Airports are still swabbing Cpap's

[plr66]

I noticed in several threads in May (I think) that folks were finding that TSA had relaxed the consistent swabbing of cpap's. Just a note, FWIW, that during my recent trip to several areas of the UK, my cpap was "sent to the special-check table" following scanning, and was swabbed at every one of my eight departure airports, both in the USA & in the UK. I'm used to this process, so had just planned on it and found no inconvenience. But thought other travelers new to carrying your cpap might like to know, so that you pack your cpap for easy removal if needed.
(Edited title).

[islandboy5150]

Yes, they swabbed mine on a trip to Seattle last week. This was the first time it's been swabbed in months and I travel about 200K miles a year, mostly on Untied.

[bailachel]

Interesting. Maybe it is still required for international travel? I have gone through TSA airport screening 8 times since the beginning of May and my CPAP has not been swabbed at any of the airports.

[howkim]

Two weeks ago in my trip to Philadelphia, no one even looked twice at my machine. I guess it goes to show that the message has been inconsistent to the various TSA locations.

[BlackSpinner]

I guess there weren't any diapers for them to check out.

[chunkyfrog]

[LinkC]

I'd guess they are making it "random". Flew to Rome via Atlanta last month, then back from Amsterdam. Went thru security/customs at several border crossings. Wasn't swabbed at any time. Be ready for either option.

[djr1215]

I flew to Newark and back (from Louisiana) week before last and no swabbing.

[snuginarug]

What the heck is swabbing? They collect material by swabbing some part of the machine? What part do they swab? What do they test the swab for? How long does this swabbing process take? Very strange.

[cowlypso]

In addition to x-ray inspection of your CPAP machine, a visual and physical inspection, and Explosive Trace Detection (ETD) sampling will be required.

To facilitate CPAP machine hygiene and cleanliness:

Once out of the carrying case, you can place your CPAP machine in a clear plastic bag before placing the device in the bin. You will need to provide/bring your own plastic bag.

Upon request, TSOs will change their gloves prior to performing the visual and physical inspection, and ETD sampling of your CPAP machine. The CPAP will need to be removed from the plastic bag by the TSO to conduct the ETD sampling.

Upon request, TSOs will clean the table where the ETD sampling will be conducted.

Upon request, TSOs will change the ETD sampling media before conducting the ETD sampling.

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/ ... /cpap.shtm

They are essentially just looking to pick up any "dust" that might be on your machine. They do this screening with other kinds of electronics, too, not just CPAP machines. I've had my laptop swabbed before. They just take this little piece of paper and rub it on your machine, then test the paper to see if there are any traces of explosives found. It's pretty fast.

Here's the full explanation with a video: http://www.tsa.gov/approach/tech/etd.shtm

[WestCoastCdnGrl]

I flew Vancouver to Toronto return last month and my machine wasn't swabbed at either airport (Vancouver International, domestic terminal and Lester B. Pearson International Airport, Terminal 1 in Toronto). I asked the security agents if they needed me to pull Darth Vader (my pet name for my unit) out of the case and they said that it wasn't really necessary... they were more interested in busting the woman in front of me who had a bottle of water carelessly tossed into her bag than bothering much with Darth.

[headbored]

I fly from Winnipeg to Mazatlan every winter and have never even had to remove from the travel case,just asked if it was a cpap machine.No problems at either end,more interested in liquids.

[xenablue]

I've not had my CPAP swabbed, but have had my meds bag checked out. I use a tiny soft-sided cooler which holds my injectables and all other meds, plus a small frozen gelpack. TSA will just swab out the inside of the cooler - they don't touch my meds at all, but sometimes check the gelpack as they won't allow it through if it's not completely frozen.

I've learned to put my meds (and CPAP components) into ziplock bags so there's no worry of contamination.

Cheers,
xena

[plr66]

Two weeks ago in my trip to Philadelphia, no one even looked twice at my machine

Flew to Rome via Atlanta last month, then back from Amsterdam. Went thru security/customs at several border crossings. Wasn't swabbed at any time.

I flew to Newark and back (from Louisiana) week before last and no swabbing.

I flew Vancouver to Toronto return last month and my machine wasn't swabbed at either airport

I fly from Winnipeg to Mazatlan every winter and have never even had to remove from the travel case

Yeah I know, I know! But I'm just sayin'!
Seemed odd to me that every single one of my flights' scanners "pulled me over," regardless of size of the airports, and no hot-spot locations. I carried the same cpap I always do, with nothing in the case besides the usual several cpap supplies. It occurs to me that the Everest is a weird-looking little machine unlike any other, so maybe that triggered the checks.

[GumbyCT]

It occurs to me that the Everest is a weird-looking little machine unlike any other, so maybe that triggered the checks.

With or without a battery?