Flying From Dublin to Philadelphia on American

Has anyone flown recently from Dublin to the U.S. on American Airlines? If so, were you allowed to carry your CPAP as an additional carry-on and did you need prior clearance for it?

I'm aware of Aer Lingus' prior clearance policy, but I've been unable to speak to anyone from American who is knowledgeable about this issue. Several years ago, CPAPs were NOT allowed as additional carry-on luggage when flying from London, and I'd like to avoid surprises on my upcoming trip.

This will depend on both the airline and on airport security.
Contact the airport.

Dublin airport and American's Ireland customer service were not helpful. That's why I'm hoping someone has recent, real-life experience flying with a CPAP from Dublin.

TSA doesn't make the rules about what is free carry on or not.
It's each individual airline that ultimately makes up their own rules about carry on stuff for free vs pay extra.
TSA only cares if you are carrying something dangerous....TNT, guns, exploding phones, etc. They don't care if you pay for carry on or it's free.

I thought I read that if an airline was US based that even if your originating flight was out of the US that the same "medical equipment is free carry on" still applied but don't hold me to the fire on that one.
We know that going from the US to Dublin it's free carry on. So going home you are obviously covered.

I will see if I can find the documentation that US based airlines do it anyway no matter where it originates or if I dreamed it up.

greyhound wrote: were you allowed to carry your CPAP as an additional carry-on and did you need prior clearance for it?

I did a google search "american airlines cpap policy" and found their page with travel-info/special- assistance (I am on a tablet and can't link) ..... it says to contact special assistance to ensure that the device is approved....48 hrs notice if equipment is to be used in flight ......it doesn't count towards carry-on limit......if not needed during flight and space is limited, may be checked.

Sorry I can't link, but you should be able to find the page.

Sounds like a great trip.

Here's the link to the AA page.

https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/spe ... evices.jsp

I still can't find where it talks about US based airlines coming in from outside the US. I might have dreamed it...and I am short on time so can't do more digging.

Unfortunately, that's only for flights departing from a U.S. airport. Aer Lingus requires prior clearance several days in advance. Can't find a knowledgeable AA rep.

According to Dublin airport customer service, It's airline dependent. Unless I hear otherwise, I'm going to assume I can keep it as an additional carry-on. Worst case (as in London), there'll be a lot of last minute repacking as I move some of my carry-on items (not my CPAP) to baggage. But it would be convenient to know others' experience, if possible, in advance.

Aer Lingus is probably the most restrictive.
If your ticket is not with them, don't even shake their cage.
Ireland is very wary of anything they do not understand.
Contact the sources noted above, and get WRITTEN permission, to carry with you.
Lots of luck.

I'm trying to get a written response from American. To date, there hasn't been one.

Is it always necessary to post several times on the same topic? Most of your answers are incoherent so I guess you need you keep coming back to explain them.

This is the most accurate ...

Cpapian wrote:

greyhound wrote: were you allowed to carry your CPAP as an additional carry-on and did you need prior clearance for it?

I did a google search "american airlines cpap policy" and found their page with travel-info/special- assistance (I am on a tablet and can't link) ..... it says to contact special assistance to ensure that the device is approved....48 hrs notice if equipment is to be used in flight ......it doesn't count towards carry-on limit......if not needed during flight and space is limited, may be checked.

Sorry I can't link, but you should be able to find the page.

Sounds like a great trip.

Unless you will use during the flight Advanced notice is not required but if you plan to use during the flight you will also need an approved battery.
A medical luggage tag is not required or needed. Tho, I would make sure my luggage tag has my name & cell phone and is also inside the luggage.
It is FAA that regulates Medical Devices (for carry on) for any flights originating in or departing to the USA. The airline regulates the use while in flight as that can be a safety issue/concern.
So check with the airline you will fly to get answers regarding in flight use.

The below quote is from Pugsys link. There is also a contact link there with both 800 USA numbers and a web page to submit questions for a written reply from their Disability Team.

Want to carry on your devices?

Mobility and medical devices don’t count toward carry-on limits. If space is limited, the device doesn’t fit in the cabin or if it isn’t required during the flight, it may need to be checked.

Canes, walkers, continuous positive airway pressure machines (CPAP) and other assistive devices that can be collapsed to fit into overhead and under-seat storage
Items used for comfort such as seat cushions, arm or footrests

How to contact special assistance
Call us

800-433-7300 (Reservations)

800-543-1586 (TDD reservations services)
Send us your request online

Submit a disability assistance request
Contact American's disability team
Call us if you had a special-assistance issue on a previous trip

800-892-3624

HTH

The Americans with Disabilities Act is the reason US airlines can not count your cpap as luggage. -

I've flown internationally many times, but I've never had a serious issue. I was questioned on an internal flight in Myanmar (Burma), and also by Turkish Airlines (in Yugoslavia), but they ultimately allowed it.

I assume that you're also returning. You won't have an issue on that flight, as U.S. law is clear on that.

Update: A U.S. AA representative made a note on my file confirming the CPAP as additional carry-on baggage. I'm supposed to get a call from "disability assistance" 3 days before my departure from the U.S. confirming this for return leg. I'll find out soon enough, but I'm not expecting a problem. But then, I didn't expect a problem flying back from London a few years ago.