Today I'm going to show you how you can fly with diapers for free as an extra carry-on item that does not count toward your carry-on allowance.
This information is based off of of a post I found from ADISC in early 2024. You can find that post here: https://www.adisc.org/forum/threads/air-travel-with-diapers-i-learned-something.182715/. I've taken the information from that post and organized it in a way that you can use easily. I'm also updating the links to point toward more directly useful information for travelers.
The United States Code of Federal Regulations classifies a "Protective garment for incontinence" (adult diapers) as "Medical Devices," (21 CFR 876.5920) and airlines must allow you to carry medical devices in the cabin as an additional carry-on so long as it meets standard carry-on restrictions (size/weight). The Air Carrier Access Act lays out this requirement (USDOT - Airline Passengers with Disabilities Bill of Rights), and the Code of Federal Regulations reflects this (14 CFR 382.121).
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
- This information is for individuals traveling domestically in the United States of America. Regulations may be different for international travel and/or in other jurisdictions.
- This applies only to carry-on luggage. (An airline might allow you to check a medical bag for free, but that's at their discretion. The regulations only protect carry-on medical bags/devices.)
- You must have a bag specifically designated as a medical bag to carry your diapers, and it can ONLY contain the medical device(s) covered by the regulations.
- Adult diapers are medical devices
- Wipes, powder, disposal bags, etc. are not considered medical devices.
- Baby diapers are NOT covered under these regulations, and the regulations specifically specify that they are not covered.
- Your medical bag full of diapers is subject to the same TSA screening as any other bag, and they might ask you to open the bag for inspection.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
- Choose a bag that meets the size/weight requirements for carry-on luggage. Your average backpack will usually work well and holds about one full pack of diapers in most cases.
- Download both of the following PDF files and either print them out or have them available to show airline staff in case they question you at all. They contain both sections of the Code of Federal Regulations that specify that adult diapers are a "medical device" and that they are required to allow it as a carry-on so long as it meets the standard carry-on size/weight limitations. I suggest printing "with markups" if you're going to print it so that the highlighted sections are retained. I keep these two pages inside my medical bag that has my diapers in case I ever get questioned.
- Code of Federal Regulations 876.5920 - Medical Devices - Protective Garment For Incontinence (PDF)
- Code of Federal Regulations 382.121 - Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability in Air Travel - What mobility aids and other assistive devices may passengers with a disability bring into the aircraft cabin? (PDF)
- I suggest purchasing a tag for your medical bag which designates it as a medical bag containing medical supplies. This allows airline agents to see at a glance that your bag is a medical bag, and that usually helps you avoid having to explain why you have more carry-on luggage than what is normally permitted.
- Amazon Link to the one I use: https://a.co/d/6zVNfJy
- Be sure to put your name and contact information on your medical tags in case your bag gets lost.
And that's it! Not too complicated. You can finally stop taking up all your valuable luggage space with diapers each time you go to a convention or travel.
Be safe out there, and stay crinkly!
~Thunderpup 🐾
