ATLAirport Guide

Flying with a baby through Atlanta airport: lactation pods, family restrooms, strollers and security

Where ATL's lactation pods and family restrooms are, how TSA screens formula, breast milk and strollers, and what the airport doesn't publish.

A long gate hall on Concourse F at Atlanta airport with tall pale columns, a band of high windows and a polished floor.
Concourse F gate hall at Atlanta airport

Every concourse at ATL has a lactation pod and at least one family restroom. TSA lets formula, breast milk and baby food over 3.4 ounces through when you tell the officer first, and strollers go through the X-ray. Because concourses A to E are separate buildings out on the airfield, find the pod on your own concourse before you need it.

Where are the pods, family restrooms and stroller services?

The pods are Mamava units. One is at the Domestic Terminal west crossover, and the concourse pods are after security. Each pod locks from the inside, ATL’s amenities page says. Inside are bench seating and an electric outlet for breast pumps. ATL points you to the Mamava app for access instructions. Each pod’s gate or Centerpoint is on the lactation pods page, and ATL publishes no hours for them.

The airport’s directory prints no gate for any family restroom. It doesn’t say what one holds or whether an ordinary restroom has a changing table. ATL’s printable ADA and special services map marks family restrooms and nursing mothers rooms. A Customer Experience Representative gives directions. You’ll find them at the information desks at the Domestic Terminal west crossover and in the transportation mall at the Plane Train.

ATL’s directory also lists a Strollers service and a Wheelchairs & Strollers service in the Domestic Terminal, with no hours or exact spot. The airport’s map also marks a stroller point at the South checkpoint.

How does security handle formula, breast milk and strollers?

These are TSA’s rules. ATL’s security page sends you to TSA for restricted items.

  1. At the start of screening, tell the officer you carry formula, breast milk, toddler drinks or baby or toddler food over 3.4 ounces. Puree pouches count.
  2. Take those items out of your carry-on so they’re screened separately. They don’t need to fit the quart-sized bag.
  3. Put children’s toys, bags and blankets on the X-ray belt. Strollers, umbrella strollers, baby carriers and car and booster seats must go through the X-ray too. Equipment that doesn’t fit gets a visual and physical inspection.
  4. Take your baby out of the stroller or car seat and carry them through the walk-through metal detector. You can carry an infant in a sling or carrier, which may bring additional screening.

TSA may test the liquid for explosives. You can ask for private screening at any time. You can also tell the officer you don’t want items X-rayed or opened, though TSA says extra screening may be needed to resolve alarms. Your child doesn’t need to be traveling with you to bring breast milk.

TSA says you may not be screened by the advanced imaging scanner while carrying an infant or child. Children 12 and under can leave their shoes, light jackets and headwear on, and TSA doesn’t separate children from their parents.

TSA recommends clear, translucent bottles for formula and breast milk, because liquids in plastic bags or pouches may get alternate screening. Ice packs, freezer packs and gel packs that cool those items are allowed, along with liquid-filled teethers, and partly frozen or slushy ones get the same extra screening.

What can make the checkpoint easier?

Children 17 and under are eligible for TSA PreCheck without their own Known Traveler Number when the adults have the PreCheck indicator on their boarding pass. TSA’s Families on the Fly page lists airports with dedicated family lanes, and Atlanta isn’t on it.

TSA Cares can help families through the checkpoint if you call (855) 787-2227 at least 72 hours before your flight. AskTSA answers a text of “Travel” to 275-872, with live assistance from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern. Because passengers can reach all concourses and gates from any checkpoint, ATL’s security page says, you can pick one by its hours. Each checkpoint’s hours are on the security page.

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