When traveling with a breast pump, many new mothers wonder if their breast pump bag will count as a carry-on item.

This is an important question, especially for those who must navigate strict airline baggage policies while also managing the challenges of breastfeeding and pumping on the go.

Understanding how airlines categorize breast pump bags can help alleviate stress and ensure a smoother travel experience. This article will help answer that question!

The good news is that a breast pump bag does not count as a carry-on item in most cases. According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and many major airlines, breast pumps and their accompanying bags are considered medical devices.

This means they are typically treated similarly to diaper bags and can be brought on board in addition to your usual carry-on and personal items.

However, checking your airline’s specific policy before traveling is always a good idea, as rules might vary between carriers. Ensuring your breast pump bag is adequately packed and clearly labeled can help avoid confusion during check-in or security screening.

When flying with Delta Airlines, a breast pump bag is generally not counted as a standard carry-on item. Delta recognizes breast pumps as medical devices, so passengers can bring the pump and its bag on board in addition to their regular carry-on bag and personal items.

This policy helps make travel more convenient for breastfeeding mothers. That said, it is still recommended that you review Delta’s carry-on policies before your flight to ensure there are no unexpected changes or requirements.

Traveling with a cooler bag of breast milk is also considered an exception to the standard carry-on rules.

The TSA and most airlines categorize breast milk as a medically necessary liquid, which means it is not subject to the usual liquid restrictions and can be brought on board in reasonable quantities.

Similarly, cooler bags used explicitly for storing breast milk are often allowed in addition to your carry-on and personal items.

However, it is essential to ensure the cooler bag is small enough to fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you.

When flying with Southwest Airlines, a breast pump bag is typically not considered a standard carry-on item.

Like many other airlines, Southwest treats breast pumps as medical devices. It allows passengers to bring a pump bag in addition to their carry-on bag and personal items. This ensures that breastfeeding mothers have the flexibility and support needed during their travels.

However, it is always wise to double-check Southwest’s carry-on policies before your flight, as airline rules and allowances can sometimes change.

In conclusion, a breast pump bag does not count as a standard carry-on item for most airlines.

These bags are usually considered medical devices and are allowed in addition to your usual carry-on and personal items.

However, it’s always a good idea to confirm with your specific airline before traveling to avoid any unexpected issues at the airport.

Traveling with a breast pump can be challenging enough, so knowing that your pump bag is safely within regulations can help ease some of the stress and make for a smoother trip.