If you are thinking about your comfort and can you bring inflatable mattress on a plane, then this blog is for you.

Inflatable mattresses, which are popular among travelers due to their compact size and lightweight, are allowed on most flights. However, before you pack your inflatable mattress in your suitcase, check the airline’s policy on bringing inflatable mattresses onboard because the rules vary from one airline to another. 

What is an Inflatable Mattress

An airbed, also known as an air mattress or blow-up bed, is an inflatable bed that can be used as a permanent or temporary substitute for a conventional bed. 

Air mattresses are usually not very large and, like sleeping bags, they don’t provide room for storage. Therefore, they are designed to be compact, so they can easily fit in a closet or under a bed when not in use. 

Air beds are commonly used by people who have recently moved into their first apartment or dormitory, where space may be limited. They are also popular with people who live in small homes without extra bedrooms. 

Some outdoor enthusiasts even use them while camping due to their portability and ease of setup. 

There are two main types of air mattresses: single-inflated and double-inflated. A single-inflated mattress has one layer of material that is inflated by one pump, whereas a double-inflated mattress has two layers that must be inflated separately.

Are inflatable mattresses allowed on airplanes?

Inflatable mattresses are allowed to be taken onto planes, as long as they don’t exceed the allotted size and weight limits. And the mattress needs to be deflated while packing it inside your carry on or checked luggage. If your mattress exceeds the allowable size, then it may make you pay more for it.

The height of an airbed should not exceed 16 inches when compressed. Since most airbeds are around 20 inches high while they’re inflated, these beds will technically fit in your luggage if they’re deflated. 

However, airlines may still refuse to allow them into their cabins for safety reasons. If you do choose to take an airbed with you on a flight, make sure it has been properly deflated before packing it into your bag so that it doesn’t pop open during transit. 

Also, keep in mind that you won’t be able to use it until after you arrive at your destination. Most airlines require passengers to wait 24 hours after arriving at their final destination before setting up camp for sleep purposes. 

So, unless you plan on sleeping in airports or hostels, it might be best to leave your bed at home. 

What does TSA say about the inflatable mattresses?

Yes, there is no complication regarding bringing Inflatable Mattress according to the TSA website. You can definitely bring it during your journey. For reference, you can have a look at their website just to be sure.

Source

So, you can now be assured you can bring an inflatable mattress in both carry-on bags and checked bags after deflating it. But for carry-on bags, there might be some special instructions along with them that you may have to follow.

Even bringing an air pump with the air mattress is also okay for the TSA. You will not be breaching any rule.

What are the restrictions for inflatable mattresses on airplanes

If you’re planning to take an inflatable mattress onboard a commercial flight, then it will be difficult. Inflatable mattresses are allowed in carry-on and checked luggage and must comply with airline regulations. 

Many airlines forbid inflatable mattresses due to safety concerns, they worry that if one were to accidentally deflate during a flight. There would be no way for passengers or crew members to replace it quickly enough. 

As such, most airlines consider them too risky and ban them from being brought onto a plane as checked or carry-on baggage. Even if your airline allows inflatable mattresses in carry-on bags, they may not allow them to be used during flights. 

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) prohibits passengers from using these devices while seated in their seats because of concerns about passenger airbag deployment. The FAA also requires that all personal electronic devices must be turned off during takeoff and landing, which means inflatable mattresses can’t even provide additional cushioning at those times. 

Check with your airline before packing an inflatable mattress, and don’t expect to use it on board. You might find yourself without any other options. 

Some newer versions of inflatable mattresses do have auto-deflation technology built into them, but still require manual inflation prior to boarding and unrolling during flights. 

These products aren’t widely available yet. 

Most likely, if you need an inflatable mattress for travel purposes, you’ll need to buy one when you arrive at your destination. 

That said, some hotels do offer portable bedding upon request. This is typically provided by an outside company rather than by hotel staff themselves. They usually charge extra for providing portable beds, so check ahead of time to see what’s available in your price range. 

