Pumping On an Airplane

Much attention—pushback and advice—has been poured over breast pumping in airports recently. And it’s true. Pumping in an airport is difficult. But it’s nothing compared to pumping on the actual plane.

If it can, pump before you take off. Find tips and information about pumping in the airport in our earlier post here. 

However, If may be unavoidable. If that’s the case, here are some tips to help you pump happily in the friendly skies.

• Dress comfortably. By now, you know exactly what this means to you.
• Stay hydrated. Flying is dehydrating for the normal passenger and more so for a breast pumping mama. You need to drink enough to offset both. Bring your own water onto the flight and don't be shy asking for extra from the flight attendants.
• Pumping in the bathroom. There’s no easy way around this. Tying up a bathroom for 20-ish minutes won’t make you very popular. So try to do so early in the flight, during meal service, or during a movie when the lines are the shortest. Bring everything you need with you and remember airplane water is not suitable to drink; it’s also not safe for washing bottles or accessories.
• Pumping in your seat. Choose your seat wisely. If you can choose your seat online, select a seat about 2/3 the way towards the back of the aircraft. You might think you’d find the most privacy in the absolute back. Although passengers tend to want to sit near the front of the plane, the back of the aircraft gets congested with bathroom lines and flight attendants in the galley. We have found you get the most privacy—and the best chance of an empty neighboring seat—around the back 2/3 of the plane. Check-in with an attendant at the desk and ask him or her to seat you in an empty area of the plane (if there is one). Of course, if you can select a full row for your family, you’re ensured familiarity, at least. If you are seated next to another passenger, you might consider informing them immediately that you’ll have to pump over the course of the flight and offer them your best intentions for being quiet and discreet. You’ll be surprised how understanding and accepting most strangers are. The best times to pump are during takeoff (as soon as electronic devices are cleared), while meal carts fill the aisles, and during the movie. Lastly, don’t forget your hooter hider!
• Storage. Have your containers clearly marked. Ask the flight attendant to store your milk in the galley refrigerator, as you won’t have the opportunity to bring ice packs with you on a long flight.

Remember (and repeat to yourself as often as necessary): You’ll never see these people again.

*This blog is informed by our resident moms-in-the-know and not by medical professionals. This blog is intended to share the wisdom of experienced moms but never to replace the advice and insight of your doctors. Always consult proper and licensed medical professionals when making any decisions about your health and the health of your children.