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Guide to International Airline Breastfeeding Policies by Continent
Overview
Though breastfeeding is widely recommended for babies, moms nursing in public often find themselves under scrutiny. This is especially true when trying to nurse a child within the tight quarters of an airplane.
Unfortunately, many airlines do not offer official breastfeeding policies. As a result, it can be difficult for mothers to know what situations they might encounter once they take flight.
To better inform moms, where possible, this guide presents the policies of major international airlines listed by continent. Where official policies weren’t readily available, it provides information, pulled from outside sources, regarding what it’s like to nurse on an airline’s flights.
Airlines With Policies
Africa/Middle East
Emirates Airline
Through EmiratesBaby.com, a mother says she was told by the airline that breastfeeding mothers are asked to be “well covered.”
No policy is listed.
For more information, contact Emirates Airline.
Qatar Airways
Official Breastfeeding Policy
For more information, contact Qatar Airways.
Royal Air Maroc
Here, a breastfeeding mother recounts her experience nursing on Royal Air Maroc.
No policy is listed.
No response to our policy guidance request was received.
For more information, contact Royal Air Maroc.
South African Airways
Here, a mother recounts her experience on an SAA flight.
No policy is listed.
No response to our policy guidance request was received.
For more information, contact South African Airways.
Asia/Pacific
Air New Zealand Group
NursingInPublic.com presents a response on Air New Zealand’s breastfeeding policy from its PR and social media manager.
No policy is listed.
For more information, contact Air New Zealand.
Asiana Airlines
AirlineTrends.com reports that the airline provides free nursing covers through its Happy Mom program.
No policy is listed.
For more information, contact Asiana Airlines.
Consumerist.com explains that Japanair provides a unique space where mothers can nurse in private on some flights.
No policy is listed.
For more information, contact JAL Group.
Malaysia Airlines
The airline provides Lactation Rooms at certain airports.
There is no official in-flight breastfeeding policy.
For more information, contact Malaysia Airlines.
Qantas
PhDinParenting.com mentions that Qantas encourages nursing mothers to do so during take-off and landing.
No policy is listed.
For more information, contact Qantas.
Singapore Airlines
In this customer service response shared on BritishExpats.com, an SA representative explains that nursing on their flights is allowed and states, “All crew are aware that breastfeeding in public is internationally acceptable.”
No policy is listed.
No response to our policy guidance request was received.
For more information, contact Singapore Airlines.
Virgin Australia
Official Breastfeeding Policy
For more information, contact Virgin Australia.
Europe
In the comments of this article, a commenter notes that she has never had difficulty nursing on an Air France flight “with or without a cover.”
No policy is listed.
For more information, contact Air France KLM.
British Airways
“British Airways fully supports a mother’s choice to breastfeed her baby when traveling with us – therefore, you do not need to ask the cabin crew on your flight if you are allowed to do so. You are also welcome to breastfeed during take-off and landing if necessary, as long as you and your baby wear your fastened seat belts.
We appreciate that there could be times when a fellow passenger might feel uncomfortable when sitting next to/near a feeding mother. In this case, the cabin crew would see if they can re-seat either of you to ensure you both continue your journey as comfortably as possible.”
~British Airways
Flybe
In a forum, a mom reports nursing her child on a Flybe flight during takeoff and landing and doesn’t report having any problems.
No policy is listed.
For more information, contact Flybe.
Icelandair Group
Per this response via Twitter, Icelandair welcomes mothers breastfeeding on their flights.
For more information, contact Icelandair Group.
Lufthansa
According to PhDinParenting.com, Lufthansa requests that mothers use a cover when nursing their children.
No policy is listed.
No response to our policy guidance request was received.
For more information, contact Lufthansa.
Ryanair
Via the Babyworld forum, a mom reports having nursed her children on several Ryanair flights without any problems.
No policy is listed.
For more information, contact Ryanair.
SWISS
“We do not have an actual breastfeeding policy in itself. The rules on SWISS would be the same as in daily life.
It is for mothers to breastfeed discreetly in their seats. Should the fellow passengers in her immediate vicinity object to this, the Maître de Cabine may request mothers to please move to the galley or any other more secluded part of the aircraft.
Taking pre-pumped breastmilk onboard is impossible, as no bottled liquids over 100ML are permitted through the security control.”
~SWISS
Turkish Airlines (THY)
A commenter in the Moms4Moms.com forum says flight attendants advise mothers to nurse during take-off and landing.
No policy is listed.
No response to our policy guidance request was received.
For more information, contact Turkish Airlines.
Virgin Atlantic
In PopSugar’s Circle of Moms forum, a mom reports breastfeeding her child on a Virgin Atlantic flight without any problems.
No policy is listed.
For more information, contact Virgin Atlantic.
Latin America/Caribbean
Avianca
Response from Avianca Customer Service:
“We would like to inform you that we do not have a policy for breastfeeding with terms and conditions.”
North America
Air Canada
Response from Air Canada Customer Service:
“Air Canada does not have a policy on breastfeeding.”
Airlines Without Policies
*We’ve contacted these airlines to learn more about their policies and are awaiting their responses.
Africa/Middle East
Asia/Pacific
Europe
Latin America/Caribbean
North America