Bringing new life into the world can be a beautiful thing. It can feel anything but beautiful, however, when you’re flying during pregnancy.
If you have any concerns about your health or that of your baby when you fly, talk to your doctor. For hacks on how to be more comfortable and less stressed when you’re crammed in those narrow seats, Seven Corners went to the best expert we could think of: a pregnant flight attendant.
Meet our expert. Victoria is a mom who continued to work as a flight attendant for a major U.S. airline through three pregnancies and, later, while pumping. When we talked to her, she was in her second trimester with Baby Number Two.
Here’s what you’ll find in our guide:
- Tips for flying while pregnant
- Tips for breastfeeding on a plane
- FAQs for flying during and after pregnancy
Tips for Flying While Pregnant
Every parent is different. It’s important to listen to the advice from your doctor and what your body is telling you.
There are few airline rules for flying during pregnancy, but Victoria came equipped with some pro tips for being as comfortable as possible during your flight.
1. Fly when you feel the best.
When you’re flying with kids, choose flights based on when your child is most likely to sleep. But if it’s just you, Victoria suggests not taking the first flight of the day, especially if you still have bouts of morning sickness.
"I found it was better for me to travel in the middle of the day when pregnant," she said. “Just more people feel sick in the morning."
And flying when you already feel ill, in Victoria’s words, is “just not great.”
2. Pack snacks.
Whether you’re hungry all the time or have odd pregnancy cravings (and turn-offs), having your own stash of snacks can be a real lifesaver. Airport food is expensive, and you can’t always guarantee your options will be healthy or sound appetizing.
“Pack all the snacks for yourself because, just like a child, you’re also going to be ravenously hungry at all times. You don’t want to rely on airplane snacks,” said Victoria. “Even if you think your layover is long enough and you’re going to have time to grab food, you might be delayed. So, bring lots of snacks and get lots of beverages because you just never know what your scenario is going to be like.”
There is one upside to eating on a plane, according to Victoria. “You have basically an unlimited supply of ginger ale if you’re feeling sick, which is the perfect drink for any kind of queasiness.
3. Bring compression sleeves.
It doesn’t take a genius to realize that you expand when you’re pregnant. Being at high elevations can intensify swelling. At worst, it could be unhealthy. At best, it’s just supremely uncomfortable.
“I found later on that calf compression sleeves were very helpful for my legs while pregnant. You already get swollen when you’re on a plane in general. Then when you’re pregnant, you’re even more swollen. So that helped me a lot to not feel like a total sausage and just be completely uncomfortable."
4. Choose an aisle seat.
Some people have very strong feelings about whether the aisle or the window is the best seat on a plane. Even if you love a window seat, as a pregnant person, opt for the aisle. You’ll have more room and freedom to move.
“This is me not being a flight attendant right now: spread out in the aisle. Because as a flight attendant I would tell you don’t do that,” said Victoria (we love how human she is). “Just be aware of your body when people are in the aisle. I like having the aisle. At this point, I’m six months along. It’s kind of uncomfortable, so it’s nice to have a little extra wiggle room to shift around.”
Also, an aisle seat lets you move about the cabin more easily without bumping (pun 100% intended) your neighbors.
“Whether you’re early on in pregnancy and you’re having morning sickness, or it’s later on in pregnancy and you have to pee every three seconds, it will just make your life easier. It’s very nice to just get up and not be like, ‘Excuse me, excuse me. I have to pee again.’”
United Airlines also suggests sitting over the wing where you’ll feel less turbulence or in a bulkhead seat, which is the row behind the wall that separates cabins, because they have more room.
5. Ask for help.
When we talked to Victoria about flying with kids, she made a big point about not feeling guilty asking for help.
"If you look pregnant, people will help you, hands down. When I have either worked or traveled while pregnant, everyone is so kind. I’ve had people offer to put my bags away all the time, offer to let me cut in front of them in line," said Victoria. “Don’t feel like you’re going to inconvenience people because people in general are pretty nice.
“When you’re in the air, don’t be afraid to ask for more snacks and drinks if you want them and that helps you, your kids, with pregnancy, whatever. In general, we have extras of everything. Get yourself another 7-Up. Get yourself some more pretzels. Remember that the flight attendants are there to help you. That is literally our job, so you’re not inconveniencing us by asking us to do our job.”
Tips for Breastfeeding on a Plane
The biggest questions about flying postpartum deal with nursing. Can you breastfeed on a plane? Does the airport terminal have mothers’ rooms? If I’m pumping, what are the rules for bringing bottled breast milk on a plane?
Airlines and TSA are generally accommodating to breastfeeding moms. That being said, Victoria has a few more tips to make it even easier during your trip.
1. Follow TSA guidelines.
According to TSA guidelines, items related to nursing and pumping are considered medical in nature. Not only can you take these items through security checkpoints, but your bag with breastfeeding supplies counts as a medical bag and, as such, does not count toward your carry-on limit.
Breast milk and formula are also permitted through security and in carry-on luggage. They are not subject to the same quantity restrictions as other liquids.
"I have never had a TSA person comment on any amount of milk that I was bringing through,” said Victoria. “For the most part, especially if you’re pumping, people are like, ‘Don’t want to mess with that. I trust you.’
“You just need to tell them that you have breast milk, or that you have formula, or that you have water for your kid, so they know before it goes through the scanner. They’ll swab it, but they really don’t care about the quantity. They understand,” she said. “People go on a business trip, they pump, they bring back all the milk. It’s totally normal."
2. Invest in a travel-friendly pumping system.
If you already have a breast pumping setup at home, you know there are a lot of bits and pieces. You certainly don’t want to travel with all that equipment, regardless of whether it counts against your carry-on limit. Fortunately, there are companies like Kiinde that design systems specifically for travel.
