you something you know to not be true. A printed copy also removes the variable of internet access from this equation.

Here is TSA's policy for traveling with breastmilk and other children's items concerning airport security screening protocols.

The How-To's

There are so many benefits to breastfeeding your baby, especially when traveling! First and foremost, your baby's food is always with you and no additional supplies are needed for them to eat when they are hungry.

I highly recommend breastfeeding during takeoff and the final descent to help relieve ear pressure. You can't tell your baby to swallow, but you can encourage them to swallow during these times by feeding them. Think about your baby's day-to-day schedule and make slight modifications to when they eat in order to make this possible in terms of timing.

My child was notorious for unlatching during letdown, what a mess! Be sure to have baby wipes within reach for when the unexpected happens, like this, during a flight. Packing an extra shirt in the diaper bag for you and your kiddo is a good idea as well. Check out my blog about flying with a newborn for other helpful packing tips!

If you choose to use a nursing cover, practice using it before the flight so you and your child are comfortable. Sometimes covers hinder more than help if your baby isn't used to being covered up while eating. Remember that your baby needs to eat when they are hungry no matter who is around, and people can look elsewhere. 

It is hard to feel a sense of privacy when breastfeeding on a plane. The seats are small and you can't remove yourself from onlookers. Picking a window seat and having my husband sit in the middle seat worked very well for our family and helped to create an illusion of privacy so I could focus on feeding my baby. 

Finally, don't take yourself too seriously. If something crazy happens remember to laugh it off and that you will likely never see any of these people again.

Check out my list of baby and toddler travel essentials for more items that will help make your first flight (and every flight after) a success.

You've got this, Mama!