Daisy Crawford, a mother of two, recently experienced a frustrating incident while traveling with EasyJet that has sparked a discussion about airline policies regarding breast milk and baby-related items. The incident occurred during her flight from Bristol to Belfast on Sunday, after she had spent quality time with her family in Bristol.

Ms. Crawford expressed her discontent, stating that EasyJet should "treat people with a bit of common sense and a bit more kindness." Her frustration stemmed from the airline's insistence that she pay an additional fee to carry extra hand luggage that contained breast milk and a breast pump. This policy, she felt, failed to recognize the unique needs of breastfeeding mothers.

In a statement released to the media, EasyJet acknowledged the unfortunate situation, saying, "We are very sorry for Ms. Crawford's experience while boarding her flight, as this is not the level of service we expect from our staff." However, the damage was done, and Ms. Crawford described the incident as "embarrassing," highlighting the extra layer of discomfort it added to an already stressful travel experience.

Prior to her trip, Ms. Crawford had done her homework regarding airline regulations on traveling with breast milk. On her outbound journey from Belfast, everything went smoothly. However, upon her return, she faced unexpected challenges. "I went through security without any issues, but at the gate, the staff informed me that I needed to pay extra for my additional bag," she recounted during an interview with BBC Radio Ulster's Good Morning Ulster. When she tried to explain that her extra baggage contained breast milk, she was met with indifference. "Its embarrassing enough to have to divulge what it is in the first place," she added, clearly distressed by the situation.

Ms. Crawford described her attempts to resolve the issue, stating, "They just absolutely refused to hear my point, and eventually I started to get a bit upset." When she was finally able to speak with a manager, the conversation did not provide the resolution she was hoping for. "The line went dead after they said, 'Oh, just check with a colleague.' I don't know if they hung up or if I was cut off," she explained. When the manager eventually called back, they spoke to another staff member instead of addressing her directly, confirming that payment was still required. Frustrated, she asked for the manager's name, only to be told that personal information could not be disclosed.

In defense of their policies, EasyJet reiterated that they allow customers to carry an additional bag for breast milk and a breast pump free of charge. The airline stated, "We advise customers to carry baby milk in their cabin baggage and do allow customers an additional free of charge bag for a breast pump and milk. We ask them to let us know in advance of travel so there are no issues at the gate." Despite these guidelines, Ms. Crawford's experience raises questions about whether these policies are effectively communicated and understood by airline staff.

This incident has prompted broader discussions about how airlines handle the needs of breastfeeding mothers and whether there is enough awareness among staff about the specific regulations surrounding travel with breast milk. Many parents are now calling for clearer communication and training for airline personnel to ensure that sensitive situations like Ms. Crawford's can be avoided in the future.