Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport Could Add Nursing Stations
Nursing mothers could soon have more options at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.
As part of the Friendly Airports for Mothers (FAM) Act passed in October 2018 as part of the reauthorization of the Federal Aviation Administration, medium and large commercial airports must provide lactation rooms past security checkpoints by 2021.
While many airports, including Phoenix Sky Harbor, already have nursing areas, the new rules state they cannot be in a bathroom. The language requires nursing rooms be shielded from view, have a door that locks, a table, a place to sit, an electrical outlet and be accessible to people with disabilities.
On Wednesday, the City Council is expected to vote on a contract to provide up to six portable nursing stations at Terminal 4, home to more than 80 percent of Sky Harbor’s traffic. The proposed contract with Mamava Inc. would not exceed $172,000 for a two-year aggregate term. The Aviation Department has funds available in its budget.
The current nursing room locations at Sky Harbor contain a sink and counter top, a soap dispenser, a baby changing station, seating and an electrical outlet.
Here are the current locations:
Terminal 2 — Near the men’s room in the walkway between the ticket counters and security checkpoint. (The FAA deadline to have a location post-security is 2021, and this terminal is slated to close by 2020.)
Terminal 3 — Level 5 by the baggage claim elevators (pre-security), and Level 4 across from Gate F5 (post-security).
Terminal 4 — Level 3 next to the family restroom between Johnston & Murphy and the iStore (pre-security) and next to the family restroom on the upper level of gates B15-22, adjacent to The Club at PHX/British Airways Lounge (post-security).
