Flying with CPAP

Linda3032 · Post by **Linda3032** » Sun Feb 25, 2007 4:18 pm

Sleepy-eyes, it's isn't supposed to count. I've flown many times with a purse, a carry-on tote bag, and a cpap bag -- all carried on. I've never had a problem. I think the airline should refund the $50.00. They were wrong.

Sleepy-eyes · Post by **Sleepy-eyes** » Tue Mar 06, 2007 11:51 am

Okay, here's an update.

I sat down this morning and gathered all the "ammo" of Federal Regulation numbers, etc. and sent an e-mail to Delta Complaints/Comments. I'll let all of those interested (guess I'm assuming some are interested) know what transpires.

SleepySandy · Post by **SleepySandy** » Tue Mar 06, 2007 2:53 pm

I've been confused about this issue because it doesn't appear to me that they charged for the CPAPs. It appears they charged for the extra carry-on. I'm not sure how it was presented by whoever charged the $50.00, but this is the baggage allowance information from Delta's website:

Carry-on Baggage
- You can carry on one bag plus one personal item per passenger as long as it:
  - Weighs less than 40 pounds (18 kg).
    Does not exceed 45 inches when you total length plus width plus height.
    Fits easily into our SizeWise® unit (approximately 22"x14"x9").
    Fits in an overhead bin or underneath the seat in front of you.
Checked Baggage
- You can check two bags per passenger free of charge.

Taking the CPAPs out of the equation, with 4 checked bags and 3 carry-ons, it seems to me that one the of carry-ons was in excess of the policy.

Linda3032 · Post by **Linda3032** » Tue Mar 06, 2007 6:34 pm

You are right, Sandy.

If we disreagard the cpaps, it comes down to what the 3 carry-ons actually were. Each passenger can have 1 carry-on and 1 personal item (like a purse or briefcase). So, if the two travelers had 3 carry-ons, and one of the carry-ons wasn't a purse or briefcase, then Delta would charge for an extra bag.

Sleepy-eyes · Post by **Sleepy-eyes** » Wed Mar 07, 2007 8:11 am

I had a small camera case and a CPAP machine. My girlfriend had her purse, a small bag to carry-on and a CPAP machine. Because they DID COUNT our CPAP machines as carry-on items, we had to check the small bag and pay $50 to do so. Pursuant to Federal Regulation 14CFR 382.41, item (d), "Carriers shall not, in implimenting their carry-on baggage policies, count toward a limit on carry-on items any assistive device brought into the cabin by a qualified individual with a disability." (There are not comments in that quote which indicate whether or not the item is to be used in flight.)

Sleepy Sandy, you must be confused. I never implied there was a charge for the CPAP equipment.

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

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

CollegeGirl · Post by **CollegeGirl** » Wed Mar 07, 2007 9:16 am

I wish I had the link in front of me, but I'm almost positive it's illegal for them to count the CPAP as a carry on, and they've broken all sorts of Federal regulations. I'm interested in seeing what they have to say to you, as they DEFINITELY owe you $50 back.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Mar 07, 2007 8:12 pm

I don;t agree, as it looks like they (Delta) did follow the regulations. Three carry ons for two people is one extra. A carry on is not a personal item such as a purse. Looks to me like the CPAPS weren't the issue.

Linda3032 · Post by **Linda3032** » Wed Mar 07, 2007 10:45 pm

Well, Sleepy-eyes clarified what the 3 carry-ons were (other than the cpaps). He said they were:

a camera case
a purse
a small carry-on bag.

The purse doesn't count. So, other than the 2 cpaps (which shouldn't have counted), they each had one carry-on. Obviously, Delta didn't see it that way. And I'm curious what response he will get back.

Sleepy-eyes · Post by **Sleepy-eyes** » Thu Mar 08, 2007 5:15 pm

Anonymous wrote:I don;t agree, as it looks like they (Delta) did follow the regulations. Three carry ons for two people is one extra. A carry on is not a personal item such as a purse. Looks to me like the CPAPS weren't the issue.

Each passenger is allowed two carry-on items. If CPAP machines are not to be counted (as cited in the above Fed Regulation) then the 3 items for the two of us shouldn't have been an issue. Purses are considered a carry-on, at least on every airline we've flown previously.

mikemoran · Post by **mikemoran** » Thu Mar 08, 2007 5:40 pm

I tried flying with my CPAP but couldn't get enough pressure to get airborne.

Sorry couldn't resist.

They owe you the refund. CPAPs are medical devices that are too delicate to be checked luggage and they are assiistive devices for a qualified disability. There is no requirement that such devices must be used in flight to qualify. The issue is they can only be transported in the cabin and therfore fall under the regulation.

This is an education problem with the Airline personnel. Taking a copy of the reg with you could help or next time go get one of the TSA guys to enforce the regualtion.

Sleepy-eyes · Post by **Sleepy-eyes** » Fri Mar 09, 2007 7:47 am

I WILL take a copy of the regulation with me the next time...............but how do I get a refund in the meantime? I've e-mailed them but no response has been returned. Anyone know a "complaint" e-mail address for Delta Airlines?

zzzzzz!! · Post by **zzzzzz!!** » Fri Mar 09, 2007 8:05 am

Sleepy-eyes wrote:I WILL take a copy of the regulation with me the next time...............but how do I get a refund in the meantime? I've e-mailed them but no response has been returned. Anyone know a "complaint" e-mail address for Delta Airlines?

DELTA AIR LINES
Ms. Daiquiri Gleaves
General Manager, Customer Care
P.O. Box 20980
Atlanta, GA 30320-2980
(404) 715-1402

Good luck! Hope you get your refund without too much trouble.

Sleepy-eyes · Post by **Sleepy-eyes** » Fri Mar 09, 2007 8:23 am

Thanks, I'll try that.

justsharon · Post by **justsharon** » Fri Mar 09, 2007 10:53 am

Yes a purse does count as a carry on bag. I previously flew with a carry on suit case, a laptop case and a small purse maybe 8 inches x 8 inches, they made me pack my purse at the security line before I could proceed.

I'm getting ready to fly for the first time with my CPAP next month. I'll let you know how it all goes.

Happy sleeping,
Sharon

zzzzzz!! · Post by **zzzzzz!!** » Fri Mar 09, 2007 11:37 am

justsharon wrote:Yes a purse does count as a carry on bag. I previously flew with a carry on suit case, a laptop case and a small purse maybe 8 inches x 8 inches, they made me pack my purse at the security line before I could proceed.

Your purse was extra because you already had your two items.

In the US, most domestic airlines will allow:
- One carryon
- One personal item (purse, briefcase, or laptop case)

I flew last weekend with a large laptop case, small purse, and my CPAP bag (the Respironics travel bag, holding my machine and mask) and had no problem. They will swab your machine. The man who did that on my outgoing journey told me he was putting on fresh gloves before handling it, and I thanked him for that. I don't know what they did on the return voyage because I was gathering up the rest of my gear while they took my CPAP.

I believe the most restrictive airports right now are in London, where you're allowed one carryon, period -- no extra purse/briefcase/laptop bag, no extra CPAP bag.