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Airline travel w/ CPAP machine? - S.L. Ping Beauty - 01-04-2017
I tried a search but nothing came up (or I am not using the correct keywords?)
Will be traveling by air first time with CPAP machine. I have a copy of the respective copy of the travel compliance letter describing it as a prescribed medical device.
Has anyone had any experience with this as a carry-on device (but not using it in flight?) Any comments or concerns of which I should be aware?
In another thread I am asking about the use of other-than-distilled water as I am unsure of its availability at my destination. Is a small container of distilled water allowed within the CPAP bag itself?
I have been on hold with the airline now for close to an hour... explaining to customer service to only be transferred to "baggage" then to the "accessibility" department explaining each time what this CPAP is all about.
(p.s. i do not fly all that much, and doing so first time with a CPPA machine is all new to me.)
RE: Airline travel w/ CPAP machine...? - sonicboom - 01-04-2017
I have never been asked about the cpap while traveling. I carry it in my Resmed bag and in fact have not even had to take it out. I know others have been asked to take it out and just ask them to wear clean gloves while they inspect it. Since it's a medical device it doesn't count as a carry on. I wouldn't be worried about the water issue. See my post in you other thread.
RE: Airline travel w/ CPAP machine...? - Gideon - 01-04-2017
I have flown on US airlines many times, If asked (I think one time) I say CPAP Medical equipment and have not had an issue. I do not bring water with me. Always carry on and I place it in the overhead in addition to my other carry on.
Never a problem.
RE: Airline travel w/ CPAP machine...? - Kendall - 01-04-2017
I have flown with mine several times. I have a small hardside case
that fits the overhead storage bins. the machine goes on one side
and carry on stuff on the other. Nashville and Orlando will ask
that you take it out of the case and run it through the scanner. I just
watch and make sure they handle it with care, but have never had
a problem. I would never put it in regular luggage. I usually use
whatever water is available and not carry distilled with me Just give
the tank a good cleaning when I get home.
RE: Airline travel w/ CPAP machine...? - Sleeprider - 01-04-2017
You can carry on your medical device and it won't count against your carry-on allowance on domestic flights. On the bottom of the machine is a label with an image of a jet and some compliance citations, also the words "This Is A Medical Device". That is all you need to demonstrate the device is a medical device and complies with EMF radiation standards of the FAA. You just won't be asked.
RE: Airline travel w/ CPAP machine...? - Rcgop - 01-04-2017
They treated mine like a computer as far as inspection. I have gotten through with distilled water if I carry it in my hand as I pass the x ray. TSA deals with this daily and I have had no problems.
RE: Airline travel w/ CPAP machine...? - S.L. Ping Beauty - 01-04-2017
Thanks every... y'all are great source of information.
I finally got through to someone in the airline accessibility department and ironically where I had to explain what CPAP to all the other agents, this gentleman was also a CPAP user and knew all of my questions and was very, very helpful.
He said "no" to carry-on or packing water in the CPAP duffle, but rather he suggested that perhaps if I need to brig water is to pack it the check-in luggage. I would just need to double or triple zip-lock baggy wrap it so as to prevent leak should it break.
Thanks to one and all,
frank.
RE: Airline travel w/ CPAP machine...? - Beej - 01-05-2017
I'd label it, as now airlines go through luggage if anything looks suspicious on x-ray.
RE: Airline travel w/ CPAP machine...? - PsychoMike - 01-06-2017
I've flown a few times now...CATSA may be a hair different than TSA, but I think they are generally playing from the same rule book.
Yes, the CPAP is a medical device and doesn't count toward your carry on baggage limit. I use my Resmed case and, for a little more peace of mind, I made and attached a "medical equipment" tag to the case so that no one thinks it's a laptop. There are lots of good examples out there online...did my own art work, printed on card stock, laminated it and then attached it to my case with a removable zip tie. I have a copy of my prescription with me in the case to "link" the machine to me, but I've never had to justify having the CPAP or anything of the sort. They've generally seen enough of them to not bat an eye at them.
CPAP water is permissible and exempt from the normal flight rules (the 100 ml bottles, no more than 1 L total) in Canada and the US. To make it easier and to keep other passengers from getting into the "they have it, why can't I" whine, I picked up a couple of the medicine bottles (a couple 250 ml and a 500 ml...same ones they use for liquid medicines) from my pharmacist. I labeled them similar to the case (stuck the label on and then used clear packing tape to "laminate" it onto the bottles), indicating "Distilled water for CPAP Use". They have swabbed the bottles each time I've gone through, but never given me any grief. I personally prefer distilled in my machine and am usually traveling late enough or to later time zones so that I bring a some water with me...means I don't have to find water when I get to my destination and I have some should I get unexpectedly delayed or laid over somewhere.
I also let the airline know so they can note it on their passenger info. They appreciate the courtesy even if you're not using it on the flight.
RE: Airline travel w/ CPAP machine...? - Mosquitobait - 01-06-2017
While cpap water should be permissible, I know of two passengers who were delayed. Just not worth it to carry the water - pick up some at your destination or use tap. A simple 10 minute soak with vinegar when you get home will clean out any mineral deposits. Remember, you are flying to another destination, not off the planet.