Roberta Aguirre
Airports are one of the many public places where breastfeeding people face challenges. However, there is federal legislation in place that protects breastfeeding travellers. Lactation spaces must be accessible, available in each terminal building after the security checkpoint, and include a place to sit, a table or other flat surface, and an electrical outlet. Many airports have lactation spaces, nursing rooms, and pods for breastfeeding parents. For example, Orlando International Airport (MCO) has 18 lactation spaces, Honolulu International Airport (HNL) has nursing rooms equipped with comfortable seating, and Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport (FLL) has six Mamava pods across four terminals. In addition, travellers are allowed to bring their own food onboard as long as it meets the airline's standards, although most security personnel will ask to inspect food items separately.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Airports with feeding rooms | Honolulu International Airport, MCO, DTW, LGA, MIA, IAD, BOS, LAX, FLL |
| Requirements of lactation spaces | Accessible to persons with disabilities, available in each terminal building after the security checkpoint, include a place to sit, a table or other flat surface, and an electrical outlet |
| Food allowance on flights | Yes, as long as it meets the airline's standards; inform airport security of your needs; declare baby food or powdered formula with customs to prevent holdups |
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What You'll Learn
Breastfeeding rooms in airports
Breastfeeding in public spaces can be challenging. Airports, however, are increasingly accommodating the needs of breastfeeding parents with dedicated lactation spaces. These spaces are designed to provide a clean, comfortable, and private area for nursing mothers to express milk or breastfeed their babies.
Federal legislation in the United States protects breastfeeding air travellers. As per the law, lactation spaces must be accessible to persons with disabilities, available in each terminal building after the security checkpoint, and include a place to sit, a table or flat surface, and an electrical outlet. Airports are now being granted funds to help them make these necessary improvements.
Many airports in the US have responded to this legislation and the needs of their passengers by providing dedicated lactation spaces. For example, Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) in Hawaii has private lactation pods with custom Hawaii-themed graphics, nursing rooms with comfortable seating, changing tables, and luggage assistance services for families. Orlando International Airport (MCO) has 18 lactation spaces, including 14 nursing rooms and four Mamava pods, as well as interactive spaces and art exhibits for families.
Other airports with notable facilities for breastfeeding parents include Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW) with nine lactation spaces, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) with six Mamava pods across four terminals, Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) with 11 lactation spaces, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) with 11 nursing rooms, and LaGuardia Airport (LGA) with nine lactation spaces, including seven nursing rooms and two Mamava pods.
In addition to dedicated lactation spaces, some airports offer alternative options for breastfeeding parents. For example, Honolulu International Airport has an outdoor courtyard with benches, trees, flowers, a pavilion, and a koi pond, which nursing mothers have used to feed their babies. When planning air travel, it is beneficial to research the facilities available at the departure, arrival, and layover airports to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey.
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Flying with a feeding tube
While airports are increasingly accommodating breastfeeding parents by providing lactation spaces, feeding rooms are not yet a common feature. However, if you or your child relies on a feeding tube, there are ways to navigate air travel successfully. Here are some tips for flying with a feeding tube:
Planning and Preparation:
Talk to your doctor or healthcare provider before your trip. They can address any medical concerns and provide a letter explaining your condition, the supplies you need, and why you require a feeding tube. This letter can be shared with airport security. The Oley Foundation provides sample travel letters. It is also beneficial to connect with others who have experience travelling with a feeding tube, as they can offer valuable insights.
Packing and Shipping:
Make a comprehensive list of all the essential items you need daily, such as feeding syringes, bags, caps, tubing, medications, formula, feeding pump, batteries, and chargers. Don't forget to include items you may not use regularly, such as dressing supplies and as-needed medications. Pack at least two days' worth of tube-feeding supplies in your carry-on bag, and consider stashing extra supplies in your checked luggage. If you use blenderized tube feeds, you'll need to keep them frozen during travel or prepare them at your destination. You can pack them in a cooler with ice packs or consider shipping your supplies to your destination to reduce luggage weight and save time.
Airport Security and TSA:
Contact the TSA Cares hotline at least 72 hours before your flight to inform them that you are travelling with a feeding tube, formula, and equipment. At the security checkpoint, let the TSA agent know that you have a feeding tube and are carrying medically necessary liquid nutrition, feeding equipment, and medications. These items are exempt from the 3-1-1 rule, but they will need to be removed from your carry-on bag for screening. TSA officers may test liquids and medications for explosives and may visually inspect or X-ray them. You are responsible for handling and repacking your items after screening.
Flight Booking and Timing:
Consider booking a direct flight to your destination to avoid airport delays and long connections that can make feeding more challenging. When booking your flight, think about the time of day and how it aligns with your feeding and medication schedule. If you are changing time zones, you may need to adjust your routine. Allow for extra time at the airport, as security may need additional time to examine your equipment and supplies.
Accommodations:
When booking accommodations, look for hotels that can provide an in-room refrigerator or allow you to use their kitchen refrigerator to store open formula.
By following these tips and planning ahead, you can ensure a smoother travel experience when flying with a feeding tube.
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Bringing food through airport security
While most airports do not have dedicated feeding rooms, there are lactation spaces and nursing rooms available for breastfeeding parents in some airports. Orlando International Airport (MCO), for example, has 14 nursing rooms and four Mamava pods, while Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW) has nine lactation spaces.
