Does a CPAP Count as a Carry-On?
Yes, a CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine counts as a carry-on item when traveling by air. According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) guidelines, a CPAP machine is not considered a personal item or a medical device that can be carried in addition to the standard carry-on allowance. Instead, it is considered a medical device that must be screened separately at the security checkpoint.
Most airlines allow passengers to carry a standard carry-on bag along with a personal item, such as a handbag or laptop bag. However, a CPAP machine is an exception to this rule. It is regarded as a necessary medical device for individuals with sleep apnea, a common sleep disorder characterized by interrupted breathing during sleep. As a result, airline regulations treat CPAP machines differently from other carry-on items.
