Roberta Aguirre
Many people who use CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machines for sleep apnea have expressed concerns about travelling with distilled water. It is not easy to find distilled water in airports, and it is not usually sold at airports. Some people have had their medically necessary distilled water thrown away by TSA agents. However, it is possible to bring water for a PAP machine on a plane in a sealed, small, TSA-approved water bottle. If you are concerned about using non-distilled water in your CPAP machine, it is recommended that you bring a small bottle of distilled water in your checked luggage or purchase some at your destination.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can you buy distilled water at the airport? | No, distilled water is not sold at most airports. |
| Can you bring distilled water through security? | Yes, if it is a small, sealed, TSA-approved bottle with a prescription or seal from a pharmacy. |
| What can you do if you need distilled water during your flight? | You can bring equipment to purify water airside at the airport. You can also use tap water or mineral water for a night or two without damaging your CPAP machine. |
| What can you do if you need distilled water at your destination? | You can buy distilled water at your destination, although it may take a few days to find a store that sells it. Some hotels may have it or can get it for you. |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Distilled water is not sold at most airports
It is not possible to buy distilled water at most airports. While it is critical for CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machines, distilled water is not usually available at airports. This means that those who need it for medical reasons must plan ahead. Some suggestions for how to do this include:
- Bringing your own distilled water in a small, sealed, TSA-approved bottle. This may require a prescription or seal from a pharmacy.
- Packing equipment to purify water airside, such as a commercial purifying filter.
- Carrying a larger bottle of distilled water in your checked luggage.
- Buying distilled water at your destination, bearing in mind that it may take a few days to find a store that sells it.
In the UK, Boots at the airport sells distilled water, but this is an exception to the rule.
Arriving Early: Navigating Airport Arrival Times
You may want to see also
Explore related products
It can be bought post-security, but not carried through security
It is not possible to carry distilled water through airport security. However, you can buy it after you have passed through security, either in the airport or once you arrive at your destination.
If you require distilled water for medical reasons, such as for a CPAP machine, it is best to be prepared. You can buy small, TSA-approved bottles of distilled water to take on the plane with you. If you have a prescription, you may be able to take a larger bottle through security. However, this is not guaranteed, and some travellers have reported having their medically necessary distilled water confiscated by TSA agents. One way to avoid this is to refer to your distilled water as "special treated water for medical purposes", which is not a lie, just a more accessible way of describing it for those unfamiliar with the term. Alternatively, you could pack a larger bottle of distilled water in your checked luggage.
If you are unable to take distilled water through security, you can buy it at your destination. It may be available at the airport, although this is not guaranteed, and you may need to wait until you can get to a grocery store. In the meantime, you can use regular bottled water, tap water, or mineral water in your CPAP machine. This is not ideal, as it can cause a buildup in the humidifier, but it is unlikely to cause any serious problems during a short trip.
If you are travelling to a destination with questionable water quality, you may want to take enough distilled water to last the whole trip. You can do this by packing a small, sturdy bottle with a tight lid, such as a 14oz Nalgene bottle, in your checked luggage.
Traveling with CPAP: Airport Security Tips
You may want to see also
Explore related products
It can be carried on a flight with a prescription
It is generally not possible to buy distilled water at airports. Airports usually sell bottled water with natural minerals, not distilled water. Distilled water is also not routinely available to flight crews, unless they bring their own supply. However, distilled water can be purchased at Boots stores in UK airports.
If you have a prescription for distilled water, you may be able to carry it on a flight. However, it is important to note that there have been reports of TSA agents confiscating distilled water, even when it is medically necessary. To avoid any issues, it is recommended to carry a prescription or a letter from a medical practitioner confirming that you need distilled water for your journey. It is also a good idea to refer to the water as "special treated water for medical purposes" when speaking to TSA agents.
If you are unable to bring distilled water on the flight, there are a few alternative options. One option is to bring a larger bottle of distilled water in your checked luggage. This can provide a supply that lasts for a few days, giving you time to find a local source of distilled water at your destination. Another option is to bring equipment to purify water airside at the airport, such as using a commercial purifying filter for the minerals after starting with a cup of boiling water from a coffee shop. While this may not be as pure as distilled water, it can be a better option than using ordinary bottled water. Additionally, some hotels may have distilled water or be able to provide it for you.
If you are travelling with a CPAP machine, it is recommended to pack it in its own travel bag and carry a copy of your prescription and the manufacturer's FAA compliance notification. While distilled water is ideal for CPAP machines, some travellers have reported using regular bottled drinking water without any problems. However, it is important to clean the machine immediately upon returning home if regular water is used.
Settlers of Catan: Airport-Friendly?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
It can be placed in checked luggage
If you need to travel with distilled water, it is advisable to place it in your checked luggage. This is because distilled water is not usually available at airports, and security may confiscate it if you attempt to bring it through. It is also not routinely available on flights, unless the flight crew have brought their own supply.
If you are travelling with a CPAP machine, you may be able to bring small bottles of distilled water with you, but only if they are sealed and TSA-approved. However, it is worth noting that some travellers have reported having their distilled water confiscated by the TSA, even when it is medically necessary. To avoid this, you could try referring to your distilled water as "special treated water for medical purposes", as security personnel may not be aware of the difference between purified and distilled water.
If you do choose to place your distilled water in checked luggage, it is recommended to use a sturdy, leak-proof bottle, such as a Nalgene bottle. This will ensure that your water does not leak during transit, and you will have a supply that will last at least two days. This will give you time to find a local store that sells distilled water, or you may find that your hotel can provide some for you.
In some cases, it may be possible to bring equipment to purify water airside at the airport. For example, you could start with a cup of boiling water from a coffee shop and then use a commercial purifying filter to remove the minerals. This method may not produce water that is as pure as distilled water, but it could be a suitable alternative if you need to use your CPAP machine during the flight.
X-ray vision: Can airport security see your cash?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Regular bottled water can be used as a substitute
Distilled water is not sold at most airports, and flight crews may not have access to it. However, regular bottled water can be used as a substitute for distilled water in certain situations.
Regular bottled water is purified water that has been filtered or processed to remove impurities like chemicals and other contaminants. It is typically produced using groundwater or tap water. While it may still contain some minerals and electrolytes, it is generally safe for consumption and can be used as a substitute for distilled water in the short term.
For example, if you are travelling with a CPAP machine, you may be advised to use distilled water in the reservoir. However, using bottled water for a short period, such as during a week-long conference, is perfectly acceptable. Just be sure to dump any leftovers in the morning and let the tank dry to minimise any chance of mineral build-up.
In some cases, you may even be able to use tap water temporarily. While tap water may contain harmless bacteria and minerals, it is generally safe for consumption and can be used in a pinch if bottled water is not available.
It is important to note that distilled water is different from purified or regular bottled water. The distillation process removes all minerals and electrolytes, which may make it less suitable for regular consumption. However, it is highly effective at removing contaminants and is often used in medical and laboratory settings.
How to Navigate Pittsburgh Airport Security Without a Ticket
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Distilled water is not sold at most airports. However, it can be purchased at Boots in UK airports.
Yes, you can bring distilled water through airport security in small, sealed, TSA-approved bottles, especially if you have a prescription or seal from a pharmacy.
Yes, you can bring your own distilled water on the plane in small, sealed, TSA-approved bottles.
Yes, you can use tap water in your CPAP machine, especially if it is clean. However, it is recommended to clean your CPAP machine immediately after using tap water.
Yes, you can use bottled water in your CPAP machine. However, it is recommended to use distilled water to avoid mineral deposits in the machine.
