A few travel questions

[ready2sleep]

I have read the collective wisdom and I still have a few questions about travelling with cpap. Both my husband and I are on cpap, and we are flying from PA to CA. I understand carrying them on does not count as a carry on, but can they not be packed in a suitcase? Is there some advantage to carrying it on with us? I will bring the extra plug strip with me but get the distilled water when I get out there. Finally, does the airport securty usually check it through? Only asking because if they do maybe thats why its not packed. Im sorry to ask these questions, I realize they have been asked and answered many times, but I am packing and trying to figure out the best way to pack all this stuff. Thanks in advance for all of the help.

[Guest]

I just recently flew with my machine! Its suggested that you don't check it because of the fragile nature of the machine. From working at an airline I know how luggage is handled and it not a gentle process. With as much that we pay for our machines, I wouldn't trust it to be checked. Also if your bags don't make it to your destination you would be without your machines.

When I went through security they swabbed my machine, and then sent me on my way. Its so common anymore that they know what it is. I would highly suggest carrying it on with you.

alpha1340

[ready2sleep]

I see, it makes sense. OK, we will carry ours with us. Its true it does not count as a carry on, correct? I usually carry on a small bag, with a change of underwear, toothbrush, and some reading material. Thats why I am trying to make sure.

[CollegeGirl]

I've flown with it over a dozen times now. It doesn't count as a carry on. Happy travels!

[Linda3032]

Ready2sleep -- please check your PMs.

Also, you might want to print the regulations and stick a copy in your cpap travel bag -- just in case you get an inexperienced security agent.

viewtopic.php?t=3142&highlight=faa

Have a nice trip.

[SleepGuy]

I've taken my cpap all over the place with me--even to Cancun--without any problems or issues. I've done it both ways--either in my suitcase or I just carried it on in the travel case (and now I'm glad I know it doesn't count as a carry-on! Thanks). The maids in Cancun tucked the face mask away carefully in the top drawer of the night stand every morning (I'm sure they wondered what on earth that thing was!)

And I wouldn't stress too much about the distilled water. If it's convenient, great. If not, life's too short to be taking a taxi to WalMart at 11pm just to get some distilled water. Tap water or bottled drinking water should be just fine for a few days on the road (IMHO). The last thing I would do is try to haul distilled water down to Cancun.....

[blarg]

If you want something more "official looking" to print out and take with you than the text pasted in the forum, the original sheet can be found here:

http://airconsumer.ost.dot.gov/rules/20011029.htm

[cajapato]

http://airconsumer.ost.dot.gov/rules/20011029.htm

Good info, thanks blarg. I'm flying Thursday and it's my first time with the equipment. I printed it out and will put it in my case.

[Snoozing Gonzo]

Like you, I was tentative about air travel with CPAP last December. I went from a small airport in the west to Logan in Boston. I travel with an Invacare Polaris TR (Aura Everest).

There was no difference in how the CPAP was treated in either airport. The CPAP was whisked aside after going through the x-ray, someone asked if it was OK to hand search it (like you'd say no?!), the main machine was looked at (nice that they used new gloves each time) and swabbed as was the power converter, I was sent on my way. Total time was about the time it took to put my shoes on.

I was told by someone in line that the older machines aren't hand checked as often as the newer ones because the newer are more compact so the x-ray can't "see" through them and its harder to identify recognizable internal shapes.

Have Fun

Chris

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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): CPAP, Power, Travel

[KansasRT]

I have had a few patients have "internal pressure sensors" become detached after checking their CPAP's. You can never be sure about how the airline handles yor luggage.

[Bookbear]

I would echo the advice given here, with one addition. I carry a copy of my prescription and a letter of medical necessity (which states I should not be separated from the cpap) with me in addition to a printout from the TSA web site concerning cpaps not counting as carry-on and being permitted in the cabin.

I have not been asked for proof that the machine is for me and that I really do need it, but I'm covered if I am asked.

DO NOT pack the cpap in luggage. Luggage is handled roughly. I have seen bags tossed from baggage holds on planes and miss the cart and land on the ground, breaking open. I have seen baggage carts whip around a sharp turn, spilling many of the bags stacked haphazardly on them. Keep that machine with you!

Interestingly, TSA people have twice taken me aside and asked about cpap therapy and how they might get checked for apnea. It seems that its becoming much more common and therefore less of a security concern as more and more of us travel with our machines.

I have traveled 6 times with my cpap on business in the past 9 months. No problems other than slowing down the lines somewhat.

Good luck on your travels!

[pedroski]

For any Aussies on here, cpap gear does count as carry on luggage in Australia, but if you explain what it is and what it's for, no one will hassle you about it. For international flights you needd a clearance form. This info is from Daniel, the website admin for snoring.com.au.

Bear in mind many airline staff would have no idea what CPAP was.

If challenged, on the one hand you need to make the simple case to the effect: "If I don't have this, I may die" and you should find most of them will adopt a sensible attitude and even appreciate the education. However, approach this the wrong way, you could be determined "unfit for travel" by a nervous stewie, and offloaded. It will get worked out eventually of course, but perhaps not by the time that flight leaves the gate...

Qantas are aware of CPAP (see: http://www.qantas.com.au/infodetail/fly ... diform.pdf ) but this could potentially create hassles for you.

See also http://www.qantas.com.au/info/flying/be ... Assistance and speak to them. Once they've 'cleared' you, have a note appended to your Frequent Flyer profile and you should be fine thereafter.

I contacted Qantas Special Handling on 61 2 9304 7974 and they told me that for domestic flights you can’t use cpap equipment on board and therefore don’t need to complete the QANTAS Travel Clearance Form. She said as long as you have the manufacturers info on the flow generator you’ll have no trouble with the security screening. She said that your equipment does count as carry on luggage but that if you explain what it is and that it is delicate and expensive, no one would deny you.

She also told me that you don’t need a doctor to sign your form if it’s just to use cpap on an international flight. You can sign the QANTAS Travel Clearance Form yourself, just cross the word Doctor out and fax it to them. She asked me what sort of machine I used and when I said Resmed S8 Autoset Spirit she knew what it was straight off, saying that’s a good machine, very popular. Quite reassuring.

Peter

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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): resmed, CPAP, Travel

[Guest]

My girlfriend and I flew to Pheonix from Oklahoma City last Thanksgiving holiday. Our CPAP machines DID count as carryon. There was absolutely no problem getting them checked through. We were asked to remove our machines from the bag so they could check them. That was done at the regular security check in Oklahoma City, and then at a special counter in Pheonix for the return flight. We weren't the only passengers carrying machines on, so I'd imagine the airlines are quite familiar with the equipment. We called the airlines before our departure and were told that no paperwork would be requested or required.

[Snoredog]

[quote="KansasRT"]I have had a few patients have "internal pressure sensors" become detached after checking their CPAP's. You can never be sure about how the airline handles yor luggage.

[bdp522]

I've read that Evian bottled water is full of minerals that leave scale in the HH. Aquafina is supposed to be better.

Brenda