Lois Larson
Breastfeeding and pumping while travelling can be stressful, especially when it comes to navigating airport procedures. The Friendly Airports for Mothers Act mandates that medium and large US airports provide private lactation spaces in every terminal, and some smaller airports are also starting to offer these facilities. Airline clubs and lounges also often have private spaces for mothers. To locate these spaces, you can check the airport's website or download the Mamava app. It is important to be aware of the relevant policies and procedures, as well as the rights of breastfeeding mothers, to ensure a smooth experience when travelling and pumping in airports.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Where to pump at the airport | Mamava pods, empty gates, airline clubs and lounges, airport lactation rooms, or airplane seat |
| Where to pump on the plane | Airplane seat or restroom |
| How to find airport fuel pumps | Google Maps satellite view, call the airport, or ask for directions from Ground |
| Fuel pump procedure | Swipe card, enter tail number, choose amount, check hose, attach to plane, tuck rubber mat between plane and hose |
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What You'll Learn
TSA regulations and policies
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has a set of regulations and policies that travellers must adhere to when it comes to carrying liquids, gels, and aerosols in their luggage. These rules are in place to ensure security and can sometimes be unpredictable and frustrating for travellers. One of the most well-known TSA regulations is the 3-1-1 policy for carry-on bags, which was introduced in 2006 after a plot to detonate liquid explosives on international flights was foiled.
According to this policy, travellers are allowed to carry liquids, gels, and aerosols in containers of 3.4 fluid ounces (100 milliliters) or smaller. This amount may seem odd, but it is to keep TSA rules consistent with international regulations. All the 3.4-ounce containers must fit into a clear one-quart bag, and only one such bag is permitted per passenger. Any liquids that do not meet these limitations will be confiscated, and travellers may face further consequences.
It is important to note that the TSA considers certain substances that are typically considered solids or gases as liquids. These include aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes. Items such as toothpaste, hair spray, shampoo, and peanut butter fall under this category and must adhere to the 3-1-1 rule. Medically necessary liquids, such as breast milk, baby formula, prescription eye drops, liquid medications, and nutritional supplements, are exempt from the rule but must still be declared to a TSA officer for screening.
Travellers should also be aware that volatile liquids, such as gasoline and other flammable substances, are prohibited in both carry-on and checked bags. It is advisable not to bring these substances to the airport at all. Additionally, travellers should consider the regulations of their destination country when packing liquids, as certain items like alcohol may be restricted or illegal in certain countries. While less commonly known, travellers can bring frozen liquids through security if they are completely frozen solid. However, enforcement of this rule may vary depending on the TSA officer.
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Pumping spaces at the airport
Pumping breast milk at an airport can be a daunting task for new mothers. However, there are a few options available for new mothers to pump at the airport. Firstly, it is important to note that the Friendly Airports for Mothers Act of 2018 mandated that all medium and large US airports provide private lactation spaces in every terminal by 2021. Many airports nationwide already have up-to-date nursing rooms. For example, the Savannah Hilton Head airport has a new mother's nursing room with a changing table, outlets, and a rocking chair.
Additionally, small airports are also increasingly providing private spaces for mothers. For instance, Boise airport has private spaces for mothers. Airline clubs and lounges also often have private spaces for mothers. For example, United Polaris' business class lounges in Houston, Chicago, Los Angeles, and San Francisco include wellness rooms for nursing mothers. At Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, the American Express Centurion Lounge has a dedicated room for nursing mothers.
Furthermore, airports also have Mamava pods that are private and clean areas to pump and relax. These pods can be located using the Mamava app. If you are unable to find a Mamava pod, you could try to find an empty gate and pump there with your baby.
It is important to note that you are allowed to bring breast milk and formula with you in any amount on the plane. However, it is recommended to inform the TSA officer that you are carrying expressed milk. Additionally, if you are keeping your breast milk cold with an ice pack, ensure that the ice pack is frozen solid.
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Airline policies
Firstly, it is important to know your rights. In the US, the Friendly Airports for Mothers Act of 2018 mandated that all medium and large hub airports provide private lactation spaces in every terminal by 2021. This means that you should have access to a private, non-bathroom space to pump or breastfeed. Smaller airports are also increasingly providing these spaces, and you can check the airport's website or the Mamava app to locate these areas. Airline lounges also often have private spaces for mothers. If you are travelling internationally, research your destination's policies, as TSA rules are not universal. For example, in the UK, you cannot bring frozen breast milk in your carry-on luggage.
Secondly, be prepared for security. Print out or take a screenshot of the pertinent information from the TSA website, in case a security agent challenges your rights. When you reach security, inform the TSA officer that you are carrying expressed milk, any ice packs or cooling units, and your pump. You can bring breast milk and formula in any amount on the plane, but TSA will test it by opening the container and waving a short swab above it to capture fumes. If you are uncomfortable with this, you can request alternative procedures, which may include additional screening for you and the milk.
