Taking seat pads on Delta?

Try a self-inflating sit pad:
https://www.rei.com/product/845302/rei-co-op-sit-pad

maybe.. I do like the one I have, but it's a thought

When deflated the inflatable pad rolls to a thin cylinder that I can tuck under the flap of my "personal item" sized messenger bag, Never an issue of carrying an extra item.

I don't know for sure, but here's what I would try: 1. tie the pillow to the outside of your suitcase as many do with their neck pillows. 2. get a note from your doctor prescribing the use of the pillow. 3. wear the pillow onto the plane. 4. I could fit my sleeping memory foam pillow into my 22" suitcase, so thing about what you really want to bring and attempt to pack with it.

You should be able to do this with a little creative thinking. In fact, now you have me thinking. I'm usually standing by the end of my 6-7 hours flight because I'm so uncomfortable sitting sitting so I'm going to start looking...

I like my Thermarest seat pad. You squeeze out the air and roll it up for transport. It then fits into a daypack or corner of a suitcase. And then open the valve to inflate it for sitting. I did lots of research to find a good pad for travel. I use it for my wheelchair, so it’s used a lot.

I also used a Thermarest inflatable cushion on my last trip. It worked great for my hips. I had no problems packing it- rolled it is about the size of a pop can (or smaller) and love that you can adjust it. Just popped it in my backpack or the end of my carry-on. Take a look at them and give a try.

For many years I've been taking my DIY memory foam seat pad on Delta flights to Italy --- it's 2 or sometimes three thick squares of foam inside a t-shirt fabric case I made. It rolls up very tightly (unlike the commercial ones) and fits into a small, slender stuffsack from REI, then I tie it onto the top of my carry-on suitcase. I use the same seat pad on car trips and sitting at my own dining room table. You can just buy the memory foam, but I cut up a memory foam mattress topper.

It never occurred to me that I could ask for a doctor's note for it, but maybe I will now. I didn't need a note for my new foldable cane last year and I don't see how the pad is much different --- one means I can walk, the other means I can sit. The inflatable pads do not work for me, nor does sitting on a regular pillow.

Yes, take a seat pad with you --- the flight over is brutal but bearable for me with it.

1. tie the pillow to the outside of your suitcase as many do with their neck pillows. 2. get a note from your doctor prescribing the use of the pillow. 3. wear the pillow onto the plain. 4. I could fit my sleeping memory foam pillow into my 22" suitcase, so thing about what you really want to bring and attempt to pack with it.

Agreeing with the above.

Also, a medical assisting device is not counted as or against your personal item - a cane for instance. So, if this memory foam pillow is "medically necessary," then get a doc's note (as suggested above). If you have to put it on the belt for security check, probably, remember to put a plastic bag over it. Those bins and belts - yuck!

From what I saw at the airports, I doubt you would have too much, if any, a problem. People carried big blankets (must love their blanket, lol) and their own bed pillow aside from their carry on and purse. They strapped the pillow onto their carry on.

The plane's blanket they give you, I use for a little support between my back and airline seat. The airline "pillow," forget about it, lol. I do bring a "neck pillow." I use it sometimes to give more comfort on my back.

I use an inflatable (not self-inflatable) neck pillow. The hole in the middle is perfect for me - might not work for you.

Yes you can. This is how I travel on Delta as I have Spondylolisthesis.

The cushion will not count as a personal item. I fly Delta on domestic business and for my international leisure trips. The cushion helps make the seats comfortable.

This is my seat cushion that goes everywhere with me:

https://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/store/product/miracle-cushion/1047525504

So I carry my backpack and my pillow - no one has ever questioned me.

I would think it would be treated the same as a neck pillow or a coat. Attach it to your carry on bag (in a plastic bag with a caribiner clip?) and it won’t be an issue.

I fly Delta regularly, some 50 segments so far this year, I do not think I have ever seen anyone questioned for carrying something in addition to their carry-on and a personal item, and many do. They would only question someone pushing things by hauling on way more than what you are proposing.

Just go, don't worry about getting it on.

I would however give some thought about what you will do with it once there, carrying it separately the whole time seems like a pain.

my carry on has an expanding pocket. once we're off the airplane it will fit in there and I can just remove it for the train, and the long flight home. With the pocket expanded, It makes the suitcase pretty thick and might make a gate attendant think about having me check the bag

It makes the suitcase pretty thick and might make a gate attendant think about having me check the bag

Hi four,

That is why someone suggested above to maybe get a "doctor's note" ('insurance') stating it is medically necessary as a medical assisted device.

Even though your luggage has the initial capacity, as you mentioned, it may make the bag bigger if they measure or put in sizer. Strap it to the outside of your bag.

If you don't want to strap it, just carry it on the plane in a white plastic bag so for easy checking by security or gate agent. I think it will be fine.

Have you considered using a compression bag ( e.g.-- https://store.ricksteves.com/shop/p/compression-bags-medium) to reduce the bulk?

I use a compression bag for my pillow that I put in my checked bag. It's the one from REI that's clear and you "zip" it closed and then smush the air out of it.