Another option is renting an inflatable mattress once you get to your destination. This will help ensure you have a comfortable place to sleep each night and avoid having to lug around an uncomfortable sleeping bag or bulky airbed. 

It also makes traveling easier since you won’t have to remember where your hotel room key is located every time you want to get back inside after enjoying some time outdoors. Just make sure rental fees are included in your budget before committing to anything. 

There are several websites that offer rentals of inflatable mattresses and other types of temporary bedding. When looking for a rental service, keep in mind your needs and preferences. 

Do I need additional paperwork for my air mattress?

You may need additional paperwork for your bed, depending on its size and material. Most of the mattresses should fit inside your carry-on luggage. If it’s larger than that, you will have to check it at an airport desk or bag drop counter. 

You can also place it in your checked baggage if you prefer. 

It will count as one of your allotted pieces of checked baggage, so be sure to plan accordingly if you are bringing other items with you on your trip. 

The following is a list of airlines that allow passengers to travel with blow-up mattresses, Alaska Airlines; American Airlines; Delta Air Lines; Frontier Airlines; JetBlue Airways; Southwest Airlines; Spirit Airlines; United Airlines; and Virgin America. 

Please note that not all sizes and styles of mattresses are allowed by these airlines. Please contact them directly to confirm what restrictions apply to your specific model. 

Also, remember that some airports do not allow air travelers to bring large items into their terminals. 

Be sure to check with your airline before traveling to ensure you have everything needed for travel. 

As always, please remember to keep your passport handy! 

What should I do if something goes wrong with my inflatable bed/mattress while flying?

You may be told that deflating your bed/mattress to bring it on board is not allowed. 

You can try telling them that for some time, airlines have allowed passengers to do just that with their standard size pillows, as well as with wheelchairs and other medical equipment. It’s always worth a shot! 

If they don’t allow it, though, don’t panic—simply ask if there are any seats available in an emergency exit row or bulkhead seat. 

If there are no seats available in those areas of the plane, see if you can get a seat next to one of these areas so that you can fit your bed/mattress without having to worry about others around you. 

While airlines won’t let you sleep directly on top of someone else’s tray table, you should still be able to use yours while keeping everything else safe and secure. 

Be sure to place your mattress against an empty seat so that it doesn’t interfere with anyone sitting behind you. 

In addition, make sure you keep your carry-on luggage under your feet and out of everyone’s way. 

This may seem like a lot of work but trust me it’ll all be worth it when you finally get to relax at 35,000 feet. 

Finally, remember that most airlines do allow inflatable beds/mattresses, so you shouldn’t need to buy a new one before your trip. 

However, if you want to be prepared for every situation possible, I recommend bringing along extra batteries or an external battery pack, as well as a backup pump in case something goes wrong with your first one during travel. 

Pros and cons of inflatable mattress

If you travel frequently, or if you’re planning a long-term trip that involves camping or staying in hostels, an inflatable mattress can be convenient and cost-effective. 

Whether it’s too soft or too firm will depend on your preference, so take your time trying out different options before settling for one. 

It will be worth it when you reach your destination ready to sleep well! 

You should also consider whether you want to purchase a pillow as well. Try to go for proper research before purchasing the best travel pillow for planes. 

Yes, you are allowed to bring a pillow on a plane. Inflatable pillows are quite popular and are great for side sleepers because they don’t flatten as traditional pillows do. 

However, they can make noise when air shifts inside them and some people complain about them not being as comfortable as regular pillows. 

Still, they might be worth considering if you aren’t willing to pack any extra items with you on your travels. 

Another thing to keep in mind is how much space you have available. 

Some inflatable mattresses are compact enough to fit into a carry-on bag, but others come rolled up in large cases that require additional storage space. 

Also, while most inflatable mattresses are easy to deflate and fold up after use, many still take up more room than a standard sheet set. 

