CPAP and TSA

[Slartybartfast]

Anyone know what specifically it is about the CPAP machine that TSA is interesting in? I fly frequently and am always concerned about the people standing in line behind me. Sometimes I've given the TSA screener a heads-up prior to scanning, and sometimes I've said nothing. Sometimes I've even taken the blower unit out of the bag and placed it in the tray next to my steel-toed Size 13s. But each time, they stop the scanner, take me aside, ask me to take the unit out of its travel bag and they wipe it down, then re-scan it and hand it back to me, while people in line behind me are kept waiting.

Sometimes they've shown interest specifically in the empty humidifier (c'mon, it's just an empty box!) and sometimes just the blower unit, which travel separately in the travel case. I'm wondering what it is that they are seeing on the scanner that looks suspicious. There's just a tiny electric motor and some circuitry. But I've traveled with cordless electric drills, radios, GPSs, computer modems and all sorts of stuff that has the same components in it that my S9 autoset has, and they sail on through.

If there's a different way to pack the unit, I'd like to know. I prefer not to be the one responsible for backing up the line for the three minutes or so it takes them to do what they do to verify it's not a bomb or something.

One comment I've had several times so far is, "Gee, that's a nice light machine. That must be the new one. Digital display. I like that." Or, "That must be a new one; they sure are lightweight." Or, "My doctor wants me to get on CPAP but I haven't had the time for the sleep study."

[Julie]

Unfortunately, it's standard practice for them to scan the machines regardless of whatever other machines they may let through. At least they're being clean about it (some airlines aren't)! It's a stupid hassle, but until airlines become even more familiar with the things, until proper protocols are laid down and standardized for all the airlines, they will continue to do their thing. All we can do is wait them out I guess.

[BlackSpinner]

Unfortunately, it's standard practice for them to scan the machines regardless of whatever other machines they may let through. At least they're being clean about it (some airlines aren't)! It's a stupid hassle, but until airlines become even more familiar with the things, until proper protocols are laid down and standardized for all the airlines, they will continue to do their thing. All we can do is wait them out I guess.

Nothing to do with airlines. The TSA is a national security thing, they don't work for the airlines. Theoretically they must check all electronics for explosive devises.

[chunkyfrog]

just another opportunity to educate people--and maybe even save a life!

[xenablue]

When I travel, I carry a mini-cooler with diabetic supplies and TSA routinely check it including a good swabbing for explosives (I presume), now I'll have my CPAP bag as well. I've never had an issue with TSA, but they have asked me some questions.

I hope these are both not counted as carry-on.....

I had issues with one airline a few months ago who tried to deny my cooler as medically necessary and wanted me to check it, or my purse or my mini laptop bag with an E-reader. I stood my ground and won! For pete's sake - the cooler is 4" x 8" x 3" in size!


Xena

[sleepylady]

Can't be helped, so just go with the flow. They aren't seeing anything suspicious. TSA regulations state they have to check it. I'm going to the Netherlands this spring and looked at the TSA screening process to see what kind of issues I might have and read that it's just standard procedure. You aren't holding the line up...it's just the rules they are following.

[elena88]

I was thinking about taking my pulse oximeter on a trip next month, do they check those out?
I was going to take it on my carryon..