Breastfeeding mum upgraded to first class

Jenna Evans praises airline staff for letting her pump her breast milk in private. Photo / Facebook

Though breastfeeding mothers have some horror stories to tell around air travel, one mum is praising Delta Air Lines for the extraordinary treatment she received.

Jenna Evans, a mother of triplets, was upgraded to first class on both legs of her return journey from Atlanta to Dallas so she could pump breast milk in comfort and privacy.

In an open letter posted on the US airline's Facebook page, Ms Evans described her positive experience while travelling without her babies.

"As a breastfeeding mother to triplets, it's important that I not miss a breast-pumping session, especially when travelling," she wrote.

She was looked after by two flight attendants, who offered her snacks and water throughout the flight.

On her return flight to Atlanta, staff at the gate ensured she was upgraded to first class again.

"I am incredibly grateful for the lengths these individuals took to make my role as momma much easier, and impressed by the advocacy this company has provided for breast-feeding and pumping," she wrote.

"Thank you, Delta for making being away from my babies a bit more bearable!"

In response, Delta said, "We are very happy to hear that [flight attendants] Kaitlin and Loretta were able to be there for you when needed.

"We would love to recognise them and pass your kind words along as we know they would be very touched and happy to know this."

However, there have been many not-so-pleasant involving airlines - including Delta - and breastfeeding mothers.

In December, Sikh activist Valerie Kaur said she was left "angry and shaken and sad" after being forced to display her breast pump to "show them I wasn't a terrorist".

Just now: boarding @Delta flight in MN, passengers + attendant saw my breast milk pump as a threat: #SanBernardino pic.twitter.com/qwDB9v63DN

— Valarie Kaur (@valariekaur) December 3, 2015

On a United Airlines flight earlier this month, Juliet Thomson, 28, said she was told to cover up while nursing her four-month-old daughter. Ms Thomsen said she was left in tears after being told to "put some clothes on" by a flight attendant.

Another mother, Vanessa Kasten Urango, ran into trouble flying Delta in December, when the airline refused to let her transport breast milk packed in a cooler with dry ice.

She had been previously told by the airline that this was the correct method.

Delta later apologised and offered her a voucher as compensation.

- nzherald.co.nz