For example, a queen-sized Coleman Airbed takes up over five feet of floor space when fully inflated. This may not be a problem if you’re staying in hotels, but it could limit your options if you’re car camping or backpacking. 

Finally, inflatable mattresses can get punctured fairly easily. If you’re looking for something more permanent, try investing in a foam mattress instead. Foam mattresses offer similar comfort at a fraction of the price, and they’ll last longer overall. They also tend to be firmer than their inflatable counterparts, which makes them better suited for heavier individuals or those who prefer sleeping on top of their bed rather than sinking into it. 

The main downside to foam mattresses is that they’re bulkier and less portable than inflatables. But if you know where you’ll be sleeping each night, then a foam mattress can work just fine. 

And since they don’t need electricity or batteries to operate, they can help ensure a good night’s rest no matter where you find yourself laying your head. One other consideration to keep in mind is whether you’ll be using a sleeping pad. 

Sleeping pads provide added insulation between you and whatever surface you’re lying on, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep. Many people choose to bring a pad along with their inflatable mattress, especially if they’re going camping or backpacking. If you already own a pad, you can simply attach it to your existing mattress.

How to pack an inflatable mattress

If you’re flying, try to check with the airline: 

Inflatable mattresses can be packed in your carry-on luggage as long as they meet certain size requirements. But if you have one that is too big, be prepared to check it in a checked-in bag before boarding. 

It will likely need to go in its own bin, so there could be an extra fee for that. 

When possible, plan ahead and buy a travel bag for your mattress. These bags are often sold with inflatable mattresses and make packing them much easier. They also keep them from getting punctured or damaged by other items in your suitcase or bag. 

And of course, always remember to deflate them before checking them! Deflating them when you arrive at your destination will help save space until you need them again. 

If you don’t have a travel bag, then make sure to lay out all of your clothes on top of it before rolling up your mattress and packing it away. Be sure not to roll up any sharp objects like jewelry inside your mattress, either. This can cause holes and damage once you unroll it later. Instead, place those items in a separate compartment of your bag. 

Also, avoid putting heavy books or shoes on top of your mattress while it’s rolled up—this can put pressure on it and lead to damage over time. Another tip is to only pack clothing around your mattress so that you won’t mind wrinkling during transport. 

For example, do not pack business suits or formal dresses around your inflatable bed unless you want them wrinkled upon arrival! 

Some travelers prefer to remove their sheets from their beds entirely and wrap them around their pillows instead. However, if you choose to do so, be aware that some airlines may charge you for an additional checked bag since these pillows take up more room than your standard pillow. 

Once you get through security, feel free to re-inflate your mattress in the terminal bathroom. Most airports have restrooms with showers where you can easily blow up your mattress. Just make sure to hang onto your air pump and deflation device, just in case you need to use them again before departure. 

There’s nothing worse than being stuck on a flight without access to a working outlet! 

One last thing to consider when bringing an inflatable mattress on a plane is whether or not you’ll need to store it in overhead bins. Because these mattresses can be quite large, they may not fit underneath seats even after being fully deflated. If you think your mattress might end up taking valuable overhead storage space, then consider purchasing a smaller portable bed that folds down into something small enough to fit under most airplane seats. 

Or, you can look into a different type of inflatable mattress that comes in a backpack. These are especially convenient because you can pull them out and set them up anywhere, anytime. No matter what type of mattress you choose to bring on your next trip, be sure to check your airline’s website before booking your ticket to see if it’s allowed.

What can you do with an air bed when traveling

Air beds are ideal for any kind of travel, whether it’s a family road trip or flying across continents. They make it easy to pack light, can be inflated in minutes, and deflated just as quickly. 

Their portability also means that they’re easy to store, so you don’t have to worry about keeping your air bed around after traveling just because it won’t fit anywhere in your apartment. And if you need an extra place to sleep at home, an air bed is perfect for overnight guests. 

