You can take a CPAP machine, a portable oxygen concentrator, or an electric wheelchair or mobility scooter through Bristol Airport, and none of it counts against your normal cabin bag allowance: the UK Civil Aviation Authority's rule is up to two mobility items free of charge per passenger, on top of your luggage. The one thing that catches people out is notice: airlines need advance details of a powered mobility device, including its battery type, before you travel, and most require this at least 48 hours ahead. Checked 2026.
The quick answer
- CPAP machines and portable oxygen concentrators can be carried in the cabin as medical equipment and don't count towards your hand luggage allowance, but you should tell your airline in advance and check its specific policy on device models and spare batteries.
- Electric wheelchairs and mobility scooters are carried free, but you must give the airline the make, model, weight, size and battery type when you book, so ground staff can load and store it safely.
- You're allowed up to two mobility items free of charge under CAA guidance, separate from your cabin and checked baggage allowance.
- Liquid medicines over 100ml need a medical certificate to go through security in your hand luggage; see our liquids rule guide for the standard 100ml allowance that still applies to everything else.
Flying with a CPAP machine
A CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine for sleep apnoea is widely accepted as medical equipment by airlines flying from Bristol, including easyJet, Ryanair, TUI and Jet2. It travels in the cabin, doesn't count against your hand luggage allowance, and you don't need a doctor's letter simply to carry the machine itself. If it runs on a battery rather than mains power only, check your airline's rules on spare lithium batteries before you fly, since most airlines cap spare battery capacity and require them to be carried in the cabin, not in checked luggage. It's still worth telling your airline you're travelling with a CPAP machine when you book, so cabin crew aren't surprised by it at the gate.
Flying with a portable oxygen concentrator (POC)
A personal oxygen concentrator is treated the same way: it can come into the cabin in addition to your normal hand luggage allowance. Airlines differ on which specific POC models they'll accept and whether you need written medical clearance (a MEDIF form or fitness-to-fly letter) in advance, so check directly with your airline well before departure, ideally when you book rather than at check-in. Compressed oxygen cylinders are treated differently from battery-powered concentrators and are far more tightly restricted, so if you currently use cylinders rather than a concentrator, contact your airline specifically about this before assuming the same rules apply.
Flying with an electric wheelchair or mobility scooter
Before you travel, the CAA says you should:
- Check your airline's specific restrictions, since rules vary between airlines.
- Give the airline details of your mobility aid, including make, model, weight, size and battery type, when you book.
- Bring the operating manual, which can help ground staff if the device needs special handling.
- Tell the airline if the device is collapsible, and how to assemble and disassemble it.
You're allowed up to two mobility items free of charge for your trip under CAA guidance, and if you need a specific item again at your destination, your airline should accommodate that within reason. Airlines are liable for damage to mobility equipment in transit, though compensation is often limited to a few hundred pounds under standard terms, so it's worth considering extra insurance for an expensive powered wheelchair or scooter. If your equipment is damaged or delayed, the airport is required to provide a temporary alternative, though it may not be a like-for-like replacement, so flag any damage before you leave the airport.
What about the battery?
The battery, not the device itself, is usually what airlines need details on. Spillable (wet-cell) batteries typically need to be removed and carried separately in some cases, while sealed, non-spillable batteries are more straightforward. Lithium battery-powered scooters and wheelchairs are generally accepted but with specific handling requirements that vary by airline, which is exactly why giving battery details at booking, rather than turning up at the gate, avoids a last-minute problem.
Booking special assistance at Bristol Airport
Separately from your airline's medical equipment rules, it's worth arranging special assistance with Bristol Airport itself if you'll need help getting through the terminal, to the gate, or boarding. Our special assistance guide and how to book special assistance cover how to request this in advance and what to expect on the day. If you use your own wheelchair as far as the aircraft door, it's usually tagged and stored in the hold, with an airport wheelchair available for the walk to the gate; confirm this with your airline when you book.
Medicines and liquids over 100ml
If you're carrying liquid or gel medication, including insulin, over the standard 100ml security limit, you'll need a medical certificate or prescription to bring it through security in your hand luggage. See our 100ml liquids rule guide for how the standard allowance works, and contact your airline ahead of travel if you're carrying unusually large quantities of medication, since some ask for supporting documentation.
FAQs
Does a CPAP machine count towards my hand luggage allowance at Bristol Airport?
No. A CPAP machine is accepted as medical equipment and travels in addition to your normal cabin bag allowance, though it's worth telling your airline in advance.
Can I bring a portable oxygen concentrator on a flight from Bristol?
Generally yes, as cabin medical equipment in addition to your hand luggage, but airlines differ on which specific models they accept and whether a medical clearance form is required, so check with your airline before you travel.
How much notice does an airline need for an electric wheelchair or mobility scooter?
Most airlines flying from Bristol ask for at least 48 hours' notice, with full details of the device's make, model, weight, size and battery type given at the time of booking.
How many mobility items can I bring free of charge?
Up to two mobility items per passenger, free of charge, under UK Civil Aviation Authority guidance, separate from your normal baggage allowance.
What happens if my wheelchair or scooter is damaged in transit?
Airlines are liable for damage to mobility equipment, though compensation is often capped at a few hundred pounds under standard terms, so consider extra insurance for an expensive device. The airport must provide a temporary alternative, but it may not be like-for-like.
Do I need a letter from my doctor to fly with a CPAP machine or oxygen concentrator?
Not always for a CPAP machine, but some airlines require medical clearance for a portable oxygen concentrator, and compressed oxygen cylinders are more tightly restricted. Check your specific airline's policy before booking.
More
More: Special assistance at Bristol Airport, Liquids and the 100ml rule, Wheelchair accessible taxis, FAQs.