"It basically is a system that allows you to pump directly into the bag. You just screw the bags on (to the pump),” explained Victoria. “You’re not pouring milk into bags, you’re not doing chemistry over here. You’re just pumping, and you’re done. That was really simple for me. It makes it so you bring less extra stuff."
3. Find the best lactation spaces at the airport.
Where can you breastfeed your baby in an airport? Technically anywhere. Bathrooms are probably your worst option due to cleanliness. Most airports have designated lactation spaces that are more comfortable and hygienic.
"It doesn’t matter if you’re nursing or pumping, if there’s milk coming out of your body and you want a private place, there’s a place,” said Victoria. “Some airport websites have them (listed on signs), but I have found the best way to find them is an app called MamaVa.”
MamaVa sponsors nursing pods at airports, sports arenas, and other public spaces. Enter your location in the app, and it will provide a list of nearby lactation spaces. Some listings include pictures and details about what’s included in the pod, such as sinks or chairs.
"That’s kind of helpful so you know what you’re getting into and know what your options are,” said Victoria, who’s probably seen a range in quality of spaces.
All that being said, maybe you aren’t picky about being private. Or maybe you don’t have time to find a lactation room before boarding. There’s no need to worry.
“I have pumped in the middle of the terminal. I’ve pumped in the seat on the plane as a passenger. I wouldn’t do it in the bathroom because bathrooms are gross. But basically, nobody’s paying attention to what you’re doing. There’s so much going on that nobody cares,” Victoria said. “I’ve always just covered myself in case someone looked and me was like, ‘Oh, that’s weird.’ Nobody has ever said anything to me, no one has ever noticed anything. I had milk spill all over myself one time when I didn’t screw everything on right. No one noticed. No one cared.
“Pumping on a plane is also great if you can. Usually, I would go to the lavatory, put my nursing bra on if I wasn’t already wearing one, but then I would pump in my seat. Planes are loud, so the loudness of the plane covers up the noise of the pump. Again, nobody has ever noticed anything.”
And if you’re on a long flight? Or when Baby is hangry, as in “Feed me RIGHT NOW”?
“Nurse your baby on the plane if you want to. You are allowed to nurse wherever you want, whenever you want. You are feeding your child. You don’t need to be ashamed of it,” said Victoria, clearly feeling very strongly about her — and your — right to take care of your baby.
“You don’t have to put on a cover if you don’t want to. It’s totally up to you. The first couple times it might be weird, but it’s good to rip that Band-Aid off and be like, ‘I have to feed my baby. This is what is practical to my life. I don’t care about what other people think.’”
FAQs for Flying During and After Pregnancy
Can you go through TSA while pregnant?
Yes, TSA scanners are safe for pregnant people and their babies. As UK-based babycentre explains, you are exposed to less radiation from these machines than you are from your phone.
How many weeks pregnant can you fly?
According to the Mayo Clinic, it is generally considered safe for people to fly before 36 weeks of pregnancy. It’s best to talk to your doctor before flying. Tell your doctor how long the flight is. It may not be advisable for you to take long flights or to fly if you’re experiencing pregnancy complications.
Many airlines require you to get a medical certificate from your doctor if you are flying at 36 weeks or later, if you have had complications, or if you are pregnant with multiples.
Can you fly internationally while pregnant?
Yes, you can fly internationally when you’re pregnant. Most medical professionals recommend not flying after 28 to 35 weeks if you’re going overseas. It’s a good idea to consider the length of the flight, the quality of medical care at your international destination in case you experience complications, and your ability to get vaccines as a pregnant person. Talk to your doctor for professional advice.
Does travel insurance cover pregnancy?
Travel insurance plans vary, but they typically cover complications of pregnancy that occur during your trip. This includes coverage for related medical expenses if the complications require medical care as well as some trip protection benefits such as trip cancellation and trip interruption.
What are the rules for flying with breast milk?
Breast milk, formula, and other food and drinks related to feeding your child are generally exempt from TSA’s liquid restrictions. According to the TSA website for traveling with children (as of August 2025), “Formula, breast milk, toddler drinks and baby/toddler food (to include puree pouches) are considered medically necessary liquids ... Your child or infant does not need to be present or traveling with you to bring breast milk, formula and/or related supplies.”
TSA does recommend that you carry your breast milk in clear bottles for ease of screening. Ice, freezer, and frozen gel packs required to keep breast milk cold are permitted but will also need to be screened.
How can you safely transport breast milk while traveling?
Breast milk can be left at room temperature safely for four to six hours. If you are traveling longer than that, it’s a good idea to freeze the milk you’ve pumped and pack it in a cooler with ice or frozen gel packs.
Choose storage containers that seal securely to avoid leaks. Bags designed for travel (extra durable, double-zip tops) are easier to pack and take up less room than bottles. If you’re freezing your milk, leave some space in the bags or bottles for the liquid to expand as it freezes and avoid cracking the container.
Travel Insurance for Growing Families
It’s unusual, but complications of pregnancy do occur while traveling. Just ask one of our customers who gave birth prematurely while traveling abroad. Seven Corners Assist worked around the clock to make sure Mom and Baby were both taken care of and able to return home as safely and quickly as possible.
Before you book any flight, consider purchasing travel insurance. You might find it especially helpful to talk to a licensed agent so you know how plans cover pregnancy.
Many of Seven Corners’ plans include medical expense benefits for the treatment of pregnancy complications. They also cover trip cancellation if you or your travel companion have complications of pregnancy before your trip and a doctor determines you cannot travel safely. Trip interruption benefits can cover travel expenses if you need to end your trip early because of pregnancy complications.
Get a quote or talk to an agent today.
