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Can I Put My CPAP in Checked Baggage?
- Checking a CPAP machine is risky because bags can get lost or damaged.
- In the U.S., CPAP machines are considered medical equipment and you have the right to carry them onto a plane.
- With most airlines, your CPAP machine doesn’t count as an extra carry-on bag or towards overall luggage limits.
- As long as your CPAP machine is FAA-certified, you can use it on a plane.
To get consistent relief from sleep apnea symptoms, it’s important to use your continuous positive airway (CPAP) machine every night – even when you’re traveling. Flying with your CPAP machine requires some advance planning, but it’s not as hard as you might think. CPAP machines are medical devices that are allowed to fly along with you, either as a carry-on or within your checked luggage.
We’ll explain how to navigate Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requirements and the best methods for packing and protecting your CPAP machine while flying.
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Can You Check a CPAP Machine?
You can check your CPAP machine as baggage, but checked bags carry a risk of damage, loss, or delay. It’s better to carry your CPAP onto the plane with you, especially because it usually doesn’t count toward your carry-on limit.
TSA and Airline Rules for Traveling With a CPAP
- The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) considers CPAP machines to be assistive devices and the agency protects your right to bring one onto a plane with you .
- In the U.S., you can bring your CPAP machine as an extra carry-on without it counting towards your carry-on limit. This means you can bring one carry-on bag, a personal item, and your CPAP device and still be within bag restrictions.
- During the TSA security screening, you may be asked to take your CPAP machine out of its carrying case. The scanner won’t harm your device.
- Make sure to bring a copy of your prescription or a doctor’s note, as well confirmation of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) compliance (you can find this on the machine manufacturer’s website).
- If you’re bringing distilled water in your carry-on, it must be in bottles of 3.4 ounces or less. You can check larger quantities.
- You may use your CPAP machine while on a plane, but make sure to let your gate agent or flight attendant know beforehand. To power the device, you can bring travel batteries or ask for a seat next to an outlet.
Risks of Packing a CPAP in Checked Luggage
If your airline loses or damages your luggage with your CPAP packed inside, it’s not only annoying, but it’s also potentially bad for your health. Luggage delays mean that you won’t be able to use your machine when you arrive at your destination.
The value of lost luggage may eventually get reimbursed, but you may need to buy a replacement device in the meantime. If your CPAP machine gets damaged in transit, you may also end up battling your airline to cover repair costs. Since your CPAP machine doesn’t count towards your carry-on allowance, it’s best to prevent issues by keeping it with you on the plane.
Tips for Traveling With a CPAP Machine
While you can’t totally replicate your bedroom while traveling, you can take steps to ensure that your CPAP therapy is just as comfortable away from home. Depending on where you’re going, it could also be tricky to find and replace CPAP accessories that you’ve forgotten. Before leaving, go through a checklist to make sure you have everything you need. Additional tips to make traveling with a CPAP machine easier include the following:
- Bring an international power adapter if necessary and pack an extension cord in case there aren’t outlets close to your bed.
- If distilled water isn’t available where you’re headed, pack enough for your trip in your checked luggage.
- Bring a copy of your prescription or a doctor’s note in case you run into issues while trying to use your device on the plane.
- Check that your CPAP machine or travel CPAP is FAA-compliant. If your device has a letter or document stating that it’s compliant, make sure to bring a copy.
- Think about what you’ll have for a power source while flying and pack an extra travel battery if needed. Remember that lithium batteries shouldn’t get packed into checked luggage.
- Make sure you have all the accessories you need and empty your tubing and humidifier of any remaining water.
- Put your device and accessories in a clear plastic bag before placing them in a carrying case. This way, your device will stay germ-free during TSA scanning if you have to remove it from its case.
- If you’re traveling outside the U.S., you should check with your airline to see if there are other rules or regulations.
What to Do if You Must Check Your CPAP
If for some reason you have to check your CPAP machine, make sure it’s well-protected in your luggage. If your CPAP carrying case is soft-sided and susceptible to damage, it may be best to pack it inside another piece of luggage. Wrap it with bubble wrap, clothing, or other protective materials to safeguard against damage.
Make sure your luggage has an address tag and take a picture before checking it. This helps you identify the bag in case it gets lost or delayed. You can use an AirTag or similar tracking device to keep an eye on its location. Finally, ensure you packed all your device’s components and necessary accessories.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a CPAP count as a carry-on?
Most airlines classify CPAP and BiPAP machines as medical devices, so they don’t count as a carry-on, even if they’re packed in a separate bag. In the U.S., the DOT protects your right to travel with an assistive device, including a PAP machine.
If you’re traveling outside the U.S. or using an international airline, you should check with the airline before flying to make sure you can bring your PAP machine onto the plane.
Can you use a CPAP on a plane?
If your CPAP machine is FAA-compliant, you can use it on a plane. The DOT has a rule called “Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability in Air Travel”, which ensures that people with disabilities can use their CPAP machines and other medical devices onboard planes
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Your CPAP should have markings or literature that clearly state that it’s FAA-compliant. Speak with the gate agent or flight attendants before boarding to let them know that you’ll be using your CPAP device on board and. If you aren’t planning to use an external battery to charge your device mid-flight, ask to be seated next to a power outlet.
Can I bring distilled water through security?
You can bring distilled water through airport security if it’s 3.4 ounces or less and meets TSA’s 3-1-1 rule . All your liquids or gels, including distilled water, must be packaged separately and fit within a quart-sized resealable bag. You may bring larger quantities of distilled water in your checked luggage.
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Cassandra is a health writer who has been a contributor to Sleep Foundation since 2021. She writes about sleep products and reads emerging research to develop science-based articles that help demystify the connection between health and sleep. She's happy to report that she sleeps well most nights, which is probably thanks to her energetic dog and her other work managing a family-owned whitewater rafting business in Upstate New York.
References
3 Sources
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Air Travel With an Assistive Device. (n.d.) U.S. Department of Transportation.
https://www.transportation.gov/sites/dot.gov/files/docs/AirTravel_with_an_Assistive_Device-Pamphlet.pdf -
Department of Transportation (DOT) Final Rule “Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability in Air Travel” and the Use of Respiratory Assistive Devices on Aircraft. (2009). U.S. Department of Transportation.
https://www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/other_visit/aviation_industry/airline_operators/airline_safety/inFO09006.pdf -
Liquids, Aerosols, and Gels Rule. (n.d.). U.S. Transportation Safety Administration.
https://www.tsa.gov/travel/frequently-asked-questions/liquids-aerosols-and-gels-rule
