pumping on an airplane/at an airport

vulpini · February 2014

This is a spinoff from the traveling post. Do any of you have experience and advice for pumping while flying? I have a trip coming up in a month with flights cross-country with one layover. I will be spending pretty much the entire day traveling to the airport, at the airport, flying, and then driving to my final destination. Probably about 10 hours total door-to-door.

I plan to pump before leaving and then at the airport before the flight. After that it will all depend on the first flight being on time and on where the gates are in relation to each other, but I will likely have to pump once or twice in the air. I checked with the airline and they made it sound like it was ok to pump in my seat if I was discrete about it, but I know that's going to depend on the flight attendants working that day and on who is sitting next to me. I'm not thrilled with the idea of pumping in the often less than sanitary airplane bathroom (or worrying about being in there too long), but that might be my best or only option.

What can I pack with me to make it easier? Pump battery pack, cleaning wipes, nursing cover, and ice packs are on my list so far. Any other tips or tricks?

CLLDLL · February 2014

Search the airports websites. A lot of airports have "mothers rooms" or family rooms you can use to pump. Bring extra batteries if your pump uses regular batteries.

Don't be afraid to pump in your seat. Just ask the flight attendant if there is an empty row somewhere or use your cover. Who knows they might even let you use 1st class or some other quiet area.

Bring Ziploc bags , if your ice packs melt you can ask for ice at a restaurant.

opheliainwaders · February 2014

I've pumped on Amtrak and on a bus, and while it was a little weird for me, no one said anything. I did find it easier to do one side at a time, though, so I had more control re: what was happening under the cover.

thedash · February 2014

I flew recently and pumped in the airport bathroom several times. I hung my bag on the back of the stall door and stood next to it and pumped. It all worked out great. I brought two very large ziploc bags (gallon size I think) for my wet pump parts that I had washed in the bathroom sink.

vulpini · February 2014

theresat858 said:

I would NOT pump in the airline bathroom. That will just piss off other customers -- on all recent flights I've been on, there is usually a wait of at least one person. Just pump in your seat. It is fully within your rights to do so, and if anyone has a problem with it, that's their problem, not yours.
I agree with calling the airports to find out about family restrooms or mothers rooms to use.

Well I obviously wouldn't WANT to pump in the bathroom and hold up the line.

I called the airline first and asked if I could pump in my seat and the rep said I should use the bathroom instead so as not to make other passengers uncomfortable (like they'd be more comfortable waiting in line while I hold up the bathroom?) I then emailed the airline asking to get their official policy on this in writing, and got an answer back saying I could pump in my seat as long as I was modest and not disturbing anyone. So who knows what they train their flight attendants to do, but I'm printing that email and taking it with me just in case.

eves1989 · February 2014

Stay well hydrated, sit next to a window as you will have the most privacy. I prefer to be covered while nursing. I think distractions are minimized and this keeps my LO warmer.

ktpaladino · February 2014

vulpini said:

theresat858 said:

I would NOT pump in the airline bathroom. That will just piss off other customers -- on all recent flights I've been on, there is usually a wait of at least one person. Just pump in your seat. It is fully within your rights to do so, and if anyone has a problem with it, that's their problem, not yours.
I agree with calling the airports to find out about family restrooms or mothers rooms to use.

Well I obviously wouldn't WANT to pump in the bathroom and hold up the line. I called the airline first and asked if I could pump in my seat and the rep said I should use the bathroom instead so as not to make other passengers uncomfortable (like they'd be more comfortable waiting in line while I hold up the bathroom?) I then emailed the airline asking to get their official policy on this in writing, and got an answer back saying I could pump in my seat as long as I was modest and not disturbing anyone. So who knows what they train their flight attendants to do, but I'm printing that email and taking it with me just in case.

So then what it someone says they are "disturbed" by it? Then you have to stop? That's BS. I don't think so. I wouldn't feel comfortable doing it in my seat, but if you are fine with it, then go right ahead and F everyone else who doesn't like it. I pumped before and after the flight Ina stall in the airport bathroom and dumped and washed parts in the sink. Only because that's what I felt comfortable with. This is all a matter of what YOU want to do, because you have the right to do it wherever you want really.

fusionbride · February 2014

most airports will have mother or family rooms, which are awesome-- the ones I have used all have sinks, power outlets and a locking door. Some have nice rockers and music, others you have to either stand or sit on the toilet. But definitely take advantage of those-- many are on the airport maps or website, otherwise you can use the courtesy phone things to find the one closest to you.

I brought both the electric plug and the battery pack. I used rechargeable batteries and sent the battery charger in my checked luggage.

In terms of pumping on the plane, I haven't done that one. But think your plan sounds reasonable. I like the ziplock suggestions, and would use the wipes rather than the airplane sinks.

GL

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