So can you bring an air mattress on a plane? And are inflatable beds allowed on planes?
Air mattress is lightweight and can be folded down into a compact size, traveling with one of these beds will make your adventure easy and a stressful-free experience.
And Whether you’re camping in the wilderness or you just found a new air mattress to take back home, you might be wondering if you can take it in hand luggage or you have to send it as checked luggage .
Here is a quick answer.
You are allowed to bring your air mattress in both carry-on and checked luggage on most airlines as long as they are within the allowed size and weight, However; your mattress should be deflated and well packed, if it is larger than the airline allowed size you will have to pay some additional charges and your mattress will be sent in checked luggage.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the TSA and different airline policies on air mattresses, size and weight restrictions, and tips for packing and transporting your air mattress for a hassle-free travel experience.
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Take Air Mattress Through The TSA Checkpoint
On its website, the TSA specified that air mattresses including built-in pump are permitted through the security checkpoint without a problem.
The TSA officer will not restrict taking an air mattress with you on board but you should keep in mind your airline luggage limits.
And as the TSA always stated, the final decision rests with the TSA officer to decide whether an item is allowed or not.
But I don’t see any danger in taking an air mattress, as long as your mattress is within the airline size and weight, you are good to go.
Take Air Mattress In Carry-On Baggage
Carry-on luggage always needs to carry only what you need, so taking a large and a double size air mattress is not going to be a good move when it comes to carry on.
Traveling with a light and small air mattress will be much easier. despite the purpose you want your air mattress for; some airlines have limited space on board. So you must think small and narrow.
Most of the time a large air mattress won’t fit in carry-on baggage, but a small fold up air mattress will fit perfectly, though when traveling with a large bed, just prepare it to be checked in.
Julie asked the TSA if taking a deflated air mattress is allowed in carry-on luggage, the TSA confirmed that air mattresses are allowed in carry-on luggage, but she must ensure that the item will fit under the seat or in the overhead bin.
The same answer is given for this passenger who wants to bring an air mattress and a pump in carry-on luggage.
“An air mattress is allowed in both carry on and checked luggage”
Tip: No matter how often you travel,you will need a suitcase or a backpack that suits your needs and take all your essential items, they have to be spacious and durable while fits within any airline luggage size and weight limits (Amazon links).
Can You Check a Mattress On a Plane?
Are There Any Restrictions for Air Mattress in Checked Luggage?
Only the size and weight.
Most items are allowed in checked luggage, air mattresses also.
But you have a specific luggage weight and size to keep beyond what comes with your ticket. if your air matters can not fit inside your suitcase you can then use a travel bag or even a box.
If you want to check in your air mattress separately it will be considered as a single piece and if the airline charges for the second bag, there will be additional fees applies, even if you don’t place the mattress in a suitcase or a duffle bag.
Concerning the security; if the airport security opened your bag or box. they will leave a note inside informing you that they have inspected your air mattress and most of the time it will be because of the density of the item.
Tip: If you like to carry your air mattress on flights, consider getting a travel bag, because most of the time the mattress will not fit inside your carry-on or checked luggage.
How Do You Pack An Air Mattress For Travel?
When traveling with a large air mattress there is more chance that it will be larger to be carried in carry-on luggage.
So you can just pack it and send it in your check in baggage, otherwise a small air mattress will fit in a duffle bag just smoothly.
When going for an adventure packing small is always critical, for example if you want to bring an air mattress for sleeping in a hostel or hotel room; you should consider the space.
In addition small air mattresses are easy to travel with on any airline. Packing small air mattresses are always easy, they are based solely on how small they are.
Of course there are other smaller beds available. But they may take more space as luggage or even to pay additional fees for transporting them.
Tip: If you are traveling with a child bed ”most airlines allow one stroller and one car seat to be checked free of charge”, so you can put your car seat in a car seat bag and put the bed in the car seat bag too (on top of the seat). It will fit perfectly if you travel with a small mattress.
Best Travel Air Mattress
When you travel it makes sense that you want to travel with a light air mattress but still comfortable to sleep on at night. That’s where travel air mattresses come in handy. Travel air mattresses are tremendously more comfortable than sleeping bags alone, and they come in a wide range of options to suit any need.
Here are our top picks for the best Travel air mattresses.
- Intex Dura-Beam Series Pillow Rest Raised Airbed with Internal Pump (Amazon link) : Most popular Air mattress, easy to set up, with an internal pump when you have access to electricity, also you can inflate it with a manual pump.
- EnerPlex Never-Leak Camping Series Queen Camping Airbed with High Speed Pump Air Mattress (Amazon link): This camping bed is the best inflatable bed you will ever try . The bed is durable and rugged, perfect for camping or overnight company at the house. It also includes a pump and a carry bag which is great.
Final Thoughts
Yes you can bring your air mattress in both carry-on and checked baggage.
If this is your first time traveling with your air mattress do not worry there are so many people who have done it before and never faced any issues.
The only thing you need to consider is your airline’s luggage rules, the size and the weight of your air mattress must not exceed the airline limits.
We hope this helps
Happy travel