Traveling With Your Breast Pump: A Step-by-Step Guide For Pumping Moms On the Go
Whether you're flying for work, a wedding, or just getting some well-earned time away, traveling with your breast pump can feel overwhelming. But with a little prep and the right gear, you can feel confident and supported every step of the way. Here’s how to plan your trip from start to finish—while keeping your milk safe and your routine as stress-free as possible.
1. Book Your Ticket + Call Your Airline
Before anything else, book your flight and call the airline directly. Ask them:
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Is a breast pump bag considered a medical device and exempt from carry-on limits? Make sure you look up their policy online and to make sure they are providing consistent information. I was told something on the phone and then read something different online. She told me what is online is current and to follow that.
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Make sure you bring a small cooler for breast milk in addition to your personal item and carry-on
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Pro tip: Most airlines do allow this, but every airline is different—and policies change. Always confirm in advance so you don't get stuck with an extra charge when trying to board the plane.
ALWAYS Print the policy directly from their website, include the URL and the date printed, and keep it in your pump bag in case TSA or airline staff have questions or give you push back
2. Pack Smart with a TSA-Friendly Pump Bag
You'll want a bag that keeps you organized and looks good while doing it. Our favorites for travel:
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The Radley Breast Pump Backpack – Ideal for moms who need dual compartments to separate gear and personal items. If you have a heavy pump then this bag will help with its extra padded straps. Has a luggage sleeve, insulated expandable pockets, 19 pockets in total and a laptop sleeve.
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The Ren Organizer – TSA-friendly and fits over your luggage handle or worn crossbody. Keep your breast pump parts organized without all the bulk. Saves room in your personal item or carry on so you can have that extra space for other essentials.
👉 Not sure which to bring? What to pack in your breast pump bag — full checklist in our separate blog coming soon!
3. Know What You’re Allowed to Bring On Board
Most airlines allow:
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One carry-on
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One personal item
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One medical equipment bag (like a breast pump bag) — exempt from the count
The Radley Breast Pump Backpack
If you're also traveling with your baby:
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You can usually gate-check your stroller and car seat for free
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Make sure to pack your breast pump, parts and accessories in a separate bag. Keeping all that extra room in your diaper bag for you and baby.
If you're NOT traveling with your baby:
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You’re still allowed to bring your pump and milk—you do NOT need your baby present to fly with breast milk
4. Carry Your Pump and Milk the Right Way
Here’s how to keep things efficient:
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Use a carry-on suitcase with your pump bag stacked on top
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You can still bring a personal item and your carry on usually free of charge (always double check with your airlines)
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Bring a coolers and ice packs based on your needs:
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Ren Milk Clutch – Great for short trips or when you need to stay light.
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Radley Breastmilk Cooler – This is a standard breastmilk cooler. Fits nicely in most bags and keeps milk cold for hours. Will fit shorter bottles.
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Insulated Milk Pouches – Comes in a set of two. One large and one small. Flexible, easy to store. This will hold large baby bottles, water bottles, snacks or a ton of breastmilk.
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Ceres Chill – Double-walled insulated bottle for long-haul travel. Comes in a regular and small size.
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Shop our insulated products: HERE
Save on Ceres Chiller: HERE
5. Where to Pump at the Airport
When it’s time to pump, look for:
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Nursing or pumping lounges (check the airport map or app)
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Mamava pods (free-standing lactation spaces with outlets and seating)
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Private corners in terminals, lounges, or quiet restaurants
✈️ I personally prefer pumping before I board and again after landing. Airplane seats are tight, and it’s not the most relaxing place to set up unless you really have to. But tight connections happen, delays, running late and more. You want to make sure you are prepared for anything.
6. Cleaning Pump Parts While Traveling
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Quick clean: Use breast pump wipes between sessions when you’re in a hurry. I prefer the Medela Quick Clean Wipes or the Dapple Baby Wipes
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Deep clean: Rinse and wash at the hotel or airport bathroom when possible. I cleaned my bottle parts below in one of the airport nursing lounges. They had a sink and counter perfect to wash and dry my parts. I use a Portable Bottle Washer and cant live without my Breast Pump Mat.
Keeping your parts clean helps prevent buildup and bacteria—especially important during travel when germs are everywhere.
7. Extra Travel Tips
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Always bring a copy of airline + TSA guidelines for breast milk and breast pumps and have it ready in your breast pump bag easy to access quickly.
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Ice hack: If your ice pack melts, ask for ice at any restaurant, café, or from the flight attendant and fill up a breastmilk bag. Refill as needed to keep milk cold.
Coming Soon: More Helpful Guides
We'll be breaking this topic down further in these upcoming blogs:
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✅ How to Keep Breast Milk Cold at the Airport (Even Without an Ice Pack)
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✅ Airport and Airline Policy Print-Outs for Breastfeeding Moms
We’re here to help every step of the way. You’ve got this, mama 💪
Have more questions? Message us anytime or browse our full collection of travel-ready breast pump bags here.
By using some of the links in this post, I may earn a small commission. Rest assured, I only recommend products that I personally use and love. Plus, I love sharing these codes to get my followers some extra savings. Feel free to use my discount code for even more savings – it's my little way of spreading the love! 💕
Don't forget to follow us on instagram @mimiandpal for more pumping tips and product demos!
