Good experience with Delta, using CPAP on flight

[Sideswiper]

I've been using my machine for years and I like it. I don't really think about it anymore and just take it for granted.

Delta has been offering "Economy Comfort" seating. Not only does this give you more leg room, but it also gives you a power outlet (on most seats, there are ways to check which seats exactly have power outlets).

Anyway, I flew international to and from England recently on Delta and decided to upgrade to Economy Comfort and use my machine on the flight. I called Delta and they said their policy is that the machine needs to have a sticker or something saying that the machine is compliant and safe to operate during a flight. I checked with my machine's manufacturer, Resperonics, they had a letter on the website listing a lot of machine models and saying they are OK. I called them, and they do not have a sticker. Also, my machine model number was not specifically on the list in the letter, but they told me verbally it has been checked and is OK (but aren't going to change the letter).

But it was a good experience. I didn't bring it up with the flight attendants, I just plugged it in and went to sleep when I was ready. Nobody bothered me, and I slept well (considering I couldn't like down flat).

Also, it's nice that security doesn't ALWAYS scan my machine anymore at security.

[moresleep]

Just don't cough in anything the flight attendant thinks sounds like Arabic, and you're probably ok.

Seriously, I'm glad it went smoothly. At least some airlines are understanding. I have sometimes brought along a battery pack on long flights, but never could sleep on the plane. But, I had that problem even before sleep apnea...

[Lizistired]

Good to know. Was it AC power?

[Sideswiper]

Yes it was AC power. Perfectly normal outlet, most people in "Economy Comfort" would use it for their laptops.

[chunkyfrog]

If they say 'no' to me, I'd just go ahead and snore.
I'm LOUD.

[amyandtoby2011]

Chunkyfrog,
Hahaha! I cracked up at your comment. That sounds like something I'd do. Well, up to now i have, if I've slept on a plane or anywhere, since I snore, but that was priceless.
I never thought of using CPAP on a flight. I wonder how it works with ear pressure and need to make one's ears pop.

And to the original poster (sorry I can't remember who without looking), I'm glad you had no trouble. Take me to England with you sometime
Seriously, it's good to hear such a smooth, trouble-free experience. Good stuff.

[cnew]

I've been using my machine for years and I like it. I don't really think about it anymore and just take it for granted.

Delta has been offering "Economy Comfort" seating. Not only does this give you more leg room, but it also gives you a power outlet (on most seats, there are ways to check which seats exactly have power outlets).

Anyway, I flew international to and from England recently on Delta and decided to upgrade to Economy Comfort and use my machine on the flight. I called Delta and they said their policy is that the machine needs to have a sticker or something saying that the machine is compliant and safe to operate during a flight. I checked with my machine's manufacturer, Resperonics, they had a letter on the website listing a lot of machine models and saying they are OK. I called them, and they do not have a sticker. Also, my machine model number was not specifically on the list in the letter, but they told me verbally it has been checked and is OK (but aren't going to change the letter).

But it was a good experience. I didn't bring it up with the flight attendants, I just plugged it in and went to sleep when I was ready. Nobody bothered me, and I slept well (considering I couldn't like down flat).

Also, it's nice that security doesn't ALWAYS scan my machine anymore at security.

Thanks for your post! I will be traveling to Italy this Christmas and traveling with CPAP for the first time. As it happens, I am flying Delta, and I, too, opted for the "comfort seating". I don't know if I will use it, but it's nice to know that it's an option. When you say security doesn't always scan your machine any more, are you talking about an extra scan beyond passing it through the x-ray equipment?