When it comes to bringing food through airport security, it is generally permitted, but planning and packing properly can facilitate the screening process. Solid foods, such as pasta and sandwiches, are typically allowed. Frozen foods and ice packs are also permitted, but ice packs must be solid and not partially melted. Alcoholic beverages are allowed as long as they are less than 3.4 ounces and not over 70% (140 proof). Peanut butter and other foods that fall under the TSA's 3-1-1 rule must adhere to the 3.4-ounce limit for carry-on liquids. Fruits and vegetables are healthy snacks, but some countries do not allow foreign produce, so it is important to check the regulations of your destination country.
It is important to note that even if an item is generally permitted, it may be subject to additional screening or prohibited from passing through the checkpoint if it triggers an alarm, appears tampered with, or raises security concerns. The final decision rests with the TSA officer. Therefore, it is recommended to check the TSA's "What Can I Bring?" tool or contact them directly for specific food items.
To ease your travel experience, it is advisable to plan and pack accordingly. Proper packing can help ensure a smoother screening process and a more enjoyable journey.
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Family-friendly airports
Airports can be challenging for families, especially those with young children, who may find the long queues and crowds daunting. However, some airports are more family-friendly than others, offering child-friendly amenities to keep kids entertained and happy.
Singapore Changi Airport
Changi Airport is designed with the young traveller in mind. Families can visit the Butterfly Garden, home to 1,000 butterflies, the rooftop Sunflower Garden, or the Enchanted Garden. There's also the Jewel, an interactive play area with airplane-themed activities, and a nature-centric theme throughout the airport.
San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
SFO offers a range of family-friendly features, including an aquarium, a yoga room, an Air Train, nurseries, and 13 restaurants with special menus for children. Seven shops offer baby care essentials, and there are 17 lactation spaces, including 11 nurseries and six Mamava pods.
Dubai International Airport (DXB)
DXB has a dedicated family zone with a play area, baby changing station, TVs with cartoons, and interactive games. There's also a Nutella cafe and Bounce, which offers trampoline play. Free strollers are available near family check-in, and there are kid-friendly dining options.
Zurich Airport
Zurich Airport provides play options for toddlers and excellent services for parents with young children. There are free rooms for breastfeeding and sleeping, as well as kitchenettes to warm food, changing tables, and baby products. For older children, there are computer games, PlayStations, and a foosball table.
Orlando International Airport (MCO)
MCO has been recognised as family-friendly, especially with its recent addition of a new terminal and train station. There are 18 lactation spaces, including 14 nursing rooms and four Mamava pods. MCO also offers interactive spaces, a fun garden, a wellness garden, and art exhibits.
Other Notable Mentions
- Baltimore Washington International Airport: Features a gym, cardio trail, art centre, play area, and observation deck.
- Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (CSIA): Showcases beautiful artwork and offers guided tours of the Jaya He GVK New Museum.
- Seoul Incheon Airport: Provides 24-hour nursery rooms, baby changing and rest areas, hot and cold water, and bottle warmers. There are also Kids Zones for older children and a capsule hotel for longer layovers.
- Porto Airport: A quiet, modern airport with friendly staff, making it easy to navigate and get through security.
- Kuala Lumpur Airport: Includes a small carnival play zone in the shopping area.
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Preparing to fly with infants
Preparing to fly with an infant can be a daunting task, but with the right preparation, it is manageable. Here are some tips to help make your travel experience a little easier:
Planning and Packing:
Before your travel date, it is important to plan and pack accordingly. Research the airport you will be travelling through and find out if they have lactation spaces and nursing rooms available. Some airports, such as MCO, DTW, LGA, MIA, IAD, BOS, LAX, and FLL, offer dedicated lactation spaces and nursing rooms, making it convenient for breastfeeding parents. Knowing this beforehand will help you plan your journey, especially if you need to make a stop during transit.
Additionally, pack only what you need to make your travel experience less stressful. You can bring a stroller and car seat through security, but consider using a baby carrier instead as it can be easier to navigate with a baby attached to you, especially when manoeuvring through security checks.
Reservations and Documentation:
When making your flight reservation, ensure that you have added your infant to your booking. The process may vary depending on the airline, but most airlines will require a confirmed ticket for the infant, even if they will be a lap infant. For children under 2, some form of identification, such as a birth certificate, may be requested, especially if you are flying to a destination that doesn't require a passport. It is always good to have a copy of your child's birth certificate with you just in case.
Feeding and Swallowing:
Breastfeed or offer a bottle to your infant during takeoff and landing. Swallowing will help relieve the pressure in their ears and acclimate them to the altitude change. If your child is older, you can offer them water or their favourite juice to help with ear popping.
Seating Arrangements:
Decide what seating arrangement you are most comfortable with. According to the Federal Airline Administration (FAA), purchasing a seat for your baby and using a car seat is the safest option. However, it is perfectly legal and a personal choice to have them as a lap infant. Consider the age, size, and mobility of your baby, as well as your own comfort level. If you opt for a lap infant, remember that most airlines don't allow two lap infants in the same row, and you may need to be reseated if your original seats are booked that way.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, many airports have lactation spaces or nursing rooms for breastfeeding parents. Some airports also have family (unisex) restrooms that can be used for nursing.
Honolulu International Airport, Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport, and Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW) are some examples of airports with feeding rooms or lactation spaces.
Yes, you can bring your own food through airport security and onto the plane, as long as it meets the airline's standards and any applicable customs regulations. However, most security personnel will inspect your food items separately from your luggage, which may cause delays. It is also important to note that bringing food onto the plane is generally easier on domestic flights than on international flights.
