What to pack, how to prepare, and everything else you need to know about feeding on the go. 

Preparing to fly the friendly skies with a baby can be daunting — especially if it’s during a crazy time like the holidays or it’s your first time doing it. There’s a lot to consider, from the nap and feeding schedule to the bottles and milk storage supplies. Not to mention trying to ward off any meltdowns while hoping that your seatmates are sympathetic! 

Below, we’re sharing everything you need to know about traveling with a breastfeeding infant, plus tips for finding a pump that helps your trip go as smoothly as possible. Keep reading to learn: 

• What to consider when booking flights and choosing seats 
• What to pack in your pumping / breastfeeding bag 
• Tips for feeding comfortably during your flight
• Navigating the airport when feeding and traveling with breast milk 
• And more! 

Preparing for Your Flight

Booking the Right Flight & Seats 

If your baby already has an established sleeping and feeding routine, consider choosing a flight that will sync up with their schedule! 

Ideally, you’ll be able to fly during one (or more) of their naps, giving everyone (that includes you!) a chance to get some much-needed rest. Another ideal scenario? Feeding sessions that overlap with take-off and landing, since the act of sucking and swallowing can help relieve your baby’s ear pressure. 

Of course, these are ideal scenarios — sometimes, you may not be able to line everything up perfectly. If you have to feed your baby a few minutes before or after you usually would, or if sleep gets a little wonky, it’s important to reset your expectations and embrace some flexibility.  

You may also want to look for a direct flight, even if it means shifting your travel dates or times slightly. Boarding one less flight with a baby is worth it! (One exception? If you’re headed on a long journey, it might be easier to book a layover that overlaps with nap or nighttime — sleep is critical, too!) And finally, don’t forget to optimize for convenience when picking your seat. If you’ll be breastfeeding, a window seat may provide you with more discretion and keep your baby distraction-free while they’re nursing. On the other hand, if you think you’ll want frequent access to the bathroom (breastfeeding moms need to hydrate!), then an aisle seat may better fit your needs. 

Remember: depending on the airline, families taking overnight or international flights can often reserve a bassinet prior to boarding. And no matter where you’re flying, a bulkhead seat with extra legroom is a major nice-to-have for storing your diaper bag or pump accessories and giving baby space to stand or crawl around! 

Packing Essentials for Flying With a Breastfeeding Baby

Breastfeeding/Pumping Supplies

If you’re pumping, you’ll want to make sure that you pack your breast pump (of course!), extra pump parts, bottles, and travel cleaning supplies (like these wipes and spray from Dapple Baby). You can also pack a travel cleaning pack, which makes it easy to dry your bottles and parts after you’ve washed them.

Don’t forget something to store your pumped milk in, like a portable breast milk cooler or an insulated cooler (check out the bottom section of our Pump Anywhere Bag!) with ice packs. We’ll talk more about safe milk storage later! 

Finally, if you’re still in the early postpartum period, you may want to pack breast pads for sore nipples and to catch leaking milk. 

Comfort Items for Mom & Baby

Whether you’re pumping or nursing, you may want a nursing cover or shawl for some added privacy and warmth (planes can be chilly!). You’ll want to pack all of your baby’s essential items — from blankets to stuffies to pacifiers. A portable white noise machine can also be helpful when trying to lull them to sleep! 

Since accidents happen, don’t forget a change of clothes (both for you and your baby), plus some small toys to help pass the time if your baby is old enough. 

Tips for Navigating the Airport with an Infant

Security Checkpoints

If there’s anything you take away from this overview, let it be this: you are allowed to bring any reasonable amount of breast milk with you through the security checkpoint and onto the plane, so long as you let the TSA agent know. This is true whether or not you bring your baby with you!

Here are a few things to keep in mind: 

Checked Luggage

It’s best to hold onto the amount of milk you’ll need for your flight, any layovers, and the amount of time you’ll spend in the airport before and after your flight. The rest of your breast milk is safe to travel in your checked luggage, where it won’t be touched or handled by the TSA agent.

Worried about putting your breast milk in your luggage? You can freeze your breast milk in freezer bags and store them inside an insulated bag to prevent leaks. Or, use milk containers with tight lids instead of milk bags.

You can also put freezer packs inside the insulated bag to keep your milk cool. This is especially helpful for longer flights or layovers.

Carry-On Bag

When packing your carry-on, simply store your milk in a cooler bottle or place it in an insulated bag with ice packs. You’re allowed to bring an insulated bag or cooler in addition to your carry-on bag.

When you reach the security checkpoint:

1. Remove the breast milk from your carry-on bag
2. Tell the TSA agent that you have breast milk over 3.4 ounces with you
3. The TSA agent will likely X-ray the breast milk to check for explosives
4. They’ll also look through your insulated bag and freezer packs to ensure they’re travel-safe.

If you have questions, reach out to your airline and ask them about any policies for traveling with breast milk.

