CPAP Airline Travel - Is It Counted As a Carryon?

[schwawi]

Again, I fly every single week with CPAP + 2 other carry-ons. It has never been an issue. While I get questions from TSA, I have never had a problem taking 3 carry-ons onto a flight (roller bag, laptop case, cpap case). Once you get past security, the airlines assume everything you have is approved, so they dont ask questions on boarding the plane.

One point I did see above worth mentioning is the need to board early to get overhead space. This is something I probably take for granted since I have frequent flier status and always board in the first group, but those overheads do fill up on almost every flight. if you dont have status on the airline, it might be worth it to ask for pre-board so you can make sure that you can fit your baggage on the plane (otherwise, you'll have to gate-check).

[SleepyHead09]

i love your profile picture, such a sweet looking kitty

Common sense would suggest that any "medically neccesary equipment" would not be considered part of your carry-on limit. However, since airlines tend not to follow common sense, I'd ask them ahead of time.

[dda_daveCPAP]

I fly with my CPAP on Domestic and International flights as carry-on. I used to check it in baggage (as a convenience to me),
but the CPAP was destroyed by Southwest baggage handlers. Southwest bought me a new one, and the VP of SWA Customer Service sent me a letter to ALWAYS carry it onto the plane!

FAA regulations (to TSA) require CPAPs to be checked for drugs. Therefore, you must remove your CPAP from the bag, and disconnect the hose for a TSA drug 'swab' inspection. Here is an explanation of FAA regulations:

"Under current US Law and FAA policy, on all domestic and international flights, over which the FAA has authority, this person shall be allowed to carry on their CPAP system. Furthermore, the air carrier shall not count this device toward any carry on baggage limit.

This is pursuant to 14CFR382.41(b): Carriers shall permit qualified individuals with a disability using personal ventilators/respirators to bring their equipment, including non-spillable batteries that meet the requirements of 49CFR173.159(d) and any applicable FAA safety regulations, on board the aircraft and use it.

14CFR482.41(d): Carriers shall not, in implementing their carry-on baggage policies, count toward a limit on carry-on items any assistive device brought into the cabin by a qualified individual with a disability.

Refusing to allow this person to carry on their CPAP, or counting this device towards their carry-on limit may constitute a breach of Federal Regulations, and may be punishable by both criminal and civil penalties."

On long-haul flights to London, I use a 4-hour battery pack with my CPAP. That is my maximum sleep time in an 8-hour overnight flight in Economy-Class. TSA inspectors question my home-made battery system, but let it pass if
I have good wiring connectors (not Alligator clips).

Dave (dda_daveCPAP)

[El Pap]

FAA regulations (to TSA) require CPAPs to be checked for drugs. Therefore, you must remove your CPAP from the bag, and disconnect the hose for a TSA drug 'swab' inspection.

The swab test is for explosives, not drugs.

[LinkC]

Refusing to allow this person to carry on their CPAP, or counting this device towards their carry-on limit may constitute a breach of Federal Regulations, and may be punishable by both criminal and civil penalties."

The BOLD part is true ONLY if the airline chooses to define a CPAP as an "assistive device". Most examples given are mobility items, e.g. crutches, wheelchairs, walkers, guide dogs, etc.

For what it's worth, Webster's Medical Dictionary says...
Assistive device: Any device that is designed, made, or adapted to assist a person perform a particular task. For examples, canes, crutches, walkers, wheel chairs, and shower chairs are all assistive devices.

[CollegeGirl]

CPAPs are so common airlines are used to them now. They ARE counted as medical/assistive devices, they DO NOT count against your carryon limit.

OP, I flew airtran with a CPAP just a few weeks ago. No issue whatsoever. I had a purse, a backpack, and my cpap case. I also pre-boarded. I don't even ask - just whenever they call the first section, I go on up. I've never had anyone question why I was pre-boarding. If they did, I'd flash my cpap bag and say "medical device, I need to preboard" and I SERIOUSLY doubt they would argue.

[ricochetv1]

Well, you could use the excuse of, "And what if my blood oxygen level drops too low during an apnea event on the plane, given that the cabin is pressurized to 10,000 ft., and I have a stroke, all because you wouldn't let me use my CPAP? Would you REALLY want that sort of publicity on your airline?"

[BlackSpinner]

Refusing to allow this person to carry on their CPAP, or counting this device towards their carry-on limit may constitute a breach of Federal Regulations, and may be punishable by both criminal and civil penalties.

This would only apply to US carriers. Aircanada does not consider cpaps as "assitive devices"

Plus the carriers can simply say there was not enough room aboard - they have the legal right.