Having tried to find information in FAQs and using search I will ask the question I feel certain has already been dealt with previously. I am in the process of booking flights etc to travel overseas to Europe next year and am wondering at what point does the need to be able to use APAP in flight (if this is possible) need to be raised with the airline, and if it is, how will it affect my booking and fares, if at all?. Do I need to disclose my apneiac codition now, when obtaining quotations from Travel agents before making and confirming the booking and some nine to ten months before travelling (to get earlybird bookings) or only when dealing with seat allocations at checkin? If and when I do disclose are there requiredments that normally have to be met (eg medical certicates)
Views and advice regarding airline travelling with CPAP/APAP would be greatly appreciated.
Flying internationally with APAP
4 posts
• Page 1 of 1
Hi David-
I'm thinking that policies may be different from airline to airline, but in general, since the APAP is a medical device, they probably can't prohibit its use (though it might be best to carry a copy of your doc's prescription to prove the need to have it with you in the cabin), and it absolutely shouldn't affect the airfare you pay. However, there a couple things that you should look into when you book the flight. You'll need a seat that's relatively close to a power outlet, and each kind of plane (747 vs. 767 vs. A340, etc) will have different kinds of outlets and configurations. Some have plugs at each seat, and others have them only at the aisles, etc. I do a great deal of travel myself, and I know that on http://www.seatguru.com, once you know what kind of plane you're going to be on, you can see a map of each plane type for each airline (British Airways' version of a plane may be very different from the same body used by Quantas, for example) that will show you the best seats, where the power outlets are, and what kind of adapter you may need. You should really try to book your seats as far ahead of time as you can to make it the most advantageous for your situation. Do NOT wait to do it at checkin!! Also, the airline doesn't have to supply you with a power or plug adapter. That's up to you, so it's worth researching.
Hope that helps, and happy flying!
I'm thinking that policies may be different from airline to airline, but in general, since the APAP is a medical device, they probably can't prohibit its use (though it might be best to carry a copy of your doc's prescription to prove the need to have it with you in the cabin), and it absolutely shouldn't affect the airfare you pay. However, there a couple things that you should look into when you book the flight. You'll need a seat that's relatively close to a power outlet, and each kind of plane (747 vs. 767 vs. A340, etc) will have different kinds of outlets and configurations. Some have plugs at each seat, and others have them only at the aisles, etc. I do a great deal of travel myself, and I know that on http://www.seatguru.com, once you know what kind of plane you're going to be on, you can see a map of each plane type for each airline (British Airways' version of a plane may be very different from the same body used by Quantas, for example) that will show you the best seats, where the power outlets are, and what kind of adapter you may need. You should really try to book your seats as far ahead of time as you can to make it the most advantageous for your situation. Do NOT wait to do it at checkin!! Also, the airline doesn't have to supply you with a power or plug adapter. That's up to you, so it's worth researching.
Hope that helps, and happy flying!
Not everything that counts can be counted, and not everything that can be counted, counts.
-Albert Einstein
-Albert Einstein
David,
Every airline has a medical unit that approves the use of devices like CPAP on board an aircraft. Use of the machine inflight is at their discretion. You MUST get their approval well in advance of your trip. Some airlines will be more accommodating than others. I understand Quantas is CPAP friendly; but that cannot be said for all other airlines.
Be prepared to fax them your prescription, or have you doctor provide a statement of medical necessity.
If you are in economy class, most airlines do not have electrical outlets. Business class and first class often do. While it's quite possible that you may get a free upgrade for your trip so you can plug in, be careful about how strongly you characterize your need to use your machine. For a recent Virgin Atlantic flight, I was told I could not use my CPAP and the crew was instructed to keep me awake for the entire flight. That was no fun.
You can look on the internet to find the phone number for the medical unit for your airline; or just call their customer service number and they can give it to you.
Finally, whatever you do, DO NOT check your CPAP machine in your checked luggage. Always carry all of your CPAP supplies in your carry on luggage.
George
Every airline has a medical unit that approves the use of devices like CPAP on board an aircraft. Use of the machine inflight is at their discretion. You MUST get their approval well in advance of your trip. Some airlines will be more accommodating than others. I understand Quantas is CPAP friendly; but that cannot be said for all other airlines.
Be prepared to fax them your prescription, or have you doctor provide a statement of medical necessity.
If you are in economy class, most airlines do not have electrical outlets. Business class and first class often do. While it's quite possible that you may get a free upgrade for your trip so you can plug in, be careful about how strongly you characterize your need to use your machine. For a recent Virgin Atlantic flight, I was told I could not use my CPAP and the crew was instructed to keep me awake for the entire flight. That was no fun.
You can look on the internet to find the phone number for the medical unit for your airline; or just call their customer service number and they can give it to you.
Finally, whatever you do, DO NOT check your CPAP machine in your checked luggage. Always carry all of your CPAP supplies in your carry on luggage.
George
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sleepylady
- Posts: 203
- Joined: Wed Nov 16, 2005 11:42 am
David,
Since I was a tad curious, I just did some quick research on Northwest, United, British Airways, and Quantas Airlines websites. The only airlines that even mentioned CPAP or sleep apnea were British Airways and Quantas. On British Airways it states the following:
"Can equipment such as a Remstar Auto CPAP machine be used during the flight? If a customer has sleep apnea and needs to use equipment such as a Remstar Auto CPAP machine during the flight please note the following.
If the equipment is dry cell battery powered and is completely self contained it can be used on British Airways flights during the cruise phase of flight. (Equipment cannot be used during take off and landing phases)
If the equipment is electrical and requires a power source, British Airways do have power sockets installed in their longhaul World Traveller Plus, Club World and FIRST cabins only. You will need a teleadaptor* to use this power source. *British Airways sells a teleadaptor on board in the 'High Life Shop!' catalogue (formerly Shopping the World), under Longhaul routes.
To access this website please click here .
Please note: This power source cannot be guaranteed as an individual seat may be unserviceable or the power may be switched off for varying reasons. Therefore this power can only be used providing the use of the medical equipment is not essential.
For example it may be used if a passenger has Sleep Apnoea, for which they use a CPAP normally whilst sleeping, but consider it would not be detrimental nor essential if the CPAP was not used during the flight."
Since I was a tad curious, I just did some quick research on Northwest, United, British Airways, and Quantas Airlines websites. The only airlines that even mentioned CPAP or sleep apnea were British Airways and Quantas. On British Airways it states the following:
"Can equipment such as a Remstar Auto CPAP machine be used during the flight? If a customer has sleep apnea and needs to use equipment such as a Remstar Auto CPAP machine during the flight please note the following.
If the equipment is dry cell battery powered and is completely self contained it can be used on British Airways flights during the cruise phase of flight. (Equipment cannot be used during take off and landing phases)
If the equipment is electrical and requires a power source, British Airways do have power sockets installed in their longhaul World Traveller Plus, Club World and FIRST cabins only. You will need a teleadaptor* to use this power source. *British Airways sells a teleadaptor on board in the 'High Life Shop!' catalogue (formerly Shopping the World), under Longhaul routes.
To access this website please click here .
Please note: This power source cannot be guaranteed as an individual seat may be unserviceable or the power may be switched off for varying reasons. Therefore this power can only be used providing the use of the medical equipment is not essential.
For example it may be used if a passenger has Sleep Apnoea, for which they use a CPAP normally whilst sleeping, but consider it would not be detrimental nor essential if the CPAP was not used during the flight."
4 posts
• Page 1 of 1