As a first time mom I was nervous enough to travel with my daughter on her first flight let alone having to figure out the logistics of breastfeeding, pumping and milk storage during our travels. Here I have assembled some quick tips to make breastfeeding and traveling a breeze.
Know your rights
TSA allows you to carry-on or check your breast pump because it is considered a medical device. You can find this information here.
TSA also allows you to carry on breastmilk (no limit to quantities except that it must be a “reasonable amount”) whether you are traveling with or without an infant. The same stipulations apply to both cases. The basics are that you are not limited to a 3 ounces and can travel with ice packs in order to keep the milk cool/frozen. However, I recommend traveling with the milk in one convenient bag like a gallon Ziploc since it must be screened separately, and a small portion may need to be tested. Read the TSA guidelines before traveling and even print them out. I keep mine in my pumping bag just in case.
Each airline also has individual guidelines on both breast pumps and breastmilk. I recommend also having these printed and stored in your pumping bag. Here is a breakdown of each major airline’s policies. I like to carry my pump and supplies in a separate bag so that it doesn’t count as a personal item. 
- Southwest – Their policy is a little hard to find because it is not under “Traveling with Infants” however it is under “Air Travel for Disabled Passengers” because a breast pump is considered a medical device.
- Delta – This policy is very vague and I could not find anywhere that mentioned “Breast pump” specifically. However their policies for medical devices are similar to other companies.
- United
- American Airlines – this is the only airline that mentions “soft sided coolers with breastmilk” as specifically allowed and does not count it as a carry-on or personal item. They do mention medical devices but are very vague and do not list items such as breast pumps.
If you are unsure, call the airline and check!
Find Lactation Spaces
Thankfully airports are keeping up with the times and in all the airports we traveled in (San Antonio,Texas, Boise, Idaho, Denver, Colorado, Las Vegas, Nevada) each had some form of lactation space to offer. If you have a short layover I suggest planning your stops ahead so you have time to get to the lactation space and do your business. The best app for finding any lactation space anywhere is Mamava.
This company makes various types of pods made specifically for nursing/pumping mamas. However their app also identifies other lactation spaces other than their pods. They also provide great resources on Breastfeeding Laws in all 50 states.
Ship Your Milk Home
Milk Stork is for the world traveler mama, this is a godsend and a genuinely genius idea! This company has several options for keeping your liquid gold at optimum temperatures. Plus who couldn’t love a company whose slogan is “express love.” Milk Stork also encourages employees to have their company pay for this expense if you are traveling for work which is GENIUS!
If you are looking for a way to transport the most milk in the smallest amount of space check out Mammaway. This mom owned company has a great gadget to help #fixmymilkstash.
Confirm your hotel room has a mini fridge
There is nothing worse than having all this Liquid Gold and nowhere to store it. Mama, you can’t let all that hard work go to waste! You may even want to check and see if has a freezer compartment. If you are traveling with frozen milk keep breastmilk storage guidelines in mind. At one point during our trip I thought our fridge wasn’t working and the hotel graciously offered to let me store my breastmilk in the barista fridge.
Remember your breastmilk storage guidelines!
(below is what the CDC recommends)
Pack Your Bags
I use a Sarah Wells Bag and I am obsessed with it! (They are a little pricey but I found mine on Facebook Marketplace for a steal!)
- Assemble all your pump parts to make sure you have everything you need.
- Mini dish soap (remember to keep it under 3oz)
- Sarah Wells Pumparoo – this is a wet dry back for storing your parts in the fridge between pumps and it has a clip on drying mat for when you wash your pumping parts
- Hand sanitizer
- Hands-free pumping bra – I keep a basic Medela, but usually I wear a Kindred Bravely Nursing and Pumping Bra – GAME CHANGER!
- Nursing cover
- Pump & Pump charger
- Nursing pads
- Nipple butter or CoBoo Spray (also a GAME CHANGER)
- Storage bags
Don’t be afraid to ask!
I was a part of the wedding party and so in addition to all the bridesmaid duties I also had to pump throughout the day. By the reception I had all this milk that needed to be put in the fridge. I kindly asked the venue if they would be willing to put my breastmilk in the fridge while I partied away and they said yes! Moral of the story is that most people will be extremely accommodating. If you are nervous about asking find a female or someone that looks like a mom – usually they will be empathetic and help you out! We were amazed by how gracious everyone was on our travels. The hotel even had a pack-n-play that they set up in our room with a cute little blanket and baby soap/lotion (thankfully because we forgot ours!)
