If you decide to check your CPAP in your suitcase, that’s on you—and it’s not always a good idea. Airlines won’t charge you extra for checking it (as long as it fits your baggage allowance), but you risk losing it to the baggage abyss. Imagine arriving in Bali without your machine. You’d either sleep like a jet-laned walrus or buy a whole new one. So, always carry it on, unless you enjoy paying for last-minute medical rentals.
Some budget airlines, like Ryanair or Spirit, might try to be sneaky and ask if it’s “extra luggage.” Hold your ground—politely but firmly explain it’s a medical device. Bring a doctor’s note or a prescription just in case, but most airlines have clear policies online. Print that policy out. Tattoo it on your arm. Okay, maybe not the tattoo part, but keep it handy.
The Hidden Costs: Batteries and Accessories
Now for the part that makes you go “ugh, really?”: batteries. If your CPAP runs on a battery pack (for camping or long flights without power), you might face a fee. Airlines treat batteries as separate items, especially if they’re lithium-ion and over a certain size. Check your battery’s watt-hours—anything over 100 Wh needs approval, and you might pay for a second seat or a special baggage tag. Pro tip: Most airlines let you carry one CPAP and one battery for free, but always call ahead. Nothing ruins a vacation like a TSA agent confiscating your power source.
Don’t forget the accessories: tubes, masks, and humidifier chambers. These are part of your CPAP device, so they’re free to carry on—as long as they fit in the case. If your humidifier chamber looks like a small boulder, just know that some airlines might ask you to check it (again, free, but risky). Consider a travel-size humidifier or go without for short flights. You’ll survive; your sinuses will forgive you eventually.
Traveling with CPAP? Read This Checklist Before Flying in 2026! - cpap.com
