URGENT issue FAA approval for international travel?
So I'm (supposed to be) flying to Ireland on the 28th ...
two days from now...
I just learned that Aer Lingus the airline on which I am flying requires that my doctor sign a form from them that I do required CPAP therapy...
Hopefully I can get that done tomorrow.
BUT my other problem is that they want the machine to be stamped "FAA Approved" my Devilbiss does NOT have that stamped...
I'm OK with not using it on the plane ... so I guess that will work out, but I wanted to warn others about international travel ...
and ask what experiences other have had that might be useful to share?
Thanks,
Jim
12-26-2016, 02:06 PM
(This post was last modified: 12-26-2016, 02:07 PM by chill.)
RE: URGENT issue FAA approval for international travel?
I flew Air France and never had a problem. I opened the bag at security showed the the hose and said "breathing machine". That was it. The issue is just if they will allow it as carry on without counting it against your carry-on allowance, not will they allow it on the plane. The FAA Approved might be if you plan on using it while on the plane.
RE: URGENT issue FAA approval for international travel?
I carry a copy of my prescription and a copy that machine is FAA approved. I got this type approval from the TSA website. (I think)
I think I can also carry a quantity of distilled water. Don't pack it. Carry it in your hand.
CPAP is a journey like “The Wizard of Oz”. It’s a long slow journey. You will face many problems and pick up many friends along the way. Just because you reach the poppies, it doesn’t mean you are in Kansas.
12-26-2016, 04:59 PM
(This post was last modified: 12-26-2016, 04:59 PM by NCZzzz.)
RE: URGENT issue FAA approval for international travel?
(12-26-2016, 02:06 PM)chill Wrote: I flew Air France and never had a problem. I opened the bag at security showed the the hose and said "breathing machine". That was it. The issue is just if they will allow it as carry on without counting it against your carry-on allowance, not will they allow it on the plane. The FAA Approved might be if you plan on using it while on the plane.
Thanks Chill ... I've flown with mine before and one one ever asked anything beyond what it was ... but then i've never flown internationally with it!
I appreciate your reply!
Thanks,
Jim
RE: URGENT issue FAA approval for international travel?
I've taken mine on Qantas, Virgin, Garuda, Singapore, Scoot, Thai, Bangkok and a bunch of regional operators. Nobody has ever queried it. The only interest anybody ever showed was a security guy in Perth who'd just been diagnosed and wanted some advice on what machine to buy.
I suspect Aer Lingus might assume you want to use it on board, in which case there could conceivably be concerns about voltage compatibility and electromagnetic radiation. But no other airline has ever raised that as a concern with me.
RE: URGENT issue FAA approval for international travel?
Thanks ... I called them back earlier today and said:
"Hey I don't want to
USE it on the plane, I'm just taking it with me as luggage... do I have to fill out your (silly ... I didn't say that) form and get my doctor to sign it just so I can carry my machine to Ireland ....
the answer was: "Yes, please" ....
Thanks for your help -... I'll see if I can get my Dr. to sign the form tomorrow as this is an important trip for me and I don't want to screw it up ....
if it doesn't work out .. I'll wing it....
Jim
RE: URGENT issue FAA approval for international travel?
I carry a letter of medical necessity just in case. I carry my machine on so I am sure to have it with me if my suitcase gets lost. Never been asked for the letter but I have had to open up the carrying case for inspection.
Rich
RE: URGENT issue FAA approval for international travel?
thanks Rich!
Good tip - I have a copy of my Rx for the machine I'll tuck it in with the unit!
Like you never check mine ...
Jim
RE: URGENT issue FAA approval for international travel?
RE: URGENT issue FAA approval for international travel?
Thanks SleepRider
I'll be blasting off tomorrow morning ...
"Come hell or high-water"
I'm not sure why the big hub-bub is needed when I just want to carry the thing on the plane (not USE it on the plane), but I don't have time to fight with them this trip, I'll chaulk it up as lesson learned and try to be smarter next time.
THANKS!
Jim