Air mattresses range from simple designs with no additional features to those with built-in pumps, headboards, and even remote controls. 

The best models come with warranties and instructions that walk you through setup, inflation, and deflation. It’s also important to choose an air bed based on its maximum weight capacity. You don’t want one that will leak or break under too much pressure! Consider what other features matter most when shopping for an air bed.

Things to consider before buying an inflatable mattress

Inflatable mattresses come in several different varieties and often serve various purposes. 

When it comes to traveling, they are primarily utilized as additional beds during road trips and/or camping activities. 

In most cases, these mattresses can fit right into your vehicle’s trunk space, so no need to worry about transporting one piece of luggage for every person in your group. 

Here’s what you should consider before buying one.

How much space do you have available?

As previously mentioned, inflatable mattresses take up very little room when stored away. But if you have limited space available within your vehicle, then perhaps another sleeping option would be more appropriate. 

Additionally, there is always storage space available at campgrounds or hotels if necessary. 

What type of mattress will suit your needs best?

While purchasing an inflatable mattress may seem like a simple process, there are actually quite a few options out there. 

Some are designed with children in mind, while others focus on providing comfort for adults. 

There are also airbeds that include built-in pump systems, so you don’t have to spend time blowing them up manually. If you plan on using your inflatable mattress regularly, make sure to purchase one that will meet all of your needs. 

Check the pump

Most inflatable mattresses feature some sort of pump system for inflating and deflating. 

Before making a purchase, make sure to check how long it takes for each process to complete. 

Otherwise, you might find yourself wasting valuable vacation time waiting around instead of spending quality time with family members. 

It’s also important to keep in mind that not all pumps are created equal. Cheaper models tend to break down easily, which could leave you stranded without a place to sleep! 

Make sure it has a built-in electric pump

Many people opt for portable electric pumps because they allow for quick inflation and deflation times without having to mess around with hand pumps. Unfortunately, many inflatable mattresses do not come equipped with electric pumps by default. 

Therefore, if you want to save yourself from potential frustration down the line, make sure to purchase one that includes a built-in motorized pump. 

Purchase an air bed with a warranty

Even though inflatable mattresses are typically cheaper than their traditional counterparts, they still cost money and chances are you won’t get much use out of yours after just one trip.

Quick tip for choosing the best travel air bed

You may find the following tips helpful while picking an ideal travel air bed for yourself and your family.

Price of the air bed

A lot of people assume that buying an expensive airbed will mean that it’s better quality and more comfortable. 

However, while comfort is subjective, cheaper products are usually just as comfortable as those with higher price tags. 

Pay attention to brand reputation

While price is a good indicator of overall quality and comfort, it doesn’t necessarily mean that any product with low-quality materials or craftsmanship will be uncomfortable. 

Instead, look for brands with great reputations for durability and support. 

For example, Coleman has been making camping gear since 1900, their high-end camping mattresses tend to have a great reputation for quality and comfort. 

Consider your needs

What do you need from your travel bed? Do you want something simple that can easily fit in your suitcase without taking up too much space? Or do you need something larger that can comfortably sleep two people at once? 

Inflatable beds come in all shapes and sizes, so if you know what features matter most to you, you’ll find it easier to narrow down your options. Inflatable mattresses also come with different thicknesses, some are less than half an inch thick, while others might be three inches thick. 

Don’t forget about accessories 

Some travel beds come with pillows, sheets, or even storage bags. If you plan on using your bed often, these extras could save you money in the long run. 

Find out how easy it is to set up

Sometimes getting into bed can be tough enough, let alone trying to figure out how to put together a complicated new device. The easiest models simply open like an umbrella and go right onto your mattress, you don’t even need any extra tools or equipment. 

Others require a bit of assembly before use, but still aren’t difficult to figure out. I would recommend looking for products that include instructions and/or videos online, not only does it make setup easier, but it can help prevent frustration when you get home. 

