Can You Bring An Air Mattress On A Plane? The Answer!

Have you ever wondered; can you bring an air mattress on a plane? It’s summer and you are planning to travel like every other year with your family or friends.

But this year instead of going by road you have decided to go by air. And one of the few handy pieces of luggage you travel with is your air mattress.

This might be a little confusing as you have never traveled on a plane with an air mattress but considering that you need it and it doesn’t seem to be much of an issue.

A lot of people are unsure if they can bring their air mattresses on the plane with them. Well, let’s find out what the answer is.

Yes, an air mattress can be brought on a plane but there are certain requirements and restrictions for bringing them on a plane.

This article will discuss the requirements and any other restrictions that may be encountered in taking an air mattress on a plane.

What Is An Air Mattress And Why We Might Need To Bring It On A Plane?

Air Mattress which is also known as air beds is lightweight, inflatable mattresses.

They are made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), textile-reinforced urethane plastic, or rubber.

They are mostly used for temporary uses, such as a bed for a guest, camping, and extra carry-on beds used in hotels and hostels. And in some cases more everyday uses.

An air mattress can be deflated and inflated at any time which is what makes them very moveable. It is usually inflated with air by using pumps, mouths, and even compressors.

This allows the air mattress to be foldable and easily mobile.

A major benefit of air beds is the comfort they bring, due to the nature in which they are made. Air beds can be very convenient and can give as much comfort as regular mattresses.

Air mattresses come in numerous sizes, when deflated some are small enough to be fitted in travel luggage and can be easily traveled with.

While some which are the size of a regular king-size mattress are mostly used for indoor purposes and even when deflated aren't mobile.

Reasons You Might Need an Air Mattress on a Plane

There are many reasons why we might want to bring an air mattress on a plane, the most common is to be used as an extra bed wherever we might be traveling.

Let’s say you are on a trip with your family or friends, you might be unsure of the sleeping arrangement of wherever you might be heading to.

Therefore it is a good idea to travel alongside an extra pair of air mattresses. There are other reasons why a person might want to bring an air mattress on a plane.

One of such reasons is comfort on a plane for flights that may be far off which would definitely require a person to sleep.

If you book a business class ticket for you and your family, either you aren’t comfortable with the seats.

Opting for an Air bed instead of the seats will bring you so much comfort that you’ll never forget to travel for long hours without it. Just make sure not to constitute a nuisance with it.

Note: There are other reasons why we might want to travel by our air mattress. For whatever reason, the article aims to answer the question of bringing a bed on a plane.

So, Can You Bring An Air Mattress On A Plane?

According to the TSA website, you can bring your air mattress on a plane either as carry-on luggage or as checked-in luggage.

Although the size and weight also matter as you would need to confirm the accepted size and weight from your airline.

It is best and mostly allowed for you to carry your air bed alongside your checked luggage as that would save a lot of stress in terms of size and weight.

Different airlines have their own allowed weight but regardless each airline would allow you to carry your air mattress as checked luggage. 

And would only ask for extra pay if your entire luggage exceeds the accepted weight.

Are There Requirements?

Air mattresses can be allowed to be brought on a plane even with our carry-on bags but they must meet certain requirements.

Mostly they are required to be well and properly packed so it is necessary that you have the small size air mattresses.

Your carry-on luggage must fit in properly either underneath your seat or the deck above your head.

Any size above that would be considered a piece of checked luggage and would require you to check it in.

Therefore when packing your air mattress you want to be considerate of the size of your bag and air bed, because if you’re not, you’ll end up not using it on the plane as it won’t be in your carry-on luggage.

Note: Ensure that the air bed is properly packed in the bag.

Can You Bring An Air Mattress Pump On A Plane?

Air mattresses are usually inflated in numerous ways, some come with built-in pumps.

Others can easily be inflated by blowing air from our mouths.

And some require if not all the use of an air pump. Therefore another common question people ask is; Can you bring an air mattress pump on a plane?

Certain air mattresses come with built-in pumps such mattresses are allowed to be packed with our carry-on luggage and checked luggage.

The TSA also allows mattress pumps to be carried on a plane as they are not considered to be of high risk or threat.

Although the accepted size and length of the pump are usually given by each airline. But the air pumps are mostly allowed in your checked luggage and not your carry-on bags.

If you intend to make use of your air mattress on the plane during the flight.

Tip: It is advised you get a bed that is easily inflatable. Either the ones that come with built-in pumps or those you can inflate with your mouth. 

Things You Should Know While Carrying An Air Mattress On A Plane

Below are a few tips to help you package your air bed when traveling to avoid any troubles in the course of your flight.

• Ensure that you check the required size and weight acceptable by your airline, this will save you a lot of extra charges.
• It is best to get a bag for your air mattress whether you want it as checked luggage or carry-on luggage, as most air mattresses won’t fit into your regular bags.
• If you are carrying an air pump for the mattress, ensure to check the accepted size, length, and weight your airline is willing to permit.
•  Ensure to pack and fold the air bed properly to avoid it sticking out of the bag.

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Conclusion

So, can you bring an air mattress on a plane? I think the answer is pretty clear now.

At the beginning of this article, we were unsure if we could bring our air mattress onboard our flights.

But as we have seen air mattresses can be carried on a plane and can even be used on a plane.

But bear in mind that each airline has its own accepted weight and size. But be rest assured that your air beds won’t be set aside if you carry the ones that have built-in pumps or can be inflated with your mouth.

I hope this article has been helpful and I believe you had a good time reading this article. Do have a good time during your holidays, Enjoy your air mattress and have a safe flight.