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Breast pumps are allowed in both carry-on and checked luggage, according to the TSA, which considers them medical devices. However, it is highly recommended to carry your breast pump in your carry-on bag to avoid damage or loss. When going through security, you'll need to remove your breast pump from your bag and place it in a separate bin for screening. Some airports have lactation rooms, and many airlines allow you to use your breast pump during the flight. If you decide to pump on the plane, you can do so in the restroom or your seat. If you want to pump at the airport, check if there are any Mamava pods available, which are private spots for pumping.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Where to breast pump at the airport | Check if the airport has Mamava pods, which are private spots for pumping. Download the Mamava app to locate and unlock these spaces. |
| Where to breast pump on the plane | In the restroom, at your seat, or in a lactation room (if the airline allows). |
| TSA rules | Breast pumps are considered medical devices and are allowed in both carry-on and checked luggage. |
| Screening | You'll need to remove your breast pump from your bag and place it in a separate bin for screening. |
| Breast milk | Any reasonable amount of breast milk is allowed on the plane. TSA agents may examine the milk for explosives and dangerous chemicals. |
| Ice packs | Frozen ice packs are allowed in your carry-on. |
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What You'll Learn
Airport security with a breast pump
Breast pumps are allowed in carry-on luggage, and some airlines will not count them as a carry-on item. However, it is always a good idea to check the airline's policy and print out or take a screenshot of the guidelines in case of any confusion at the airport. Breast pumps are also permitted in checked luggage.
When going through airport security, you may be asked to open bottles of breast milk, but security cannot ask to taste it. TSA agents may also examine breast milk for explosives and dangerous chemicals, although this is for your safety and that of other passengers and crew. If you are using ice packs to keep your milk cold, ensure that they are frozen solid before you leave for the airport, as thawed ice packs may be treated as liquids.
If you need to pump at the airport, check if Mamava pods are available. These are private lactation spaces that can be located and unlocked using the Mamava website and mobile app. If Mamava pods are unavailable, you could try to find an empty gate to pump at.
On the plane, you can pump in your seat or in the restroom. It is a good idea to bring everything you need to pump, such as pump parts, caps for bottles, a wet/dry bag, a portable battery pack (if your pump doesn't have a rechargeable battery), and a nursing cover.
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Airline policies on breast pumps
While the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) allows breast pumps on planes, there is no federal rule or regulation that governs airline policies on breast pumps. This means that airlines have their own policies about pumps and carry-ons.
Some airlines, like Frontier and JetBlue, consider a pump a medical or assistive device, and therefore allow it on board without counting towards your carry-on limit. However, it is important to note that these policies are only as good as the staff members enforcing them, and there have been instances of lactating travellers experiencing "breast milk discrimination" and not being allowed to bring their pumps on board. To avoid this, it is recommended to screenshot or print out the airline's policy and bring it with you, as well as the TSA guidelines, in case there is any confusion.
Additionally, some airports offer Mamava pods, which are private lactation spaces that can be located and unlocked using the Mamava website or mobile app. This can be helpful if you need to pump before boarding your plane.
On the plane, you can usually pump in the restroom or your seat, although it is recommended to check your airline's policy beforehand. If you need to warm milk, you can ask the flight attendant for a half-full cup of hot water.
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Keeping breast milk cold
If you are travelling with frozen breast milk, it is recommended to pack it in a cooler to keep it cold. You can use ice, ice packs, or dry ice to keep the cooler cold. Make sure the cooler is as full as possible to maximise its insulating effect. If you don't have enough milk to fill the cooler, you can add more ice or freeze water in plastic bags to fill the remaining space. Keep the cooler closed until you reach your destination to maintain the temperature.
If you are travelling with a cooler, it is a good idea to test its performance beforehand to ensure it keeps the milk cold for the duration of your trip. You can also purchase compact, portable insulated coolers that utilise insulation technology to keep milk cold for up to 20 hours.
If you are travelling with frozen ice packs, make sure they are frozen solid before you leave for the airport. You can also ask for ice from a restaurant inside the terminal or from a flight attendant to keep your milk cold during the flight.
If you are travelling with a baby, it is recommended to feed them freshly pumped breast milk so that you don't have to warm the bottles. Fresh milk can be kept at room temperature for up to 4 hours. If you need to warm the milk, you can ask a flight attendant for a half-full cup of hot water and place the bottle in it for a few minutes.
By following these tips, you can keep breast milk cold while travelling and ensure your baby has access to safe and nutritious milk during your trip.
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Pumping on the plane
Pumping breast milk on a plane can be a daunting experience, especially if you are unsure about airline policies and TSA regulations. However, with the right preparation and knowledge of TSA regulations, you can ensure a smooth and hassle-free journey. Here are some tips for pumping on the plane:
Check Airline Policies:
It is important to check with your airline about their policy on bringing breast pumps on planes. Some airlines consider it a medical device and will not count it against your carry-on allowance, while others may have different policies. It is recommended to carry your breast pump in your carry-on bag to avoid damage or loss.
Bring Necessary Accessories:
Don't forget to bring any necessary accessories, such as extra tubing, flanges, power adapters, and batteries. Labeling your breast pump and accessories with your name and contact information can be helpful in case they get misplaced.
TSA Regulations:
According to TSA rules, breast pumps are considered medical devices and are allowed in both carry-on and checked luggage. When going through security, you will need to remove your breast pump from your bag and place it in a separate bin for screening. Breast milk is exempt from the TSA's 3-1-1 rule, which limits liquids to containers of 3.4 ounces or less. However, you may be asked to open the containers for additional screening and inspection for explosives and dangerous chemicals.
Choose the Right Bag:
Select a bag that is easy to carry, can accommodate all your pumping equipment, and can fit into the tight airplane storage space. Keep all your breast pump accessories in one place to avoid losing anything during your trip.
Plan for Pumping:
If you're on a long flight, plan ahead for when and where you'll pump. Some airlines allow you to use your breast pump during the flight, and you can pump in your seat or the restroom. If you decide to pump in the restroom, make sure you have easy access to everything you need, such as pump parts, caps for your bottles, a wet/dry bag, your pump, a hands-free bra, and a nursing cover.
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Lactation pods and rooms
If you plan to pump in an airport, it is a good idea to check whether your airport has any Mamava pods or lactation rooms. These can be found using the Mamava app or website. You can then easily locate and unlock these private lactation spaces while travelling.
It is also worth noting that some airlines allow you to use your breast pump during the flight. Therefore, it is recommended to check your airline's policy on bringing breast pumps on planes. You can do this by searching " [your airline] breastfeeding policy" or checking with your airline directly. It is also a good idea to bring a copy of the TSA regulations regarding breast pumps and breast milk with you, in case you need to clarify the rules with airport staff.
TSA rules state that breast pumps are considered medical devices and are allowed in both carry-on and checked luggage. However, it is highly recommended to carry your breast pump in your carry-on bag to avoid damage or loss. When going through security, you will need to remove your breast pump from your bag and place it in a separate bin for screening.
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Frequently asked questions
Some airports have Mamava pods, which are private spots for pumping. You can check if your airport has them by visiting the Mamava website or downloading their mobile app.
Yes, you can bring your breast pump on a plane. According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), breast pumps are considered medical devices and are allowed in both carry-on and checked luggage. However, it is recommended to carry your breast pump in your carry-on bag to avoid damage or loss.
When going through security, you will need to remove your breast pump from your bag and place it in a separate bin for screening. It is also a good idea to bring a copy of the TSA regulations regarding breast pumps and breast milk, as well as any necessary accessories, such as extra tubing, flanges, and power adapters.
