Roberta Aguirre
If you're planning to travel by air and need to use distilled water for medical reasons, you may be wondering if you can buy it at the airport. According to various online forums, distilled water is typically not sold at airports, and flight crews usually do not have access to it unless they bring their own supply. However, some users have suggested that it may be available at certain UK airports, such as Boots pharmacies. To ensure you have access to distilled water during your travels, it is recommended to bring your own supply, either in checked luggage or carry-on bags, depending on the regulations of the airport and TSA guidelines. Some users have suggested carrying small, sealed, TSA-approved bottles of distilled water for medical use, especially if you plan to use it during the flight. Additionally, you may want to allow extra time and be patient when declaring your distilled water at security checkpoints to avoid any potential issues.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Availability of distilled water at airports | Distilled water is typically not sold at airports, although some claim it can be purchased at UK airport Boots stores. |
| Bringing distilled water through security | Travellers have reported issues bringing distilled water through security, with some TSA agents confiscating water despite medical necessity. |
| Alternatives | Some suggest using purified drinking water or regular bottled water as an alternative, especially for short periods. Tap water may also be suitable, depending on the region. |
| Tips | It may be helpful to refer to distilled water as "special treated water for medical purposes." Smaller bottles may be more likely to be allowed through security, and a prescription or seal from a pharmacy may help. |
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What You'll Learn
TSA restrictions on distilled water
The TSA has strict rules regarding liquids, gels, and aerosols. Liquids are limited to travel-sized containers of 3.4 ounces (100ml) or less per item. These must be placed in a quart-sized bag and separated from carry-on baggage. Larger containers should be packed in checked baggage. Any liquid that alarms during screening will require additional screening.
Some travelers have reported that their medically necessary distilled water was confiscated by TSA agents. It is recommended that travelers put distilled water in their checked luggage to avoid this issue. However, it is important to note that distilled water is not typically available for purchase at airports, and flight crews do not usually carry it unless it is for personal use.
If you need to use distilled water during your flight, you may be able to bring a small amount (up to 3.4 ounces) in a carry-on bag if it is declared as medically necessary. For larger amounts, you may need to provide a doctor's note or prescription. Alternatively, you can try to purify water at the airport by starting with boiling water from a coffee shop and using a commercial purifying filter.
It is also worth noting that TSA agents are becoming more familiar with CPAP machines, which often require distilled water. If you have a CPAP machine, it is recommended that you inform the TSA agents during screening and treat them with respect.
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Buying distilled water at your destination
While it is possible to buy distilled water at your destination, it may not be easy to find. One source suggests that it can take a couple of days to find a decent grocery store when travelling. However, some people have found that they can use regular bottled drinking water without any problems, and simply clean their CPAP machine when they get home.
If you are travelling with a CPAP machine, it is recommended that you bring distilled water with you, as it can be difficult to find at your destination. One source suggests bringing a small 14 oz Nalgene bottle filled with distilled water, with the lid tightened securely, in your checked baggage. This should provide enough water to last at least two days, depending on the humidity of the destination.
If you are unable to bring distilled water with you, there are a few alternatives to consider. Some people have suggested using regular bottled water, such as Dasani or Aquafina, which can be purchased at the airport or shortly after arriving at the destination. Others have suggested using tap water, especially in areas with clean water sources, but it is important to clean the CPAP machine after using tap water to remove any mineral deposits.
Additionally, some hotels may provide distilled water or be able to assist in obtaining it. It is recommended to bring equipment to purify water, such as a commercial purifying filter, as distilled water may not be readily available at your destination.
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Using tap water in a CPAP machine
Distilled water is not sold at most airports, and flight crews usually do not have access to it unless they bring their own supply. However, you can buy it at your destination, or pack it in your checked luggage. Alternatively, you can bring equipment to purify water airside at the airport, by starting with a cup of boiling water and using a commercial purifying filter.
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Getting distilled water through security
It is difficult to find distilled water at airports, and it is not usually sold at airport shops. Flight crew also do not routinely have access to distilled water unless they brought a personal supply. However, it may be available at Boots stores in UK airports. It is also worth noting that ordinary water can be used for short periods.
If you need distilled water for medical reasons, it is best to come prepared with a doctor's note or prescription. You can bring your own distilled water through security by packing small, sealed, TSA-approved bottles inside your carry-on luggage. You may need to show the TSA label to security staff, and they may remove the label to scan the bottle. You can also put a larger bottle of distilled water in your checked luggage.
If you are unable to bring distilled water with you, there are a few alternatives. You could bring equipment to purify water airside at the airport, starting with a cup of boiling water from a coffee shop and then using a commercial purifying filter. You could also ask your hotel whether they have or can get distilled water for you.
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Distilled water in checked luggage
Distilled water is not sold at most airports, and flight crews usually do not have access to it unless they bring their own supply. However, it is available at Boots stores in UK airports. Airports typically sell bottled water with natural minerals, not distilled water.
If you need to use distilled water for medical reasons during your flight, you can carry a small amount in your carry-on bag. You are allowed to pack a larger amount of distilled water in your checked luggage. It is recommended to use a sturdy, leak-proof bottle, such as a small 14 oz Nalgene bottle, to avoid any issues with leakage or breakage.
If you are using distilled water with a CPAP machine, it is important to only use distilled water, as tap water or spring water can contain minerals that can build up in the machine over time and cause damage. However, some CPAP users have reported that they have used regular bottled drinking water while travelling without any issues, and you can always clean your CPAP machine after returning home.
If you are travelling to a location where the local water is not safe to drink, it is advisable to avoid inhaling it as well. In such cases, it is recommended to bring your own supply of distilled water or find a local source at your destination.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can bring distilled water on a plane, but only in small, sealed, TSA-approved bottles. You may need a doctor's note or a prescription to get it through security.
Distilled water is not sold at most airports, although it may be available at some UK airports. If you need distilled water for medical reasons, it is best to bring your own supply.
Yes, but be prepared for pushback from TSA clerks. Show them the TSA label, and remember that as a necessary part of your medical therapy, it cannot be rejected.
If you are using the distilled water with a CPAP machine, you can use regular bottled water for a short period without damaging the machine. However, you should clean the machine immediately when you return home.
