experience with cpap at airport ?

Night Owl · Post by **Night Owl** » Wed Apr 27, 2005 11:12 pm

Finally feel confident enough to travel with my machine -- I'm hoping no one has any bad airport stories to report, but thought I'd check here first.......one question is if they scan it or manually inspect it out of the bag ? Thanks....

glassgal · Post by **glassgal** » Wed Apr 27, 2005 11:34 pm

Hi Night Owl,

I went to Hawaii in February (from S. California) and really stressed about the TSA inspections, and airline requirements -- my first trip with my machine.

I had a copy of my RX, a note from my doctor, the applicable TSA/FAA regs, the manual for the machine and called the airlines in advance. They knew what a CPAP was and said it wouldn't be a problem. I made a point of speaking to the airline folks at the gate (when they weren't mobbed) about the extra carry-on, and they pre-boarded me on the long flights (to and from the mainland) so that I could be sure to find overhead bin space for my machine. Aloha Airlines was wonderful! I also had no problems getting through security on the trip. I was prepared to plug the machine in to demonstrate that it worked, but no one hassled me.

I would take a variety of different length extension cords with you if you don't know how the room is set up. I recently took a car trip to Death Valley and ended up needing about 15-20 feet of extension cord to reach the only available plug in the motel room! I put the machine in the drawer of the nightstand, which kept it off the floor (the drawer seemed clean). I also took some distilled water in a small bottle with me.

There have been other topics on travelling with your machine -- try a search on "travel". I believe that I have heard of one person (Gailzee maybe? The sleep apnea memory gremlins have me on this!) having a problem with security and it was on the east coast I believe.

I carry mine on when travelling by air -- I wouldn't want it to get lost or broken by the baggage handlers! I suppose that if you had a large, hard sided suitcase and packed it in the middle you might not have damage, but you may not have it at the other end if you are going to LA and your luggage goes to Chicago!

Good luck -- my experience has been very positive -- so far!

Night Owl · Post by **Night Owl** » Wed Apr 27, 2005 11:44 pm

Wow, Thanks glassgal -- so happy to hear the good report and the tips -- for sure I'll take the drs scrip -- and carry on the machine. Never thought of the extension cord -- thanks.

derek · Post by **derek** » Thu Apr 28, 2005 5:31 am

I have been traveling a lot recently, both domestically and internationally. I always take the CPAP as carry-on and I have never had any problem with the TSA people. I chatted to one of the inspectors who said - "we see these every day". It has gone through the X-ray machine every time without a problem, except for one time when the inspector simply called out: "Is this a CPAP machine?"

We were flagged for the detailed security inspection once because we had purchased last-minute tickets. When the inspector opened up the CPAP bag she said that she knew what it was and that she would make every effort not to touch the mask. I was impressed...

Yesterday they did the wipe with the pad over the outside of the bag, but did not open it.

The bottom line - don't worry about it

BuffaloAl · Post by **BuffaloAl** » Thu Apr 28, 2005 2:25 pm

I travel frequently and always take it as a carry on and place it on the x ray belt. So far never had a problem. I pack along an ordinary 6 foot extension cord, the $ .99 kind. I am fortunate to stay in hotels rather than motels, so I have never even considered taking the 3way plug adapter or a longer extension cord. In fact the only time I used the cord was staying at my sister's house, as hotels are pretty good at having outlets near the beds.

Last summer I went camping in the 1000 islands. I checked in advance to book an electric campsite. Then I did bring a long 50 foot extension cord to make sure it would reach all the way to the tent.

NeurosurgeryNP · Post by **NeurosurgeryNP** » Thu Apr 28, 2005 3:17 pm

I just traveled to New Orleans. It was the first time travelling with my cpap. I had no problem at all, either at the TSA checkpoint or with the airline. I even chose to sit at the back of the plane originally, as I wanted to be sure to board in the beginning so I made sure that I have space for the extra carry on and when I was asked to switch seats to the front of the aircraft, in order to keep a parent and 2 kids together, I explained my situation and the gate agent allowed me to pre-board in order to keep my cpap with me. Way to go Jetblue! Really, no problem at all!

Night Owl · Post by **Night Owl** » Thu Apr 28, 2005 10:27 pm

OK ! ! I read the past posts on travel, but was worried about the TSA taking it out of the bag, mask and all, dropping my nasal pillows on the floor, and having my Remstar turn into a radio after it went thru the scanning equipment. Sounds like that is unlikely .....thanks to all for the info...

JRM · Post by **JRM** » Fri Apr 29, 2005 7:21 am

The tip on taking an extension cord is an excellent one. It's come in handy for me more than once.

I've traveled extensively (mostly international) with CPAP and haven't had a problem. I don't carry a doctor's note, or any other documentation. I've been stopped and asked to unpack it 3 times (once in Canada and twice in Germany). I was taken aside to a separate room. No real problem. Once or twice I was just asked to open the bag so they could look. Most seem to know what it is; if they don't they just ask a few questions and maybe swab it for explosives to make sure it is not an explosive device. If they're still not sure what it is, they may ask a collegue to come take a look. There's always someone who knows what it is. . .

No need to worry or go to any extra trouble, unless you plan to board with more than two carry-ons.

-John