12 Essential Tips for Moms Breastfeeding on a Plane

Breastfeeding on a plane shouldn’t be stressful. Whether you are a new mom taking your first flight with your baby, or a mom on a long flight trying to keep up your milk supply while away from your baby, you have the right to breastfeed on a plane (and pump). 

Now before the bottle feeders get up in arms, please know that I have experience bottle feeding a baby on a plane, as well as having breastfed on a plane . You haven’t been forgotten. For various reasons I couldn’t nurse my boys for very long (especially my oldest), so my breast fed baby turned into bottle feeding baby on our frequent flights after a few months. 

Baby bottles are definitely easier, but nursing your baby on a plane can be just as convenient, if not more so, especially when it comes to airport security checkpoints. Just think of all that gear you don’t have to pack! After all, breastfeeding on a plane comes with built in equipment for nursing mothers… you!

And for all of you solo business traveling males freaking out right now about screaming babies and breastfeeding moms next to you- have no fear, there is good news for you too. Breastfeeding mothers are generally a discreet bunch when it comes to cramped modes of transportation (like air travel), at least I was when breastfeeding on a plane.

Questions you might have about Breastfeeding on a Plane

• Is it legal to breastfeed on a plane? Yes
• Are there any airline or federal regulations I should be aware of? No
• Do I need to inform anyone before breastfeeding on the plane? No
• Where is the best place to breastfeed on a plane? At your seat.
• Are there designated breastfeeding areas on board? Generally, no.
• What should I do if I need to pump breast milk during the flight? Ask the flight attendant for advice on the best spot.
• How can I breastfeed discreetly if I feel uncomfortable? Wear a coverup/scarf/pashmina
• What tips and tricks can make breastfeeding on a plane more comfortable? See below.
• Can I bring any items on board to assist with breastfeeding? Yes, but they may be considered your two carry-on items.
• What should I do if my baby is fussy or has trouble latching on while flying?  
• Are there any negative perceptions about breastfeeding on a plane? No. And it is your legal right to do it.
• How can I respond to any discomfort expressed by other passengers? Use a nursing cover if you are worried about other passengers.
• What are my rights as a breastfeeding mother on a plane? You have the right to breastfeed (and bottle feed) your baby on a plane.
• What if I need to bottle-feed instead of breastfeeding on the plane? The TSA has very clear, reasonable guidelines on what you can bring through security (bottles, formula, breastmilk in pouches, cooling devices like ice packs, etc.)
• What should I do if I am traveling internationally with a young baby? The same thing you would do in the USA. If there are cultural concerns, call the airline ahead of time to get their advice and to see if they have any accommodations for nursing mothers onboard.
• Can I bring breast milk through airport security? Yes, see the TSA guidelines below. 

Your Right to Breastfeed on a Plane 

Above all else, please know that it is your right to breastfeed your child, and even breastfeed while flying, even if there is no clear policy to support this in the USA or from the airlines. Most people on your flight won’t even notice you breastfeeding. So as long as you don’t make a big deal over it, no one else will (probably… usually). 

If you are worried, call the airline and ask what their breastfeeding on a plane policy is. Even better, email them and get it in writing. Most airlines will just ask that you cover up to make sure other passengers don’t become uncomfortable. 

You can also let your seat mates know that you plan to breastfeed on the plane in case they would like to move to a different seat. Don’t be offended if they move; you may get a row to yourself! 

Don’t be nervous either. Just breastfeed your baby as you do at home. Be confident and you will do just fine. 

I have had nothing but positive experiences breastfeeding while flying with both of my boys, despite our many hiccups trying to breastfeed those first few months, and I wish the same for all of you.

What are My Rights When Carrying Breastmilk on a Plane?

For those mothers who are traveling without their babies, or maybe you are pumping and need to bottle feed your baby breast milk, we will go straight to the source for all things security and security screening related at an airport, so that you are prepared to talk to the TSA officers– the Transportation Security Administration of the United States. 

According to the TSA.gov website, “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.” 

Read more about the TSA guidelines for traveling with baby formula and breast milk HERE. 

