The FDA classifies adult incontinence products (diapers,pull ups, pads, and associated wipes, ointments, creams, powders) as a class 1 medical devices, you can look up FDA regulation number 876.5920 to confirm, I believe it’s coded as EQY.
Almost all continental flights will allow you a free medical carryon bag that will not count against your personal baggage allowance (most offer one carry on bag plus a personal item such as a backpack, purse, laptop bag). It varies for international flights sometimes there could be a smaller fee for a medical carryon vs. a standard additional carryon but that’s just from my experience.
Your free medical bag can only contain your incontinence supplies, do not pack anything else within that bag or it can be refused at the gate by the boarding agent, they can request to see the contents of the bag and might cause an awkward situation if you don’t want to be outed in front of everyone on the flight… I have found that a bag that’s about 1/2 to 2/3rds the size of the allotted carry on size works best and doesn’t attract to much attention by the boarding agents and I can typically fit 10-12 briefs, 4-6 pull-ups, 4-6 booster pads, 2 pairs of plastic pants, 2 onesies, wipes, small travel sizes powder, rash cream/ barrier ointment. I have found it easier to pack a minimum of 14 quality diapers/pull-ups in the free medical bag and try to pre ship additional supplies to the hotel/resort or to buy in person once arrived to the final destination (Amazon has drop boxes/hubs all over and the will hold items 2-7 days depending on the area if your embarrassed to buy at a retail location). This free medical bag is not required to have a medical supplies ID tag on it.
Things to note, TSA will screen all bags, they might search your medical bag if it has any anomalies, especially if you have large quantities of wipes, powder, creams/ointments, or oils. These are allowed and are not included in the 3-1-1 rule, I would recommend to try and change or to remove any diaper/pull up/pad before you go through the x ray to avoid any unpleasant pat downs then find a rest room to change immediately. Just remember to stay cool, calm, and collected while dealing with TSA agents and the boarding gate agents, they see thousands of people everyday and the honestly could care less about seeing your diapers, they see 40+ people each day with them and they’ve seen far more interesting things in the screening process, what they do remember is rude people who cause large scenes. In the off chance you are questioned say the FDA classifies adult incontinence supplies as a class 1 medical device according to regulation number 876.5920 (they will most likely not have any further questions) if they continue to question you tell them that your incontinent and that you need those products to maintain your health and personal dignity, if they continue to press for more information they’ll them your medical conditions are private and are on a need to know basis with only your doctors.
