CPAP as Carryon from US to Puerto Rico

General Discussion on any topic relating to CPAP and/or Sleep Apnea.
Maji
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CPAP as Carryon from US to Puerto Rico

Post by Maji » Sat Feb 13, 2010 12:07 pm

Am flying to Puerto Rico next week from Denver, and had heard that TSA does not count CPAPs as carry-on. I'd be able to carry it on in addition to what is allowed. Does anybody know if this is true? How about to a destination that's technically out of the country? Since the Christmas incident, I'm concerned about the very most recent experiences people have had. Thanks for any help you can provide.

cflame1
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Re: CPAP as Carryon from US to Puerto Rico

Post by cflame1 » Sat Feb 13, 2010 12:17 pm

The airline that you're flying will make a difference in the answer to this question.

If it's a US airline, they generally will follow US rules.

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JohnBFisher
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Re: CPAP as Carryon from US to Puerto Rico

Post by JohnBFisher » Sat Feb 13, 2010 12:26 pm

My understanding is that even if the airline is not a US based airline, if it has a scheduled stop in the US (where passengers can board and unboard), then it must follow US rules. But it might not if the plane originates outside the US. However, from the US to Puerto Rico, you should have no problem. I travelled shortly overseas after the December 25th event and had no problems.

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jmelby
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Re: CPAP as Carryon from US to Puerto Rico

Post by jmelby » Sat Feb 13, 2010 2:45 pm

Isn't Puerto Rico in the US? I know it's not a state, but it is a US territory--does the TSA not also have regulatory authority over airports there?

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LinkC
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Re: CPAP as Carryon from US to Puerto Rico

Post by LinkC » Sat Feb 13, 2010 3:09 pm

Yes. PR is an "unincorporated territory", and both TSA and FAA rules apply. Your CPAP case will NOT count toward your carryon limit so long as it ONLY contains items to support your medical treatment. (Sneak in a toothbrush and all bets are off!)

If either flight looks full or overhead space is tight, I've had excellent luck approaching the gate agent and asking for pre-boarding because I must remain near my medical equipment.

Have a nice trip!!

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qjosea
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Re: CPAP as Carryon from US to Puerto Rico

Post by qjosea » Sat Feb 13, 2010 7:38 pm

Hi Maji, I have flown to the carribean, USVI, Puerto Rico. I was in St. Croix in Dec. No problems. Hope you enjoy your trip.

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fidelfs
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Re: CPAP as Carryon from US to Puerto Rico

Post by fidelfs » Sat Feb 13, 2010 7:53 pm

LinkC wrote: If either flight looks full or overhead space is tight, I've had excellent luck approaching the gate agent and asking for pre-boarding because I must remain near my medical equipment.
Link, That is an excellent tip.

I fly every other week from DIA to Houston and never had any problem with CPAP, and like others said, PR is considered domestic flight.

So, you don't want to wait the snow to come back to Denver? I heard a substantial snow storm is coming this Wednesday or Thursday. Have a nice trip to warm Puerto Rico.