Introduction:

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Traveling by air as a pumping parent? You're bound to hear some horror stories, and I've had my share. But fret not, I've been both a flight attendant and a lactation counselor, and I'm here to share my best tips for air travel as a pumping parent. We'll cover everything you need to know to make your journey more manageable. Here's what we'll explore:

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Here’s what we’ll cover:

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1. Understanding TSA Requirements for Breast Milk

2. What to Know–and What to Pack–for Domestic Travel with Pumped Milk

3. Consider Milkstork for Added Convenience

4. International Travel as a Pumping Parent

5. Don't Forget Your Battery Adapter

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1. Understanding TSA Requirements for Breast Milk

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Before embarking on your journey, familiarize yourself with TSA requirements for carrying breast milk on the aircraft with you. TSA recognizes the importance of breastfeeding and offers specific guidelines for parents who are traveling with breast milk–of course, it comes with that happy little red exclamation point alerting you that final say is up to the agent’s judgment, sigh. But for the most part, you’ll be fine when carrying on pumped milk domestically, even if it’s not in frozen form; just review the guidelines (and while you’re at it, print them out to bring with you to avoid any hassle). 

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2. What to Know–and What to Pack–for Domestic Travel with Pumped Milk

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When traveling within the United States, you have some advantages when carrying breast milk. In most cases, your breast milk won't count toward your carry-on allowance since it's considered a medical necessity. To make this process more convenient:

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Allow Extra Time: In my experience, the agents at the checkpoint will be (a) confused, (b) thorough, or (c) both of these. So add about 10 extra minutes of cushion to get through security without anxiety. They’ll probably run your milk through a little machine and touch it and such. It’s annoying, but hey, they’re keeping us safe.

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Carry a Cooler: Bring a cooler, ideally one designed for breast milk, as an additional carry-on, which should not count toward your allowance due to it being medically necessary. Ensure it's well-insulated to maintain the milk's temperature. 

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Bring Ice Packs–and make sure they’re frozen SOLID when you carry them in your cooler through security. Bring the kind you don’t care about having to throw away, in case the agent is a pill about it. 

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Bring an Empty Gallon Ziploc. If the agent makes you toss your ice packs due to them being less than frozen solid, you’ll take this giant ziploc to the first coffee shop you see terminal-side, and you’ll tell your sad story to a barista; they’ll give you words of comfort and a full bag of ice.

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Look for the Mamava: I’ve been so pleased to see more and more lactation pods (like those created by Mamava) available in terminals. Pumping in a bathroom stall just feels gross, and more and more airports are supporting parents by adding facilities designed specifically for pumping parents. Ask an airport employee for their lactation room, and use your wait-time before boarding to get in a little pump.

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3. Consider Milkstork for Added Convenience

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If you don’t feel like fooling with the rigamarole of the TSA checkpoint with carry-on milk, you might think that checking your cooler of milk is a good idea. It is not a good idea. Do not go this route. So many bags get lost and diverted, and it’s simply not worth it. If you don’t want to face the check-on process with milk, or if you’re traveling internationally, I recommend looking into a delivery service like Milkstork as a valuable solution. Although Milkstork can be relatively expensive, many companies understand the importance of supporting working parents, and if you’re traveling for work, your employer might reimburse this service. 

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4. International Travel: What You Need to Know

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When traveling internationally, be aware that regulations may vary from one country to another. You can certainly come prepared as you would with the US TSA, with a printout of their guidelines and such, but in my experience, it’s just far less predictable.  Rely on Milkstork if available, or it honestly might be more convenient to pump and dispose of the milk, rather than carrying it through customs. 

5. Don't Forget Your Battery Adapter

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Finally, ensure you have a battery adapter or a power source for your breast pump. Plugs can fail, and adaptors can blow your AirBnb’s entire power source as soon as you check in after a long-haul to Prague (yes, speaking from experience). Bring your plug AND a battery pack with fully-charged batteries, just so you don’t have to worry.

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Conclusion:

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Traveling as a breastfeeding parent requires some preparation, but with the right knowledge and planning, it can actually go smoothly. Familiarize yourself with TSA regulations, pack wisely, and consider the growing number of companies making this experience more convenient. Whether you're traveling domestically or internationally, knowing how to handle your breast milk will make your journey more comfortable and enjoyable. And my last tip of all: pump on the plane in your seat! Cover yourself with a big scarf and wait until you’re up in the air. Literally no one ever notices.

PS: Book a consultation with a lactation expert on Nessle to boost your confidence and preparation even more! And if you ARE bringing the little one along, learn my best tips for travel with young children here.

Safe travels!