Mother of Twins Asked to Leave Airport Lounge for Pumping Breastmilk
A recent incident at Melbourne Airport has sparked conversations about the rights of breastfeeding mothers in public spaces. Dr. Elise Turner, a mother of twins born in February, shared on social media that she was asked to leave the Virgin Australia business lounge on September 15 while pumping breastmilk.
The situation quickly gained attention, raising concerns about how lactating mothers are treated in shared environments like an airport lounge.
What Happened at the Airport Lounge
According to Turner, she was seated in the Virgin Australia lounge when a service manager approached and asked her to stop expressing milk. She was reportedly instructed to either move to the bathroom or rent a private meeting room for $100. Turner responded by highlighting her right to pump, referencing Australia’s National Sex and Discrimination Act of 1984, which protects breastfeeding in public.
After refusing to move, Turner said the staff member suggested she was making others uncomfortable. “This is pretty unbelievable and I’m beyond furious right now,” Turner said in a since-expired video, later reported by ABC. She added that she was told she could not remain in the lounge while pumping, despite being a business-class passenger.
Reactions and Responses
Instagram | dreliseturner | Dr. Elise Turner was asked to leave a Virgin Australia lounge while pumping breastmilk.
Turner’s account triggered a wave of support online. In her post, she said she asked the staff member, “Would you cook or eat in a public bathroom?”—and got no reply. She later described the situation as “disgusting in 2025,” pointing to how far behind airlines remain on breastfeeding accommodations.
After the post spread, Virgin Australia released a statement to PEOPLE, apologizing for the misstep:
“We’re deeply sorry. The way this was managed does not reflect the standard of care we want for our passengers. We’ve contacted our guest to offer a direct apology.”
The airline also noted the staffer had been addressed internally.
Turner’s Public Statements
During an interview with 10News+, Turner explained that the alternative offered was either using the restroom or paying for a meeting room. She noted that the airline employee even placed a hand on her arm before asking her to leave the lounge.
The mother later addressed her followers online, thanking them for the overwhelming support. “Hi everyone, I just wanted to come on and express my gratitude for everyone who’s been so beautifully supportive, pun intended,” she said. At the same time, she revealed she had received negative messages, including comments telling her to “put your boobs away.”
Turner responded to such remarks by pointing out how society has not made enough progress in normalizing breastfeeding. “Seriously 2025, I really would like us to progress as a society, and some people in the gene pool appear to be holding us back there,” she added.
She also noted that, as of her update on September 16, she had not yet spoken directly with Virgin Australia but was awaiting a call from the airline.
The Broader Issue of Breastfeeding
Instagram | virginaustralia | The Virgin Australia lounge incident exposed the conflict between a mother’s right to breastfeed and societal views.
Turner’s case is one of many where mothers faced criticism or limits for breastfeeding or pumping in public. Similar stories have appeared frequently, sparking conversations about making breastfeeding accepted in workplaces, restaurants, and airport lounges.
Australia’s National Sex and Discrimination Act of 1984 legally protects breastfeeding mothers. However, this case shows that many people and staff still lack awareness or fail to respect these rights.
The Call for Change
The Melbourne airport lounge incident shows how public attitudes and poor staff training can affect mothers caring for newborns. Turner’s experience exposes how outdated beliefs create obstacles for women exercising their legal right to breastfeed.
This case also reminds everyone that breastfeeding is not inappropriate or disruptive. It highlights the need for more awareness, better staff training, and respect for the law. Airlines and service providers should support a culture where mothers can feed their children freely in public spaces.