Basic Tips when Breastfeeding on a Plane

Now that you know what you can do legally, as far as feeding your baby, let’s dig into some of the nitty gritty tips and practices when flying with an infant or toddler, and trying to keep your breastfed baby happy along the way.

What to wear when breastfeeding on a plane

Scarves

Now is the time to pull out all of those fabulous scarves and pashminas you have in your closet. Although companies are finally making attractive breastfeeding scarves (I’m obsessed with this one!) and nursing covers, my favorite breastfeeding cover up with my boys was a black, slightly see through, wide scarf I picked up at H&M years back. 

I would wear my scarf around my neck as an accessory, and then cross it over my son while I was feeding him. This gave my baby some air to breath (kind of important), I could peek at him while nursing him without disturbing his snacking, and no one could see my breast. 

Having a happy baby who I could easily feed meant I would build my entire travel outfit around this one scarf so I didn’t have to pack an extra cover up. Thankfully, there are a lot more options for new moms out there that can easily go with your outfit or fit into your hand luggage. 

Nursing Tops 

Just like when you are out and about at home, you will need a good nursing top when you are on a plane. GAP used to make a nursing tank top (similar to this one) that I love that was easy to wear under any shirt, but sadly they stopped making it.

Look for a breastfeeding top that pulls away quickly and easily. I preferred one that still covered up my tummy and only came apart at the top. I would drape my scarf over my shoulder to cover up the rest of me. 

No matter what, make sure you know how to use your nursing top before you get on a plane. The last thing you need is a botched top with a starving, crying baby on a plane.

Breastfeeding or Nursing Bra

If you would rather not buy all new nursing tops, you can stick with nursing bras, which essentially do the same thing as a nursing top, except your stomach might be exposed. Most people don’t care about this (unless it’s cold out), so do what works best for you. If you are using a manual breast pump while you travel, nursing bras may be the best choice for you, especially if you are traveling for work. 

Baby Carrier

I never leave home without my baby carrier (here’s a list of our favorite infant carriers for traveling parents). By my second child I was a pro at feeding my babies while also holding them in their carriers. It was a skill I was very proud of, but it did require a change of clothes in my bag just in case there was spit up or leakage. 

New parents who aren’t used to breastfeeding baby while he or she is in a carrier should practice at home, at the park, and in the car if they want to make sure it can work for them. 

Packing List for Breastfeeding Moms

You might not need bottles, but you will need your cover up of choice, an extra shirt in case of leaks, and a decent burp cloth (like this one). No one likes baby spit up all over them for an entire flight. My husband can tell you stories about how he has flown covered in all sorts of baby fluids if you need proof. 

• Baby travel essentials, like burp cloths, cleansing wipes, change of clothes, diapers, etc.
• Cover up or nursing scarf
• Plastic bag filled with frozen grapes if you plan to pump or bring breast milk (it doubles as an ice pack AND a snack!)
• Extra plastic bags to store messy clothes
• Nursing pillow OR a breastfeeding pillow alternative– if you like your nursing pillow, but don’t want to haul it on board, use an airplane neck pillow like this one instead. It gives your baby a squishy spot to stick their head and lifts them up a bit, while also cushioning your arm.
• If you plan to pump your breast milk, you will need to bring your breast pump, along with a small cooler bag to preserve the milk that you pump.

Traveling with a Breast Pump and Breast Milk

If you need to keep breast milk cool, pack a bag of frozen grapes to put in your insulated bottle bag, and bring along a few extra plastic bags to fill with ice in the airport and on the plane. 

However, you are allowed to bring ice packs through TSA when you need to store breast milk, as well as much breast milk as you have pumped or your baby will need for the flight. 

Bringing any liquids for an infant or breast milk through security screening just takes a few additional steps. 

Let the TSA agent know at the beginning of the screening process that you have breast milk and/or nursing equipment with you. You may have to go through additional screening, so leave plenty of extra time for agents to look at the breast pump parts, clean water you have brought in water bottles, liquid formula (if applicable), packs of milk, and anything else you may need to pump while traveling as a breastfeeding mom. 

