Tips for Air Travel

[mretzer]

A friend is planning some international air travel (Chicago to Austrailia) in the upcoming months. Her physician has recommended taking her BiPAP machine (ResMed Airsense 10) and an oxygen concentrator for use on the plane. He has suggested it may be most convenient flying business class. I'm wondering if anyone has any tips for long duration flights: most accommodating airlines, availability of electric power, use of batteries, etc. She will be traveling with her husband who can assist with juggling any equipment.

[mesenteria]

If the airline permits its use during the flight, I would be inclined to use my own backup battery. I use a single Medistrom, good for six hours with no heat/humidity.

[Sleeprider]

Airline power outlets are very limited on the amperage they provide. The airline intends that you may charge a phone or laptop. It is possible, the airline seat power cannot handle a BPAP or oxygen concentrator, and very likely that your friend will be unable to connect both. This link to a guide for flying with a portable oxygen concentrator has good advise about involving the doctor and carrying documentation the devices are needed, contacting the airline ahead of time and planning for battery capacity. Most airlines require that you carry 150% of the battery capacity needed for the entire flight, and there are limits on battery types and sizes. If your friend really needs these devices to support her health, it may be a good idea to do some shorter domestic travel to work out the glitches, and evaluate the health impacts of flight, rather than launch into a 20+ hour plus layovers, international marathon. It's not inconceivable that Australia is just out of her range given health conditions and the battery requirements for such a long flight.

Please search "Guide to Flying with an Oxygen Concentrator". Also look at the United Airlines rules for POC here https://www.united.com/ual/en/us/fly/tra...xygen.html Your friend should clearly research any airline they intend to book with.

[Sara]

Since the pandemic started I have not been able to use my cpap on a commercial flight! My hubby could sleep with his BongoRx as long as his mask as over it but it was as an absolute no to my cpap mask and little machine.
Have they lifted that recently?

[Crimson Nape]

Since the mask mandate has been lifted, even temporarily, I don't see any commercial carrier restrictions on the use of a CPAP.