Flying with CPAP

[Rusty!]

Letter sent to USAirways customer relations today:

Hello,
I had a situation come up today on this flight that cause me concern. I’m happy to compliments USAirways employees when they provide great service; today was not one of those days.

While boarding this flight, the Flight Attendant at the door noticed that I was carrying on 3 bags. She stopped me in the aisle while boarding and informed me that I would need to check one of the bags. I explained that one of the bags was a medical device, a respirator, that I needed it for medical reasons, and that it did not count as a carry on. She was not satisfied with my explanation and said that I would need to prove that it was medically necessary for her to allow me keep it as a carry it on. She allowed me to go to my seat but said that she was “required” to review my proof. She said that the crew was “subject to fines if they allowed carryons beyond what was allowed.”

When the door was about to close, she returned to my seat and requested that I prove medical necessity for the respirator. I explained that I have sleep apnea which requires me to carry a CPAP machine. I tried to smile through my embarrassment and said I would need to remove my bags from the overhead compartment to find the prescription. I then showed her the device and the medical stickers in hopes that would satisfy her (it did not). Then, in front of all my seatmates, she asked if I “needed to use the respirator in flight.” When I said no, she gave me a choice of producing proof or having the bag removed. Fortunately, I had packed the doctor’s prescription for the device and found it in my bag. She reviewed the document, returned it to me, and walked away.

I feel this was the result of an untrained and insensitive individual. I was put in a position where it was necessary to reveal private medical information in a public forum. This is totally unacceptable and I believe outside of the FAA guidelines that allow me to carry on a CPAP without it counted as a carry on.

Let me say that my history will indicate I am a loyal USAirways customer, currently at Gold level with 36 segments so far this year. I understand it is a stressful time for USAirways employees and customers, and am faithful to recognize folks with every chance I can. However, I have never encountered anything like the behavior of this crew while flying your airline. I would appreciate your response along with knowledge that you will let this crew know this is not the level of service that your customers expect.

[new-to-BiPAP]

I'd be curious as to the reply. I've never flown w/ my cpap (yet) so I'm kind of nervous about it.

[cpapernewbie]

I have travelled with CPAP to China (several cities) and to-fro cities in US and Canada - no problem so far.

The only problem or comments I have is actually from a fellow passenger - a lady who complained loudly in Shanghai, how come I am allowed to carry more than 1 bag to the plane

[ColinP]

I've flown a couple of times (locally in South Africa) and never had a problem. Airport security even seemed to notice that the Resmed bag (which looks a lot like a notebook computer bag except for the bright blue colour) didn't have a notebook in it as they never even asked me to remove it. I only had the one item of carry on enyway, so I'm not sure how they would handle it if I had carry on and the CPAP.

Now if only I could get the plates in my arm to stop setting the metal detectors off, I could avoid being frisked every time.

Colin

[cflame1]

I've flown a few times around the US and between the US and Canada. No problems flying with the machine as carry-on... some of the flights have had limited carry-on's (regional flights) and there still haven't been questions once I said that it was my Bi-pap.

Then again, I'm usually either at 2 or 3 carry-ons (if you count my coat it's 3).

[DreamStalker]

I generally don't fly ... but why didn't you just show her the Rx to end the drama in first place? It's like a cop pulling you over and asking to see your license ... show it to him and everything is cool, don't show it and you have drama ending in uncertainty.

I have a letter of necessity and the Rx copies laminated that remain inside my CPAP bag all the time ... to me it's just part of the bag.

[andy88488]

I have a letter of necessity and the Rx copies laminated that remain inside my CPAP bag all the time ... to me it's just part of the bag.

Great tip! I just copied my Rx for my own bag. How important is the Letter of Necessity?

[Bookbear]

I always carry a copy of the TSA and DOT regulations along with my prescription and a letter of medical necessity drafted and signed by my doctor in my carry-on whenever I travel. I have only needed it once (an officious twit of a gate agent who simply would NOT accept the 'medical necessity' aspect), but I was sure glad I had it then!

Please do post when you get a response from US Air.

BTW, when writing to the airline, it is especially helpful if you quote the date and flight number and/or gate number along with the name(s) of any personnel you dealt with. It really does help the airline in resolving issues.

[new-to-BiPAP]

Oh...I only have the prescription paper. Do you also need a letter of medical necessity? Or is that letter only if someone gives you problems...kind of a backup? I like the idea of the TSA and DOT regulations also. I would think that since it is a prescribed medical device that a medical necessity would not be needed? Does the TSA and DOT require a medical necessity letter or a prescription?

[Rusty!]

When first approached I wasn't sure if I actually had the prescription in my bag. Secondly, I suspected she was more concerned that it was truly a medical device (guess not). Thirdly, I wasn't sure that precription would be enough to ensure medical necessity.

One of my points in posting this (other than to incite drama) is that after flying 100 segments on USAirways in the last 18 months, this is the first time I've been stopped while boarding. They are obviously getting much more strict due to abuse by the public I guess, and the impending charge for baggage in general. Those of us who need to carry on CPAP should be aware of this and respond accordingly. The idea of carrying the FAA rules is not a bad one - I just never suspected that I would be challenged so rudely.

And yes, I would give a cop my license immediately. I still am not sure that it's a flight attendant's job to decide whether or not I need CPAP.

[rzr632]

I'm new (2 weeks) and have not yet had to travel, but will soon. I was simply going to pack my machine in my checked luggage. Is there a reason I need to carry the machine onboard? I don't plan to sleep on the plane.

[Pineapple]

If your luggage is lost, you will be without your CPAP. Last spring the airline lost my luggage for 2 days - the CPAP stays with me.

[hobbs]

Is there a reason I need to carry the machine onboard?

If they do not lose it/send it to the wrong destination, which they PROBABLY won't, you certainly do not want a precision medical device treated like checked luggage. Airline baggage handlers could break a anvil!

[Guest]

I took four different flights last week, and the security people I encountered seemed to recognize the bag as well. I had to take the machine out of the bag and send it through in a bin (as you would a laptop), but no issues. At one of the gates, a flight attendant started to say something about number of carryons, but all I said was, "This is a CPAP," and she said, "Oh, ok." I had the TSA regs (which specifically address CPAPs, not just medical devices in general) just in case, but didn't need them.

[Bookbear]

New-to-bipap, it isn't 'needed' but it's good to have. The Rusty's problem was with a cabin crew member who's attitude was "prove to me you need it". Well, I (and he) can't do that unless I go to sleep and begin to suffocate for you... hence the letter of medical necessity.

BTW< the DOT document is quite long, I only print out and carry the relevant paragraphs.