Remember, your breast pump is still considered a personal item if you have not packed it in your carry-on bag. Flight attendents will flag you if you try to walk on the plane with your two carry-ons plus your breast pump bag. 

Breastfeeding at the airport

Over the past decade, as more and more airports realize that nursing mothers are traveling with their breastfeeding child and need to feed their babies while in transit, private lactation rooms and rooms have been set up for mother’s to feed their children, especially in large hub airports. 

While you may be comfortable breastfeeding in public, remember that not everyone is, or maybe they have a very curious baby who gets distracted easily, so a quiet nursing lounge is the only way for your child to get to the task at hand.

If you have airport lounge access, there are usually small meeting rooms or even private cubbies where you can find some quiet to feed your baby in comfort too. 

For those at an airport without any of these luxuries, treat this just like you would breastfeeding at the park or any other public space. Happily, most breastfeeding friendly airports will have a spot for you to pump or feed your baby, whether you use it or not. 

Where to Breastfeed on a Plane

Aisle Seat vs. Window Seat

Your seat is the best location to breastfeed your baby on a plane. It is safer for you and your baby to be seated at all times, whether you have brought their baby car seat to install in their own seat for the plane journey, or they are a lap child. Trying to multitask (feeding a baby, holding a baby, and trying to keep your cool) is no easy feat, so simplify as much as you can.

I always prefer an aisle seat so I can not only get up to bounce my boys, but also have the elbow room I find necessary to get everything maneuvered in order to breastfeed on the plane. 

That extra space means you won’t nudge your neighbor as much too. You also won’t feel as cramped while you try to breastfeed your baby in a tight space. 

Then again, a window seat allows for more privacy. While breastfeeding at a window seat, you can turn so you are facing the window, giving yourself more privacy and your baby less distractions. If I’m traveling with my family, I will take the window seat to feed the baby, since I know I can get up to move if needed without disrupting strangers. 

Whatever you do, avoid the middle seat! Even without a baby, no one likes the middle seat.

Airplane Bathroom 

Locking yourself in the airplane bathroom to nurse a baby on a plane is not the best option considering it can take upwards of 20 minutes to feed a baby. You will not win any points with your fellow passengers who are in line, and the flight attendants may get suspicious that you are up to no good.

Plus, really think about the amount of germs in that tiny bathroom before you sit down to feed your baby. It’s pretty gross in there, and I don’t need a black light to know it. 

Talk to the flight attendants before you try to breastfeed baby in the bathroom, they may have some alternate ideas for you. 

Don’t do anything that will get you thrown off the plane! Always check with the flight crew before you breastfeed in the bathroom on a plane. 

The Back Galley

If you have a very nice flight crew, talk to one of the female flight attendants about your nursing concerns. First time mothers can be nervous as this is all new, and they aren’t very efficient at it yet (I know I wasn’t, even with my second!). 

Ask if you can at least get the baby started in the galley while they serve beverages. This way you can get yourself situated without worrying people will stare at you as you start to breastfeed your baby, and you won’t be in the flight attendants way.

Head back to your seat so your arm doesn’t get tired and you can relax a little while baby is occupied breastfeeding. 

NOTE: Understand that post-9/11 flying may prohibit this. If the flight attendant says no, listen to her/him. They always have the final word. You can and will be kicked off the flight if you argue. 

Pumping on a Plane

While breastfeeding can seem stressful on a plane, pumping on a flight is even more awkward, although equally as necessary and allowed. If you are on a short flight, try to pump in the airport just before the flight and then again as soon as you land. If you need electrical outlets for your breast pump, this is the best option. 

If you are on a long-haul flight, speak to the flight attendants to see if they have a private space you can pump. Sometimes they may be able to pull a curtain around the seats designated for them, or if you are very lucky, they can bring you to one of the upper classes to pump. Don’t expect that last one though; that’s only if you get a VERY kind flight attendant. 

Remember that not all planes have electrical outlets, so bring a manual nursing pump or a battery pack to power your electric breast pump.

Featured image of baby breastfeeding, vertical image of baby, Colorful pashminas and Interior of Airplane via Shutterstock.com