What to Expect from TSA

An unfortunate truth is that while breast milk is allowed in flight, you are still at the discretion of security screening officers. Occasionally, the TSA agent may request that you open your breast milk bottles. They may also request that you pour out a small amount so they can test it for explosives. The screening process is often left up to the TSA agent based on their evaluation of risk. In other words, be prepared for anything.

Does My Breast Milk Have to Be X-Rayed?

Even though X-rays are shown not to harm your breast milk, you can still request that you skip the X-ray machine. If this is your preference, the TSA agent will need to screen it another way — likely by opening it. 

Airport Facilities

Before arriving for your flight, look into whether or not your airport has breastfeeding rooms or Mamava lactation pods, which provide moms with a private space to nurse or pump. 

Of course, you also have the right to pump in public, whether in the airport bathroom, an airline lounge, or waiting at your gate. A wearable pump can be game-changing in these scenarios, giving you the discretion and hands-free flexibility you need. 

How to Breastfeed Comfortably During Your Flight

Timing Your Feedings

Earlier, we shared that feeding during ascent and descent can help provide your baby with some much-needed ear relief. (It may also help them fall asleep — a full stomach before a nap is the goal!) But if the timing doesn’t work out, there are a few other ways you can try to minimize pressure: 

• Offer a pacifier if they take one 
• If your baby is old enough, offer a cup of water or a snack — anything to get them chewing and swallowing 

Staying Comfortable

While you may be focused on your baby (and rightfully so), make sure that you’re getting up and stretching your legs in between feeding sessions. 

It’s also important to stay hydrated and nourished — both for your short-term comfort and to make sure that you’re maintaining your supply over the course of your trip. 

Try to drink a glass of water during each pumping or feeding session, and take note of your urine — it should be light in color. When it comes to snacks, ensure you’re eating enough to support all of that feeding and focus on protein and healthy fats to keep your energy up and prevent blood sugar spikes (and crashes). Check out this guide on our favorite foods that help increase milk supply to better plan your snacks and meals for your upcoming trip.

Optimizing Your Pumping Experience While Flying

Wearable Breast Pump Options

There are so many reasons to invest in a wearable breast pump, and traveling is one of them! They make it possible to pump without remaining plugged into the wall, leaving your hands free for carrying your baby, your luggage, your coffee… the list goes on.

When picking one of these pumps, here are a few things to look for: 

• A shape that’s fully in-bra without any bulky motors, bottles, or cords, like the Willow 360 or Willow Go (bonus: a shape that mimics the breast for comfort and discretion!) 
• App control that makes it possible to start and pause your pumps, adjust suction levels, and see how long you’ve been pumping with just a tap.
• Compatibility with multiple flanges and insert sizes to help you find your fit — this leads to optimal milk output.

If you travel often, investing in a pump like the Willow 360 can be game-changing. It’s the only pump that’s 100% leak-proof in any position and compatible with self-sealing, ready-to-store milk bags.

Storing Breast Milk While Flying

After pumping, you’ll want to make sure you’re keeping your milk cold — whether that’s in a thermos like our Portable Breast Milk Cooler or an insulated bag with ice packs. If you choose a bag with ice packs, you can store your milk in a bottle or single-use milk bag, which can be fed to your baby or put in the fridge once you arrive at your destination. (Many moms also take advantage of services like Milk Stork, which makes it easy to transport refrigerated or frozen breast milk.)

Reference the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine (ABM) for breast milk storage guidelines, which vary based on how you store your milk (and for how long). 

Enjoy Your Trip with Confidence and Comfort with Willow

In this article, we walked through everything you need to know about breastfeeding while flying. We covered: 

• How to prepare for your flight
• How to transport milk through the airport 
• How to feed comfortably in-flight
• What to look for in a wearable pump 
• How to store your milk safely 

Now you’re ready to fly the friendly skies with confidence! 

For more pumping and travel tips, visit our blog and subscribe to your YouTube channel, where we share expert-backed videos on all things breastfeeding. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Can I breastfeed my baby during takeoff and landing?

Yes, breastfeeding during takeoff and landing can help relieve your baby’s ear pressure due to changes in cabin pressure. Plus, they may be more likely to fall asleep after feeding! 

How do I store and transport breast milk while flying?

You can store your breast milk in a portable breast milk cooler or an insulated cooler bag with ice packs to keep it cool. Ensure your storage containers are leak-proof and labeled. TSA allows you to carry breast milk through security, but you may need to declare it and have it screened separately.

What are the best portable breast pumps for travel?

Portable, battery-operated, and hands-free breast pumps are ideal for travel. Look for compact designs like Willow Go that are easy to carry and use on the go.

Related Articles:

• Should I Travel With My Breast Pump?
• Flying With Breast Milk: TSA Tips and How to Travel Smart
• How to Store Breast Milk When You're a Busy Mom On-the-Go
• Breast Milk Storage While Traveling
• How to Pump in Public: Top Tips & Product Recs from Our Experts