A passenger flying with Delta Air Lines has criticized the airline after a gate agent supposedly denied her the ability to bring a breast pump onto the plane because she was not traveling with her baby. This refusal contradicted the airline’s stated policy, which allows for the device as an extra carry-on item. On October 10, Jordan Lally shared a video of the encounter on TikTok, which quickly gained popularity, attracting support from viewers. In the video, one user commented about the situation, questioning the logic of requiring a baby to use a breast pump.
Lally’s 73-second video shows her trying to explain to the Delta gate agent that using a breast pump is not a choice for her and that she cannot leave it behind. Despite her explanation, the agent continued to claim that the airline’s policy did not allow her to bring it. After some discussion, the agent insisted on checking Lally’s bag without giving a clear reason. Lally agreed to this, expressing concern about potential damage to her belongings, but ultimately allowed the inspection because she wanted to board her flight.
Once on the aircraft, Lally addressed Delta’s treatment, stating in the video that the airline needed to better educate its employees. Although she was eventually able to bring her breast pump bag on board, she found the situation absurd. Many social media users showed their support and some even suggested that the gate agent should be fired due to the handling of the situation.
Initially, TikTok users responded humorously to the incident, with comments highlighting the absurdity of needing a baby to justify having a breast pump. However, the discussion soon took a more serious turn, with several people asking Lally if she had noted the agent’s name to file a complaint, and some suggested legal action, calling the situation illegal.
Lally’s issues with Delta did not end with the breast pump. In a follow-up video, she mentioned that airline employees had first attempted to charge her $100 per item for a stroller and a car seat that she brought for her move overseas. Lally noted she was relocating to Barcelona before her child was born and recognized that traveling without her baby might lead to confusion. She had checked Delta’s policies prior to her trip.
According to her, an employee at the ticket counter first quoted her those fees but later returned after talking to a supervisor, informing her that she could check the items for free as a gesture of goodwill. However, Lally was not satisfied with this explanation, as Delta’s published policy states the stroller and car seat can be checked for free.
Delta has received other complaints regarding breast pumps. For instance, Erika Geraghty filed a lawsuit against Delta in February 2024 after she claimed that she was not allowed to board a flight to John Wayne Airport in California unless she either checked or discarded one of her two carry-on bags, one containing breast milk and the other with her breast pump.
What do you think about the airline’s policies regarding breast pumps?
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Source: Bored Panda, by Rocio Corsi