Does my breast pump count as one of my two allowed carry ons on the plane? I can't find any guidelines on airlines' websites. I travel one night overnights only, and my pump is big. It's hard to fit it in my carry-on roller bag along with all my clothes, toiletries and work materials.
Thanks everyone! I'm very aware of the carry on guidelines--I travel frequently. I always have my roller-bag plus my laptop bag. So, carrying on the pump as a carry on is not an option. I wondered if some airlines would let me carry it on as a third piece. One United airlines flight let me, the other didn't. So, I guess it depends on how nice the attendent is that day. :) But to whoever suggested just making sure that the pump and my laptop bag fit under the seat--that is ideal. Good point! As long as I'm not taking up extra space, it should be fine.
This trip, I'm going to try to take the pump out of the backpack it comes in and fit it into my roller bag, and then carry my hand pump for the flight, just to relieve the pain. Appreciate all the advice--and glad to know I"m not the only crazy traveling mom of a 3 month old!
I have a Medela Pump In Style and I was able to simply remove the actual pump apparatus from the bag. It is attached to the bag with velcro and it is approximately 4x4x4 cube Then, I put the pump in my carry-on bag, along with the tubing and the other pieces in a plastic bag. Yes, they do notice it when it goes through the x-ray machine and may ask a question or two, but in my experience, the TSA is very familiar with breast pumps.
Technically, it does count toward your two carry-ons. HOWEVER, if both your purse/laptop bag and pump can fit under the seat no one is going to harass you about it--it is really about overhead bin space.
I pumped for my daughter's first year while travelling regularly from the time she was four months--carrying some back, dumping some depending on the circumstances.
I would suggest that if you have the need to pump in the bathroom on the plane that you notify one of the flight attendants. They start to "worry" if they notice someone has been in there for more than 10 minutes...lol.
If you've never travelled with your pump before, also prepare yourself for the likelihood of having to show it to TSA at some point. I could tell you some stories you wouldn't believe!
you might try a manual pump for your overnight trips. I found an Avent hand pump that works great! it's pretty compact, and it is just as efficient as my electric madella (i have a pump in style)...Im pretty sure it would count as a carry-on, because you only get so much room for your stuff...
You are allowed one carryon plus one personal item. Your pump would count as one of the two things you can carry on the plane. I had a small electric pump that I carried with me while I traveled. I put it in my carryon luggage. It wasn't as efficient as my electric pump, but it was portable. I primarily pumped and dumped when I traveled so I wouldn't become engorged.
You are allowed one carry-on plus one personal item. So you could have a purse and your pump. Or your purse and a backpack. Or your pump and a backpack. Or a diaper bag and your pump... You get the picture. I made my purse fit in my carry-on backpack and then made the pump my purse. I warned the x-ray people what it was, and it went through with no trouble at all...
Depending upon the plane, usually, you can have one piece in the overhead compartments and another under the chair in front of you.
Can you bring a small purse and put it in your carry on and put it in the overhead bin and put your pump under the seat in front of you?
yes, it is allowed as a carry on. The other good news is that breast milk is now acceptable as a liquid to carry on. Beware of all of the bizarre security moments that you will experience ;).
Also, I think a hand pump or a battery powered pump would be best for in airport pumping.
I believe it would count, can you find a bigger bag or back pack that you cuold put the pump and your purse in?
Yes, it will count. Most airlines still allow one carry on and one small bag like a purse. If you need to carry your pump on, then you will probably not be allowed to carry on another bag. There are no specific guidelines on line because there is no special treatment for non-medical type stuff like breast feeding. If you need the pump it is your concern how you transport it.
