Snores on a Plane or Whole Lotta Poking Going On

Hope this post isn't redundant. The woes of a snorer - and those traveling beside them.
"The plane was still at the gate when the woman tried to silence her snoozing seatmate by poking him with a pen - but she ended up getting kicked off her flight instead..."
http://4.nbcla.com/1HdPI59

My most painful single memory of my sleep apnea issues was falling asleep on a plane and snorting for air and waking myself up (the snort was so loud, that even I heard it!). Everybody on the plane was staring at me. I was so ashamed and tried to stay awake for the rest of the flight.

She couldn't have used the other end of the pen?

I swear I wasn't on that flight!

Worst part is trying to remember "to smile" in airports. When I relax, my facial expression is just like grumpy cat. I'm actually quite content, and feel happy. My face will "mask" any expression. Toss in the "1000 yard stare" and I have a blank face that is staring... in reality I'm thinking of ways to solve a customers engineering problem.... fun with Parkinson's. NOT!

ALF wrote:She couldn't have used the other end of the pen?

She may already have tried the other end of the pen *smile*.

Oooh, I'm always terrified of being THAT snorer. I've done it in the car with my husband and kids and boy do they let me know (I even wake myself up!).

If I ever had to take a long flight without the option of using my machine,
I would think of wearing a T-shirt, saying,
"Since this airline will not let me use my cpap,
please feel free to wake me if I stop breathing.
I apologize in advance for snoring--please shake me if necessary."

I'm flying overnight on Air Canada from Toronto to Greece in May. They have told me I'm not allowed to use my CPAP machine on the flight. I told them since it was an overnight flight, it wasn't safe for me to take that flight and I requested they cancel my ticket so I can book a flight on an airline that will allow me to use it. They refused.

The second I get back from my trip I will be filing a Human Rights Complaint against Air Canada. Here in Canada, a Human Rights Tribunal has a lot of power, just as much as a judge.

shaner wrote:I'm flying overnight on Air Canada from Toronto to Greece in May. They have told me I'm not allowed to use my CPAP machine on the flight. I told them since it was an overnight flight, it wasn't safe for me to take that flight and I requested they cancel my ticket so I can book a flight on an airline that will allow me to use it. They refused.

The second I get back from my trip I will be filing a Human Rights Complaint against Air Canada. Here in Canada, a Human Rights Tribunal has a lot of power, just as much as a judge.

Be sure to keep the copy of your email/letter of refusal. It will be exhibit A if you have a medical problem during the flight!

Good luck with your complaint to the Human Rights Tribunal. Keep us posted on what happens!

Hose_Head wrote:

shaner wrote:I'm flying overnight on Air Canada from Toronto to Greece in May. They have told me I'm not allowed to use my CPAP machine on the flight. I told them since it was an overnight flight, it wasn't safe for me to take that flight and I requested they cancel my ticket so I can book a flight on an airline that will allow me to use it. They refused.

The second I get back from my trip I will be filing a Human Rights Complaint against Air Canada. Here in Canada, a Human Rights Tribunal has a lot of power, just as much as a judge.

Be sure to keep the copy of your email/letter of refusal. It will be exhibit A if you have a medical problem during the flight!

Good luck with your complaint to the Human Rights Tribunal. Keep us posted on what happens!

Air Canada has decided not to have to deal with the Human Rights commission and they have given me a full refund, despite the fact that I bought a non-refundable ticket. They're obviously scared they'll lose and not only have to shell out a large sum of money, but they'll be forced to change their policy. Clearly Air Canada is behind the times when it comes to CPAP machines. They'd rather hand out refunds than reconsider their policy. I was actually hoping to be able to get a chance to make flying with AC better for everyone with sleep apnea, but it would be hard to argue my case if I was offered a refund and turned it down.