Traveling with CPAP

[Sleeping Beauty]

Does anyone know if I need special paperwork to have the CPAP on the fly to Spain?

[chunkyfrog]

It's better to have too much documentation than not enough.
All cpap equipment should be in one case--nothing else in the case (a med equipment label would be good)
Also good would be a copy of your prescription in case something breaks, or gets forgotten.
Remember, your cpap should never be checked--it's a free carry on anyhow.
If you plan to use the machine in flight, you need to check with the airline well ahead of time,
and make sure the plane and your seat have compatible power--and that you will be able to use it--in writing!
There are other threads with loads of info on the subject.

[SneakerPumpernicle]

Just took my cpap through security, not international though per the TSA website and my airlines, I decided to take a copy of at least one thing stating i needed it from a dr. " just in case" I also put it in a large ziplock clearly labled in marker " CPAP - Please change gloves and use fresh wipes :0)" . I put it in the bucket, went right through, they didn't even slow the belt when it went through. I suspect they see hundreds of them a week.

I would suggest you put it in a ziplock, think about all the shoes and funk that go in those bins year round ...blechhhh... don't wnt to be breathing that in.

Be sure you have a power adapter for spain

[chunkyfrog]

And let us know how the trip went when you get back!

[Jason7]

I see you are in Norway and are flying to Spain, so my guess is that you do not need to use CPAP on board since you are likely on a daytime flight.
However, if you plan on using your cpap onboard, the following applies:
Definitely notify the airline as Chunkyfrog already noted -- the airline should put in your record that you will using cpap (assuming they allow it).
Also find out if you need an adaptor to use the cpap with the seat outlet (in addition to the adaptor for Spain).
Finally, I have had the experience that the plug at my seat did not work; luckily I was switched to an empty seat with an operating plug. If you can, test your cpap when you get onboard to see if the plug works, as sometimes all they need to do is reboot the outlets.
Good luck,
Jason
PS I have never been asked for documentation but it doesn't hurt, as already noted, to have a cpap prescription if possible. Also you can download from the Resmed website a form letter stating that your unit is safe for air travel.

[Maxie]

I recently traveled on a domestic flight and the TSA people in Charlotte, NC were not the least bit helpful and made me take everything out of the bag. I even got patted down because my pocket was a real pocket and I guess the TSA person thought it was too thick! I was furious. Leaving Las Vegas, the TSA person was very helpful and said I only need to take the blower out. I went through the x-ray because I have a pin in my foot but it didn't show up. I think that it really all depends on the TSA agent at the time! GOOD LUCK!

[Keepsleeping]

No you don't need anything. But keep in mind TSA is not known for common sense or helpfulness. But you are able to take it and carry on board on any US Carrier

Now can we start a chat about TSA?