Shop around

It may seem obvious, but comparing prices is one of the best ways to find a deal on an inflatable mattress. There are plenty of places to buy them online, including big retailers like Amazon and Walmart. 

You can also check out big box stores like Target or Walmart, which sometimes carry their own versions of popular products. 

Make sure you read reviews

There’s nothing worse than investing in a product that ends up being terrible, and there’s no way to tell whether it will be until after you buy it. 

So I always recommend reading reviews before making a purchase. Not only can you learn about a company’s customer service, but you can also see what previous customers thought of a product. 

Don’t be afraid to ask questions

When it comes to shopping for anything, It is always better to ask questions. Whether it’s with an in-store salesperson or an online retailer, I always encourage people to reach out and ask questions. 

Whether you’re wondering about a product’s warranty or you need to troubleshoot a problem, companies are happy to answer questions, especially because it can lead to repeat business. 

But remember, just because someone is nice and helpful doesn’t mean that they’re giving you unbiased information. Always try to look for other sources of information, like online reviews or salespeople who work for competing companies.

The best way to avoid losing your inflatable air bed on the plane

To avoid losing your air bed when flying, roll it up as tightly as possible and use all of your strength to stuff it into your luggage. Be sure to push with every muscle in your body so that every inch of air is squeezed out from between the folds. 

If you’re worried about wrinkles, don’t be, they will naturally disappear once your bed inflates upon landing. The key here is to make sure that there are no air pockets left anywhere inside or outside your bag. 

Otherwise, it could easily slip through airport security and onto another flight without you ever knowing. This is especially important if you plan on checking your luggage. If your mattress isn’t properly folded, it could take up space for other passengers’ bags. 

Not only would that cause problems for them, but it would also mean you have to pay extra fees for exceeding weight limits! That’s why it’s best to check these types of items at home before leaving for your trip. 

In fact, many airlines allow passengers to check their beds ahead of time, so they can simply pick them up at baggage claim upon arrival. It’s worth calling your airline directly to see what their policy is regarding advanced checked baggage. 

However, keep in mind that most airlines charge additional fees for checking large items like mattresses. So if you do decide to fly with one of these, just make sure it fits within your carry-on size requirements.

Another option is to ship your bed via UPS, FedEx, or USPS. 

However, shipping costs can add up quickly depending on how far away you live from your final destination. 

Plus, if something happens during transit, like getting lost along the way, you won’t know until it arrives, and by then it might be too late. 

While you may think that traveling with an inflatable mattress sounds complicated, it doesn’t have to be. 

By following these tips, you should feel confident that your bed will arrive safe and sound at its final destination. 

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Can I take an inflatable bed in my hand luggage?

Yes, you can. There is no restriction regarding it from TSA or FAA.

Can I carry my airbed with me when traveling by plane? 

Some airlines allow passengers to carry up to two pieces of baggage, including suitcases and duffel bags, but these items must be within a certain dimension. Airline rules are constantly changing, so check with your carrier before packing any extra bags. In addition, some airlines charge fees for checking luggage and sometimes even carry-on bags, so weigh all of your options before deciding how much stuff to pack.

Can we bring an inflatable mattress with us when traveling by plane?

Yes! If you’re worried about comfort while flying long distances, investing in a good airbed might be worth considering. But check your airline’s policy before packing anything extra. 

Wrapping things up

So, can you bring inflatable mattress on a plane? Yes you can, but there are certain regulations for it that you need to follow for not leaving it behind during the security check.

However, if you want to ensure you have somewhere comfortable to sleep on your flight, it’s best to check with your airline before booking your trip. You might also consider purchasing an inexpensive foam pad or sleeping bag while traveling. Most airports have stores where these items are sold, or there are online retailers like Amazon where you can buy one ahead of time and store it until it’s needed. This way, you won’t end up sitting upright all night.