Flying with a baby is already difficult. Feeding that baby shouldn't make the journey harder.

As a mom who's currently pregnant with baby number four, this issue is incredibly personal to me. Our family flies more than five times a year, and I've spent countless flights nursing babies on airplanes. Anyone who has done it knows how difficult it can be. Airplane seats leave very little personal space, and if you're seated in the middle seat, nursing can feel nearly impossible without exposing more of yourself than you'd like. 

Imagine traveling alone with your children, trying to calm a hungry baby while managing bags, cramped seats, and strangers inches away — and realizing there is no designated private space onboard where you can comfortably nurse or pump.

This isn't about hiding breastfeeding. Mothers should be able to breastfeed wherever they are comfortable doing so. It's about giving them a choice.

Major airlines already recognize the needs of nursing passengers in important ways. Delta states that it supports a woman's right to breastfeed onboard its aircraft and allows breast pumps. American Airlines allows passengers to bring a breast pump and a cooler of breast milk without counting them toward standard carry-on limits.

But allowing mothers to breastfeed or bring a pump is not the same as providing an appropriate private space for passengers who want one.

We're asking United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and American Airlines to develop practical, safety-compliant options for nursing and pumping mothers onboard their aircraft. That should include evaluating designated private nursing solutions on aircraft where feasible, establishing clear alternatives where dedicated space isn't possible, and training crew members to support nursing passengers respectfully and consistently.

No mother should have to choose between feeding her baby, maintaining her privacy, and feeling comfortable on a flight.

Airlines have transformed the flying experience with upgraded cabins, Wi-Fi, entertainment, and premium amenities. It's time to bring the same attention to a basic need experienced by nursing families.

If you've ever flown with a baby—or hope to someday—I hope you'll join me in asking for a more family-friendly flying experience. Sign this petition and help encourage America's three largest legacy airlines to make flying more supportive for nursing mothers and their babies.