air travel with CPAP machine

[Guest]

Help! the latest travel restrictions on hand luggage are very very stringent. Its not clear that we'll be allowed to take the CPAP machine on flights within the US or flights from UK/Europe to US.

Anyone have any experience in checking the machine in hold baggage? Anyone needs to travel internationally carrying one of these things? My doctor's just telling me that I should leave it at home and do without, as she can't really say that it's medically necessary.

Would really appreciate any help and experience other users can share, now and going forward, as the new rules are implemented.

Thank you!

[Sleepy Dog Lover]

Your doctor can't say that a cpap is medically necessary? Does she think breathing while you sleep is medically necessary? Sorry, off topic, but what a ridiculous statement. We all just do CPAP because it is fun.

I was think the same thing about air travel myself. If you fly, and you have to check your CPAP, I would definitely make sure you have a hard case to put it in. If you have ever seen them throw luggage around, you will know why. I would also lable it Fragile.

[Maryb]

does anybody know what the new rules are regarding CPAP machines?
Before this latest disaster, they would let you carry it on but they would put it in the "bomb" shielded area and swab it down first.
Now what are they going to do?
I don't want to check it in--I'm afraid they'll break it.
Are they going to be as stringent on domestic flights?
anybody know?

Maryb

[Guest]

Your doctor can't say that a cpap is medically necessary? Does she think breathing while you sleep is medically necessary? Sorry, off topic, but what a ridiculous statement. We all just do CPAP because it is fun.

I think what they are getting at is that we've lived with this condition for 10,20 and 30+ years in many cases and that a week without our cpap is the end of the world.

Sure I would prefer to take it with me, but if I can't, I can't.

[Pirate]

I would still try to bring it as a carry-on since I consider my cpap machine essential to my health. I cannot trust that checked baggage will arrive on time or at all. If they are banned as carry-on I will start checking mine in a hard foam lined pelican case. I don't believe there is a ban on carry-on luggage in the U.S. The current ban is for liquids and gels. But, I think all carry-ons of any kind have been banned in the UK.

[cpapjack]

does anybody know what the new rules are regarding CPAP machines?
Before this latest disaster, they would let you carry it on but they would put it in the "bomb" shielded area and swab it down first.
Now what are they going to do?
I don't want to check it in--I'm afraid they'll break it.
Are they going to be as stringent on domestic flights?
anybody know?

Maryb

I just called the security checkpoint at my airport and they said that yes, cpap machines are allowed. She didn't even hesitate to say yes when I asked. She said the only change that has come about is no liquids or gels or anything of the such.

This is posted on the front page of my airport's website:

"Effective immediately: Passengers may not have liquids or gels of any size at the screening checkpoint or in aircraft cabins. This includes beverages, shampoo, suntan lotion, creams, toothpaste, hair gel, perfume and other similar items. These items are allowed in checked luggage.

Passengers may have baby formula or breast milk when traveling with a baby or small child. Prescription medicine must have a name matching the passenger's ticket. Insulin and other non-prescription medicines are allowed, if essential.

Beverages purchased after security screening must be consumed before boarding."

[kurtchan]

Thanks CpapJack! Where else on the internet could you find the most up-to-date airline security info? Not on AA.com. Not on United.com. Only on cpaptalk.com. Who knew we'd become a resource for such things!

Thanks again! You just made my upcoming trip a lot easier!

Best,

Kurtchan

[MandoJohnny]

I think what they are getting at is that we've lived with this condition for 10,20 and 30+ years in many cases and that a week without our cpap is the end of the world.

Maybe the CPAP is the reason we've been able to live 10, 20 and 30+ years with this condition! That sounds medically necessary to me. As has been reported on other threads, Reggie White's wife said, "He died because he wasn't wearing his mask."

Another thought: New restrictions prohibit any kind of liquids or gels. What about silicone breast implants? Are they medically necessary? This could give a whole new meaning to the term, "Blonde Bombshell!"

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

[Goofproof]

I think what they are getting at is that we've lived with this condition for 10,20 and 30+ years in many cases and that a week without our cpap is the end of the world.

Maybe the CPAP is the reason we've been able to live 10, 20 and 30+ years with this condition! That sounds medically necessary to me. As has been reported on other threads, Reggie Jackson's wife said, "He died because he wasn't wearing his mask."

Another thought: New restrictions prohibit any kind of liquids or gels. What about silicone breast implants? Are they medically necessary? This could give a whole new meaning to the term, "Blonde Bombshell!"

[cpapjack]

Thanks CpapJack! Where else on the internet could you find the most up-to-date airline security info? Not on AA.com. Not on United.com. Only on cpaptalk.com. Who knew we'd become a resource for such things!

Thanks again! You just made my upcoming trip a lot easier!

Best,

Kurtchan

Your welcome Kurtchan. Glad to be of assistance.

[cpapjack]

Thanks CpapJack! Where else on the internet could you find the most up-to-date airline security info? Not on AA.com. Not on United.com. Only on cpaptalk.com. Who knew we'd become a resource for such things!

Thanks again! You just made my upcoming trip a lot easier!

Best,

Kurtchan

Your welcome Kurtchan. Glad to be of assistance.

[puffing billy]

I know that things have changed with todays news, but I contacted the airline prior to travelling on a transatlantic route and it is in your favour to tell them you have an XPAP unit.
On my return flight I had a window seat with no passengers next to me, the flight was 95% full.
They were scared I might snored and disturb the other passengers.

Billy

[EarlyStarts]

What the OP was talking about is the current no carry-on limit for flights to or from London.

I travel almost weekly with my CPAP. It is going to China for the 3rd time this year with me tomorrow. I have checked it a few times well packed inside a larger suitcase and I have been lucky to have no issues.

[EarlyStarts]

from http://www.dft.gov.uk/stellent/grou...out_612280.hcsp

Quote:
All cabin baggage must be processed as hold baggage and carried in the hold of passenger aircraft departing UK airports.

Passengers may take through the airport security search point, in a single (ideally transparent) plastic carrier bag, only the following items. Nothing may be carried in pockets:

* pocket size wallets and pocket size purses plus contents (for example money, credit cards, identity cards etc (not handbags));
* travel documents essential for the journey (for example passports and travel tickets);
* prescription medicines and medical items sufficient and essential for the flight (eg diabetic kit), except in liquid form unless verified as authentic.
* spectacles and sunglasses, without cases.
* contact lens holders, without bottles of solution.
* for those travelling with an infant: baby food, milk (the contents of each bottle must be tasted by the accompanying passenger) and sanitary items sufficient and essential for the flight (nappies, wipes, creams and nappy disposal bags).
* female sanitary items sufficient and essential for the flight, if unboxed (eg tampons, pads, towels and wipes).
* tissues (unboxed) and/or handkerchiefs
* keys (but no electrical key fobs)

[cpapjack]

As has been reported on other threads, Reggie Jackson's wife said, "He died because he wasn't wearing his mask."

That would be Reggie White. As ar as I know, Reggie Jackosn is still alive.