Taking CPAP through carry-on luggage

[Jason S.]

Are there any recommendations for going through airport security to ensure that my CPAP is allowed through carry-on luggage? Thanks.

[Emilia]

Go up to the search bar and input TSA, Travel with CPAP, Airport Security.... you will get a lot of results for threads on this topic. Generally speaking, folks on here tend to say it is a pretty easy process as security is used to seeing these devices. There have been some great tips, though, about how to pack and keep things sanitary. Read, read, read!!

[dtsm]

1. Luggage tag for your cpap carry-on. You can buy on
cpap.comhttps://www.cpap.com/productpage/medical-identi ... pment.html

or print one yourself and go to Staples for lamination ($1.00)
http://www.mindspring.com/~jimw203@mind ... -Tag_1.pdf
http://www.mindspring.com/~jimw203@mind ... -Tag_2.pdf

2. Print out copy of TSA guidelines as backup proof that it doesn't count as extra luggage
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/ ... index.shtm

3. Bring a copy of your Rx - to show TSA or in case you need to purchase equipment while away

See also
TSA treatment
viewtopic.php?f=1&t=43363&st=0&sk=t&sd= ... tsa+letter

[djr1215]

or print one yourself and go to Staples for lamination ($1.00)
http://www.mindspring.com/~jimw203@mind ... -Tag_1.pdf
http://www.mindspring.com/~jimw203@mind ... -Tag_2.pdf

This link has been posted a couple of times lately and I get an "oops" page every time I've tried. Has anybody else tried it and gotten through to the tag?

[dtsm]

or print one yourself and go to Staples for lamination ($1.00)
http://www.mindspring.com/~jimw203@mind ... -Tag_1.pdf
http://www.mindspring.com/~jimw203@mind ... -Tag_2.pdf

This link has been posted a couple of times lately and I get an "oops" page every time I've tried. Has anybody else tried it and gotten through to the tag?

My bad....it is out-dated. I recall a very nice person created a similar download page but you'll have to search for it - I failed to save the new site.

[Jay K]

TSA personnel are very knowledgeable about CPAP machines given that quite a few people who go through security have them. Typically, I would say four times out of five, when they see one they will alert one of the agents there is a CPAP, and the second agent will swab the machine for explosives. Once that is done you will be on your way. The one time out of five they miss it, you will pass through security without them performing the explosives check.

As to the airline, so long as you are flying within the U.S. the CPAP machine does not count as a carry-on bag for purposes of your allowance. This assumes you have a separate bag for the CPAP with no extraneous items in the bag (other than CPAP accessories), and I suppose they could ask to see your prescription to confirm you need the CPAP thereby qualifying it for the extra carry on allowance, although I suspect this is very rare.

[sleepyb]

Every time I have traveled with it they swab it and I go on my way. No problems even in Mexico. The last two trips they requested that it be pulled out of the bag like you would a laptop.

[steamfan]

We just keep an S9 on the airplane so if I decide to nap in flight, it's already there.

[ssnyder]

Hi,

I just got back from a cruise. Traveled from Dallas Ft Worth to Seattle, I had no problems with security they had me remove it from the case and they did a test and I was on my way. It does not count as one of your carry on, it is considered medical equipment. So you get to carry on your two bags plus your CPAP. I guess the cruise ship must see a lot of them also, because they didn't ask any questions. That was the best cruise - Alaska - highly recommend!

Br Sharon

[bearded_two]

You can save time if you take your machine out of the bag and place it in a tote all by its self. Most of the time (90%?), they will want to swab it for explosives, and it is better to already have it out rather than having to stop the line to take it out.

[Mount Snorius]

Have now traveled with my S9 4 times in the last few months. Each time, took it out and put it in one of those bins and had no real trouble except for...the TSA person would look at it and say, "hey, is that one of them new ones? Those are real space age looking. Mind if I scan it through a couple of times to see the inside? Hey, guys, come here and look at this CPAP." Each time, pretty much the same reaction. Gotta love being their entertainment for the moment.