CPAP and air travel

[Crazy Eddie]

I'll be flying across the country next month. The manual for my machine says to carry it on and that it's not made to be checked.

Is this a hard or soft rule? I have a reasonably tough suitcase with carbon fiber shell. I see the "tossers" get pretty crazy about throwing bags around and I know the baggage area is not pressurized...but if packed well, with surrounding clothes or something...will it be OK or is there something about it that can't handle drops in pressure?

[sol]

carry with you is safer, at times those baggage handlers can be a bit rough and stuff can be loaded on the wrong plane or go missing

[chunkyfrog]

See the video United Wrecks Guitars, then let us know how you feel.

[JohnBFisher]

Ever show up at your destination only to have your luggage take a trip around the world. Might not happen all that often. But it does happen. I've had my luggage show up the next day. If my xPAP device was in my luggage that would be a night of "sleep" without it. No, thanks. I would rather keep it with me.

[BlackSpinner]

Just flew cross country - when they offer "sky check" for your bigger carryon they state very clearly "Keep your electronics with you in the cabin" That means your xpap too.

Many times my luggage has gone "elsewhere" only to magically appear at my door a day or two later.

With careful packing I got my cpap and its needs, a laptop, my camera, a change of clothes and my meds into a back pack. In my handbag was my lunch, knitting, my wallet and stuff and a book. The change of clothes was wrapped around my cpap for extra protection.

I used to work for an airline - never would I pack anything delicate, important or expensive in checked in luggage.

[lewsterr]

Never check the xpap. You never know if it will arrive at your destination with you. Besides, medical equipment does NOT count toward the number of carry-on bags you are allowed.

[Crazy Eddie]

Never check the xpap. You never know if it will arrive at your destination with you. Besides, medical equipment does NOT count toward the number of carry-on bags you are allowed.

That carry on shit isn't enforced anyway, which pisses me off quite a bit. People regularly bring in overhead bin bags that are beyond the size specified, taking up two to three times their fair share of bin space. Every time I see it happen I just want to smack them AND the airline personnel that just let it happen.

[lewsterr]

That carry on shit isn't enforced anyway, which pisses me off quite a bit. People regularly bring in overhead bin bags that are beyond the size specified, taking up two to three times their fair share of bin space. Every time I see it happen I just want to smack them AND the airline personnel that just let it happen.

I completely agree with you.

[britinjapan]

FYI, Just bought a Probasics Zzz for international travel use. I found my Respironics and the humidifier a little large to cart around in its bag, and I prefer to keep it safe on my bedside for longer term reliability. I also wanted a spare machine. Seems a great little package...

[kaiasgram]

Eddie, I'm on my first trip with my machine. Flying out of Sacramento to Seattle was smooth, and Alaska Airline welcomed me to pre-board with my machine, so I was able to secure my machine and my other carry-on overhead so the machine wouldn't get bashed around. I'm hoping for the same ease on my flight from Seattle back to Sacramento.

Have a safe trip!