Security Problems Bringing CPAP Machine on Airplanes?

General Discussion on any topic relating to CPAP and/or Sleep Apnea.
Dijack

Security Problems Bringing CPAP Machine on Airplanes?

Post by Dijack » Mon Aug 30, 2004 11:40 am

My husband and I will be flying for the first time since he started on cpap. Are there any security issues with bringing the machine onboard as carry-on?

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REM
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Joined: Sat Aug 28, 2004 12:38 pm

Security Problems bringing CPAP machine on Airplanes.

Post by REM » Mon Aug 30, 2004 2:03 pm

Hello Dijack,

The FAA clasifies a CPAP as a medical device and it does not count against the number of carry-on bags. I have listened to many people who use CPAP and fly. Generally the biggest problem is the one I mentioned above. I have not heard of any major security issues. Most patients who have the same question you have contact their CPAP supplier and ask them for a letter stating what the CPAP is. Enjoy your travlels.

REM

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Titrator
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Location: Oak Ridge, TN

Post by Titrator » Mon Aug 30, 2004 3:27 pm

I always take my cpap as a carry-on. I have never had any issues going through security. What I do is keep the manual in the pocket of the cpap carry case. If anyone were to question me, I would pull the manual out and show them.

There are so many people using cpap these days that I think that security sees them all day.

T

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Titrator
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Location: Oak Ridge, TN

CPAP going through Airport Security

Post by Titrator » Mon Sep 06, 2004 10:22 pm

Hi folks,

I had the pleasure of spending Labor Day weekend in Denver. I had to fly, so when I was comming back at the Denver airport, I was asked to take off my belt, shoes, everything out of my pockets and I was wanded. Finally when this process was over, I asked a TSA official. Do you guys know what a cpap is? He politely said yes sir. I asked him if he say many of them. His reply was, I see them all day and night.

That pretty muchs sums it up. Tens of thousands of hoseheads out there, and some of them have to be frequent flyers.

Remember, never check your cpap. Always carry it on board and keep an eye on it. I know I would hate to lose mine while traveling.

In the spirit of Paul Harvey,

Goood Day!

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Humidifier: IntelliPAP Integrated Heated Humidifier
Additional Comments: Patiently waiting for the Intellipap Auto Software

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rock and roll
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Location: Texas

Traveling and Cpap

Post by rock and roll » Mon Nov 01, 2004 10:16 pm

I am a road warrier and travel with mine on planes. On full size planes it is not a problem. But, on the smaller commuter planes, they will try to tag it as oversized. One must explain it is life support and insist they put it in the closet where the crew puts their luggage. They will resist but will give in if insistant.

garym053
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Location: Vermont

Post by garym053 » Tue Nov 02, 2004 10:23 am

I hate carry-ons so I always pack my CPAP in the middle of my suitcase and check it!
I did have my Breeze broken once so now I pack my mask in a separate hard plastic container.
In all our travels, we've only ever had one suitcase lost. I think that was because our flights got changed 3 times while in an airport midway, due to weather. They delivered it the next day.
I know they tell you to carry it on, but that's just the way I am, I don't take anything on with me that I can't fit in a pocket! I even check my laptop!
Gary

sharonokc
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Location: oklahoma city, ok, usa

Re: Security Problems bringing CPAP machine on Airplanes.

Post by sharonokc » Tue Nov 02, 2004 9:36 pm

REM wrote:Hello Dijack,

The FAA clasifies a CPAP as a medical device and it does not count against the number of carry-on bags. I have listened to many people who use CPAP and fly. Generally the biggest problem is the one I mentioned above. I have not heard of any major security issues. Most patients who have the same question you have contact their CPAP supplier and ask them for a letter stating what the CPAP is. Enjoy your travlels.

REM
I have never been allowed not to count my cpap as not one of my carry on bags. I explain it is a medical device and the personnell get glazed looks and say only 2 carry ons. Several times it has ended up as door checked on smaller planes. only once have I had a resultant problem, the pressure was changed.

I have had more problems with batteries, flashlights, and coins than I have had with my cpap in going through security.

Guest

Post by Guest » Tue Nov 02, 2004 10:19 pm

I travel a fair amount. No airline has ever questioned my CPAP.
Most screeners do not question it (except for Hartsfield in Atlanta, where it has been inspected 5/5 trips and sniffed for explosives 4/5 trips). I suspect the issue in Atlanta may be 'racial profiling'.

Apnatic
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Location: Missouri

CPAP Flights

Post by Apnatic » Wed Nov 03, 2004 4:06 pm

I too have travelled many times with my CPAP and never been questioned, i take it on the plane and keep with me at all time.
I have a prescription from my dr. in the cpap case so I will not have any problems....even when I was pulled from a line and had to take off the shoes and you know the wand routine, no one looked in my CPAP bag, just my luggage...

So I would not worry.

Apnatic for almost 7 years