When travelers think of contentious issues on planes, jockeying for overhead bin space or debating whether to recline a seat likely come to mind. But breastfeeding on a plane can be one of the most fraught dilemmas in the sky for new parents. Among a patchwork of airline policies, federal regulations, and obnoxious passengers, many are left wondering if they’re allowed to breastfeed on a plane, and if so, what guidelines are in place?
If you feel confused about the topic, you’re not the only one. Even airline cabin crews can seem ill informed on their carrier’s policies—and parents’ federally mandated rights—leading to distressing stories of nursing parents being told to stop feeding or to cover up. Flight attendants have also landed in hot water for shuffling nursing mothers into the lavatory and not allowing their breast pumps on board.
These flight attendants aren’t just going against airline policy, they could be violating federal regulations. In fact, all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia have laws that allow women to breastfeed in any public or private location where she is legally authorized to be.
In airports specifically, legislation passed in 2018 and in 2020 requires small, medium, and large hub airports to provide a private, non-bathroom space in every terminal building for the expression of breast milk. Many airports offer freestanding Mamava lactation pods—small spaces with a door that locks, an outlet, and sometimes a sink. The pods can usually be booked on Mamava’s app; check your airport’s website to find the pods in each terminal. Another option is Minute Suites, which offers lactating parents free 30-minute stays in its private napping rooms.
Although there’s no overarching federal rule that declares breast pumps as necessary medical devices, many airlines do view them as such and allow passengers to bring them on board (along with a small cooler) without counting toward a fliers’ carry-on limit. But these policies are something you will want to double check with each airline you fly.
Rules and regulations aside, when it comes down to it, breastfeeding during different phases of flight can also potentially help make your baby more comfortable. The CDC advises lactating parents traveling with babies to nurse “during takeoff and landing when traveling by airplane. This will help to protect your child from ear pain due to cabin pressure changes.”
Below, we’ve rounded up the specific policies for breastfeeding and pumping on board popular airlines like American and Delta. Consider printing out your airline’s policy before you fly and carry it with you, just in case you run into any crew members who aren’t fully informed.
Breastfeeding policies on popular airlines
Air Canada
According to its special services policies, Air Canada allows formula, juice, and breastmilk in carryon bags. The crew may provide extra ice as needed to keep these items cool. “We’re also happy to support breastfeeding on board our aircraft, whenever safety permits,” the airline’s policy states.
American Airlines
“We support breastfeeding and pumping in any of our customer facilities that mothers are comfortable using—that’s inclusive of onboard our aircraft, in our Admiral’s Clubs, and other airport facilities,” an American spokesperson said in an emailed statement in 2019. (The airline could not be reached for an updated statement.)
Breeze Airways
“According to TSA regulations, items needed for infant nourishment such as baby formula, juice, breast milk, and breast pumps do not count towards your carry-on limit,” Breeze’s policy on infant formula and breastfeeding states. “Breastfeeding and the use of breast pumps are allowed during Breeze flights.”
British Airways
“We carry thousands of infants and their families on our flights every year,” a spokesperson said via email. “And we welcome breastfeeding on board.” The carrier was also named World’s Most Family Friendly Airline at the annual Skytrax World Airline Awards in 2024.
Cathay Pacific
“Breastfeeding your baby is allowed during all phases of flight,” says Cathay’s page on traveling with infants and children. If you wish to use electric breast pumps while on board, you can do so after the announcement that electronic devices could be switched on, and up until the seat belt sign is switched on before landing. The pumps must be stowed for take-off, taxiing and landing.”
Delta
“Delta fully supports a woman’s right to breastfeed on board Delta and Delta Connection aircraft and in Delta facilities,” states the infant air travel section of the airline’s website. “Breast pumps are allowed on board.”
Emirates
“As per our family‑friendly policy, we want mothers to feel as comfortable as possible,” Emirates says. “You can breastfeed at your seat if you choose, and we’ll provide you with a blanket if you’d like some extra privacy.” More information about traveling with a baby can be found on the airline’s family travel page.
Frontier Airlines
“We welcome nursing customers who wish to breastfeed onboard,” says an FAQ page on Frontier’s website. “Baggage containing a breast pump and/or breast milk may be brought onboard in addition to the standard free personal item.”
Hawaiian Airlines
A spokesperson for the airline says it does “not have a specific policy regarding breastfeeding inside our aircraft.”
JetBlue
“Mothers wishing to either breastfeed their infants or use a breast pump may do so in any public area including the aircraft cabin,” a spokesperson for JetBlue said in an email.
Singapore
“We believe it’s every mother’s right to be able to nurse their infant or express on board,” Singapore’s policy states. “You can choose to do so at your seat if you prefer—our crew will be happy to provide you with an extra blanket for added privacy.” The airline also notes that both manual and electric breast pumps are allowed on board, but the device’s batteries must meet approved guidelines.
Southwest Airlines
“Moms are welcome to nurse and pump onboard,” says an advice page on Southwest’s website. “A breast pump does not count toward the carryon limit.”
United Airlines
According to its “flying with children” page, United allows passengers to “breastfeed or pump from your seat or the bathroom.” Flight attendants will also bring “ice to keep milk and formula cool.” The carrier allows a breast pump, breastmilk, and formula onboard, “along with a carry-on bag (even if you’re not traveling with your child).”
This story has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