Thirdly, consider your seating options. If you wish to pump on the plane, a window seat will offer the most privacy. When booking, call ahead to check if there is an outlet at your seat, as most electric pumps require one. If not, you may need to purchase a portable battery pack.
Finally, be ready to pump on the plane, but also be aware that you may prefer to pump at the airport, either before or after your flight. If you decide to pump on the plane, you can do so in your seat or in the restroom. Have all your equipment easily accessible, such as pump parts, caps for bottles, a wet/dry bag, a nursing cover, etc.
Remember, it is always a good idea to travel with a copy of your airline's breastfeeding policy, and to be your own advocate if you encounter any issues.
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Pumping on the plane
Pumping breast milk on a plane can be daunting, but there are ways to make the process easier. Firstly, it is important to know your rights and the relevant policies. According to the TSA, you can bring breast milk and formula in any amount on the plane, and these are considered medically necessary liquids. However, it is a good idea to print out or screenshot the pertinent information from the TSA website, as well as your airline's breastfeeding policy, in case there is any confusion at the airport.
If you are travelling with a caregiver, such as your partner, they can hold the baby while you pump in your seat or the restroom on the plane. If you are alone, you may prefer to pump at the airport before your flight, in a Mamava pod or private lactation space, and then after you land. Most hub airports and large train stations are required to provide private, non-bathroom spaces for breastfeeding, and you can check the airport's website or download the Mamava app to locate these areas.
If you decide to pump on the plane, you can do so in your seat or the restroom. It is a good idea to have everything you need easily accessible, such as pump parts, caps for your bottles, a wet/dry bag, a hands-free bra, and a nursing cover if you want one. If your pump has a rechargeable battery, make sure it is charged, and consider bringing a portable battery pack as backup. If you are using a manual pump, you may find it easier to pump while holding your baby.
To keep your breast milk cold, use a frozen ice pack or ask for ice in a baggie at a restaurant inside the terminal or from a flight attendant. If you are travelling internationally, research your destination's policies, as TSA rules do not apply everywhere. For example, in the UK, you cannot bring frozen breast milk in your carry-on luggage.
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Cleaning pump parts
When travelling with a breast pump, it is important to keep the pump parts clean. Here are some tips for cleaning pump parts while travelling:
- Rinse the pump parts: After using the pump, quickly rinse the parts with water. This will help to remove any milk residue and make it easier to clean later on.
- Use a basin or container: Fill a basin or a large, flat plastic container with hot water and a few glugs of vinegar. Vinegar helps break down milk residue and makes cleaning easier. Soak the pump parts in the solution for at least 5 minutes.
- Scrub and rinse: After soaking, use a dedicated bottle brush to scrub the pump parts. Avoid scrubbing the small silicone backflow protectors and duckbills, and simply soak, swish, and rinse them. Rinse all the parts with clean water to remove any soap residue.
- Sterilize: Place the pump parts in a sterilizer to ensure they are free from germs. If you don't have access to a sterilizer, you can boil the parts in a pan of water for a few minutes.
- Air dry: After sterilizing, lay the pump parts on a clean surface to air dry. You can use paper towels or a drying rack to place the parts on.
It is recommended to have multiple sets of pump parts so that you can rotate and clean them less frequently throughout the day. Additionally, always wash your hands before handling the pump parts and ensure that the cleaning brushes and basins are also sanitized.
When travelling, it is important to know your rights and the facilities available at airports. The Friendly Airports for Mothers Act of 2018 mandated that all medium and large U.S. airports provide private lactation spaces in every terminal. Many airports now have nursing rooms with amenities like changing tables, outlets, and rocking chairs. You can also look for Mamava pods, which are private spaces for pumping and nursing. Airline clubs and lounges may also offer private spaces for mothers.
When flying with a breast pump, it is recommended to carry it on rather than checking it in. Treat it as a medical device, and remember to bring any necessary accessories, such as ice packs, which are allowed in carry-ons. Check your airline's breastfeeding policy, and if possible, bring a printed copy of the guidelines with you to avoid any confusion.
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Frequently asked questions
Most airports have Mamava pods, which are private and clean areas to pump and relax. You can check the airport's website or download the Mamava app to find out where the pods are located. Some airports also have nursing rooms with amenities like changing tables, outlets, and rocking chairs.
If there are no dedicated pumping spaces available, you can pump in an empty gate area or in an airport restroom.
You can pump during any stage of your flight. If you plan to pump in your seat, consider booking a window seat for more privacy. It's a good idea to call ahead to see if there's an outlet at your seat if your pump requires one.
