Spirit Airlines Medical Equipment Policy

Introduction

Traveling with medical equipment can be stressful, but Spirit Airlines provides accommodations for passengers with medical needs to ensure a safe and hassle-free journey. Whether you require a portable oxygen concentrator (POC), CPAP machine, insulin pump, or mobility aid, it’s important to understand Spirit Airlines’ policies regarding the transport and in-flight use of medical devices.

This guide explores Spirit Airlines’ policies on medical equipment, including carry-on allowances, required approvals, battery regulations, and in-flight usage guidelines, so you can prepare for your next flight with confidence.

Spirit Airlines Medical Equipment Policy

1. Policy Overview

Spirit Airlines allows passengers to bring essential medical devices on board as additional carry-on items at no extra cost. Medical equipment does not count toward the standard carry-on baggage allowance, ensuring that passengers have access to their necessary healthcare supplies while traveling.

✔ Medical devices are allowed as additional carry-on items free of charge.
✔ Wheelchairs, mobility aids, and service animals are fully accommodated at no extra cost.
✔ Certain medical devices require advance approval before the flight.
✔ All in-flight medical devices must comply with FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) regulations.

2. Approved Medical Devices for Air Travel

Spirit Airlines allows passengers to bring and use FAA-approved medical devices, including:

• Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POCs)
• CPAP, BiPAP, and APAP machines (for sleep apnea)
• Nebulizers and inhalers
• Insulin pumps and glucose monitors
• Epinephrine auto-injectors (EpiPen)
• Feeding pumps and dialysis machines
• Wheelchairs, canes, crutches, and other mobility aids

📌 Note: Some devices require advance approval before they can be used during the flight.

3. Pre-Flight Notification: What Needs Advance Approval?

While most medical devices can be transported without prior approval, Spirit Airlines requires advance notification for certain medical equipment to ensure compliance with FAA regulations and airline policies.

📌 Devices that require pre-flight approval (at least 48 hours before departure):
✔ Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POCs) – Must be FAA-approved and pre-registered with Spirit Airlines before the flight.
✔ Battery-powered medical devices exceeding FAA limits – Devices with lithium-ion batteries over 100Wh require airline approval.
✔ Medical devices requiring in-flight power – If your device requires electrical power during the flight, you must notify Spirit Airlines in advance.

🔗 How to Request Approval:

• Call Spirit Airlines’ Special Assistance Line at 1-855-728-3555.
• Submit documentation via Spirit Airlines’ Accessibility Request Portal.
• Provide a doctor’s medical statement if using a POC or specialized medical device.

4. Using Medical Equipment During the Flight

Not all medical devices can be actively used during the flight, so passengers should review Spirit Airlines’ in-flight medical device policies before traveling.

✅ Devices Allowed for In-Flight Use

• FAA-approved Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POCs)
• CPAP, BiPAP, and APAP machines (battery-powered preferred)
• Insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs)
• Nebulizers (battery-powered only)

🚫 Devices NOT Allowed for In-Flight Use

• Compressed oxygen tanks or liquid oxygen – Prohibited due to FAA safety regulations.
• Non-FAA-approved respiratory devices – Cannot be used onboard.
• Devices requiring high-powered electrical connections – Spirit Airlines does not guarantee in-seat power on all aircraft.

📌 Tip: Spirit Airlines encourages passengers to bring battery-powered devices, as in-seat power is not available on all flights.

5. Battery and Power Requirements for Medical Devices

Passengers using battery-operated medical equipment must follow FAA lithium battery guidelines to prevent fire hazards.

🔋 Lithium Battery Rules for Medical Devices
✔ All batteries must be carried in carry-on luggage (checked baggage is not allowed).
✔ Each battery must be 100Wh or less (larger batteries up to 160Wh require airline approval).
✔ Passengers must bring enough battery power to last at least 150% of the flight duration in case of delays.
✔ Spare batteries must be individually protected to prevent short circuits.

💡 Tip: If using a CPAP machine, oxygen concentrator, or nebulizer, bring a backup power source, as electrical outlets are not available on Spirit Airlines aircraft.

6. Transporting and Storing Medical Equipment

Passengers should pack and label medical devices properly for security screening and in-flight storage.

✔ Label all medical devices with your name and contact information.
✔ Keep medications and medical supplies in original packaging for TSA screening.
✔ Bring a doctor’s note for international travel explaining your medical condition and device usage.
✔ Arrive early to allow extra time for security clearance.

📌 TSA Tip: Passengers with medical conditions or mobility challenges can request TSA Cares assistance to help with security screening.

7. Checking Larger Medical Equipment (Wheelchairs & Mobility Aids)

Spirit Airlines accommodates wheelchairs, mobility aids, and assistive devices at no extra cost.

🛞 Wheelchair & Mobility Aid Policies
✔ Manual wheelchairs and collapsible mobility aids can be stored in the cabin when space allows.
✔ Battery-powered wheelchairs and scooters must be checked at the ticket counter or gate.
✔ Lithium-ion powered mobility devices must comply with FAA battery safety rules.

📌 Important Note: If traveling internationally, some airports may lack proper wheelchair accessibility, so passengers should notify Spirit Airlines’ Special Assistance team in advance for accommodations.

8. Traveling with Medications & Medical Supplies

Passengers carrying prescription medications, insulin, syringes, or liquid medical supplies should follow these guidelines:

💊 Bringing Medications on Board
✔ Keep medications in original prescription bottles for easy identification.
✔ Liquid medications over 3.4 ounces (100mL) are allowed but must be declared at security screening.
✔ Carry a doctor’s note or prescription documentation for international travel.
✔ Use an insulated cooler for temperature-sensitive medications like insulin (Spirit Airlines does not provide onboard refrigeration).

📌 TSA Tip: You can request manual screening for medications instead of sending them through an X-ray machine.

9. Requesting Special Assistance

Passengers needing extra support can request assistance from Spirit Airlines’ Special Assistance Team at least 48 hours before departure.

📞 How to Request Special Assistance

• Call 1-855-728-3555 for disability and medical device assistance.
• Submit a request via Spirit Airlines’ website.
• Notify the gate agent and flight crew about medical needs before boarding.

10. Why Choose Spirit Airlines for Medical Travel?

Spirit Airlines is a budget-friendly airline that accommodates passengers with medical needs, offering:

✔ Free carry-on of medical devices beyond standard baggage allowances.
✔ Special assistance for boarding, deplaning, and connecting flights.
✔ Accommodation for mobility devices and wheelchairs.
✔ Pre-approved in-flight medical device usage.
✔ TSA and security support for travelers with medical conditions.

Final Thoughts

Traveling with medical equipment on Spirit Airlines is manageable with proper planning. By understanding the airline’s policies, battery restrictions, and pre-flight approval process, passengers can ensure a safe and comfortable journey.

📌 Key Takeaways:

• Medical devices are allowed as extra carry-on items for free.
• Some devices (like POCs) require advance airline approval.
• Battery-powered devices must follow FAA safety rules.
• Spirit Airlines provides excellent accessibility support for passengers with medical needs.

With proper planning and coordination with Spirit Airlines’ Special Assistance Team, travelers with medical requirements can fly with confidence and peace of mind.