Do Medical Devices Count as Carry-On or Personal Item?
When travelling with a necessary medical device such as a CPAP machine, do airlines count it as one piece of carry on or a personal item? While one of those might fit in some carry-on, there would not be room for much else.
Are then general rules or regulation concerning this? Or do airlines have different rules, if so what are the most prevalent rules?
Best Answer
I've always been allowed to carry my CPAP bag as an extra baggage allowance; however, my concern after reading this is some of the wording that says "only if you need to use it during the flight". The rate at which the airlines seems to lose luggage these days, I would hate to arrive at my destination without a necessary medical device even though I didn't need it on the flight itself. Having to check this item--even though free--would concern me.
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Does a medical device count as a carry-on Southwest?
Under the Air Carrier Access Act, medical equipment is not considered carry-on luggage and does not count toward any carry-on limit. There is no requirement that the equipment be needed in-flight.What is considered a carry-on vs personal item?
Domestic carry-on policies. A good rule of thumb is that if your carry-on bag fits under the seat in front of you, it's considered a personal item. This includes small backpacks, purses, briefcases, laptop bags, etc. Larger bags, including suitcases, must fit in the overhead bin compartment.Is a CPAP machine considered a carry-on on Southwest?
A CPAP machine is a medically necessary assistive device, and as such does not count towards the carryon limit.What counts as a personal item TSA?
As to personal items, the term generally means something like a purse, a briefcase, a laptop bag or a camera. A pet carrier can be considered a personal item or a carry-on, and a child safety seat, an umbrella or a coat does not count as either.TSA Rules for Medical Items and Devices
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