Does a CPAP count as a personal item on Frontier Airlines?

A respiratory device is considered an assistive device and may be carried on the aircraft or checked without charge. A respiratory device may be carried onboard for use in the cabin or transported as checked baggage.



No, a CPAP machine does not count as your personal item or carry-on bag on Frontier Airlines in 2026. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and FAA regulations, a CPAP is classified as a medically necessary device. As long as the device is carried in a separate bag containing only the CPAP and its related accessories (mask, tubing, power cord), it is transported for free and does not count toward your baggage allowance. This is particularly important on "ultra-low-cost" carriers like Frontier, where personal item sizes are strictly enforced. When you arrive at the gate, you should inform the agent that you are carrying a medical device so they can tag it appropriately. It is also a good idea to bring a copy of your prescription or a "Medical Device" tag to avoid any confusion during the boarding process. Note that if you pack clothes or other non-medical items in the same bag as your CPAP, the bag will be counted as a personal item or carry-on, and you may be charged the standard baggage fee.

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Wheelchairs (manual or electric, folding, non-folding or collapsible), scooters, and other mobility devices (walkers, canes, and crutches) are allowed items that can be brought onto the aircraft either in the cargo compartment or in the passenger cabin at no charge.

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Am I allowed to carry my CPAP machine onboard the plane, do I have to remove it from my carry-on? A nebulizer, CPAP, BiPAP and APAP must be removed from its carrying case and undergo X-ray screening. Facemasks and tubing may remain in the case. You may provide a clear plastic bag to place the device through the X-ray.

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The lawsuit also states that although Frontier Airlines allows passengers to bring one free personal item on the plane, the actual allowed size is smaller than the advertised size. This means that the device used to measure personal items at the gate is smaller than the dimensions advertised when purchasing tickets.

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Personal items must fit completely within the personal item portion of the bag sizer. Think purses, totes, computer bags, briefcases, and kids backpacks! Carry-On Baggage: Carry-On Bags can be no larger than 24” tall, 10” wide, and 16” long (including handles, wheels, and straps) and no heavier than 35 pounds.

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Yet, more than three-quarters of CPAP users say they use their CPAP machine at least some of the time while traveling. “It's important to pack your CPAP machine whenever you travel, since OSA must be treated continuously, just like any other medical condition.”

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Don't Use Water If you don't want to take the risk, you can use a CPAP machine without the humidifier element, and therefore, without water. The machine will continue to work and will simply use dry air. Just remember to turn off the humidifier unit.

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Frontier carry-on size is restricted to 10 x 16 x 24 inches, including bag handles, wheels, and straps. If carry-on bags exceed this limit, you may have to check them at the boarding gate, which comes with an additional charge.

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Can I bring a carry-on bag and a backpack at the same time on Frontier? Yes, but keep in mind that you'll have to pay for the carry-on bag. As long as your backpack fits the size and weight requirements, it's counted as your (one) free personal item.

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In general, your personal item should be smaller than your carry-on and under the specific airline's carry-on dimensions, allowing it to fit under the seat in front of you. In most cases, backpacks are considered personal items as long as they fit under the seat in front of you.

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Travel. Yes, you can travel with your device to other countries. The universal power supply works all over the world. You will only need to purchase a plug adaptor for the country you are visiting.

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Certain items such as Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POC) that meet regulatory requirements are approved for onboard use. Other medical equipment such as a CPAP or Portable Dialysis machine can be carried but not used onboard.

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Re: Airlines and cpap It's a great idea to have your prescription with you but they're not supposed to be able to require you to show them your prescription. Do not, for the love of all that is holy, check your CPAP machine. Carry it on, they can't charge you for it (at least on a domestic flight).

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Most airlines define a personal item as a purse, briefcase, or laptop bag. A small backpack, duffle, or tote is also acceptable if it fits under the seat in front of you. Suitcases are usually not considered personal items regardless of their size.

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Carry-on devices Mobility and medical devices don't count toward carry-on limits. If space is limited, the device doesn't fit in the cabin or if it isn't required during the flight, it may need to be checked.

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