Need advice on travelling

[m1k2s3]

I'm travelling from Toronto to Orlando next week and I could use a little advice. First, I'm using Air Canada and US Airways - can I take my machine on board the plane or should I put it in my checked baggage? Can I take distilled water with me or should I try and get some when I arrive? If I can't find distilled water what else can I use - I don't think I can use ordinary tap water.

Any suggestions, advice or tips would be appreciated.

[TerryB]

Please plan to take the machine aboard as carry on you wouldn't want the machine to get lost or damaged. It is classified as medical equipment and does not count as carry on baggage. I put all my equipment in the carrying case. They will basically treat it like a laptop or piece of electronics. A recent change is that they will usually but not always run it through the swap and test routine for explosives as there was supposedly a plan by terrorists to use a CPAP to smuggle explosives aboard.

I would not recommend taking the distilled water along. It's so easy to get and in fact the only reason they tell you to use distilled water is to prevent buildup of hard water minerals in the tank when the water evaporates. I have used motel tap water for short trips but go to Walmart and get a $0.62 jug of distilled for a long stay.

If you are going to be in a motel, don't forget you might need an extension cord to reach the outlet.

Good Luck,
TerryB

[greenvelvetdragon]

I travel quite frequently, i NEVER check my machine as I generally am travelling on international flights 14 hours+ so i need my machine, also I dont trust the baggage handlers to not damage the equipment (or steal it who knows, stuff does frequently 'get lost').

I always ring the airlines ahead of time to advise I need and have medical equipment and so far no dramas. I dont use the humidifier while in flight. as for distilled water, i sometimes have had no choice but to use tap water if only in a motel 1 night. If i am somewhere for longer I boil the water and put it in an empty clean bottle i keep in my checked luggage and this i then cart around.

it just takes a little more preplanning than it normally did. i have only been diagnosed and using the machine since last November, but so far i have made these little tricks work, and with the help of this forum have picked up some along the way.

another tip i saw on the site awhile back was to keep a laminated copy of your script in the case with you, and there were some great tips about having to take your machine out to be inspected and xrayed. I did have to get a little narky with a security person at LAX because they refused to put on gloves while touching my equipment. I made a fair bit of a stink and the airline rep came immediately to assist and advise yes indeed she really does have/need this medical equipment so put your damn gloves on and show some consideration, which after the fact was amusing, but very stressful at the time and one does not want icky dirty hands touching this expensive and life saving equipment that goes in your noses!

i am looking to get a luggage tag that is red and clearly states medical equipment as i have heard this might be very useful. i also always keep a full list of my script and OTC medications and an explaination of meds and CPAP from my primary care doctor with me were ever i go, especially overseas. this has saved a lot of hassle with customs and security.

hope this helps - happy and safe travels

GVD

[rwalther]

Only been at it a month, and had two very different experiences.

The first ... I just kept my stuff in the carry-case, and pushed it through the x-ray machine without anyone caring.

The second ... the TSA lady asked "Is that a CPAP Machine?" When I said "Yes", she said "Come with me", and she took it out, wiped it with that little cloth, and tested it for bomb "stuff". Then said "Thanks" and handed it back. No big deal.

I think most of 'em know what it is ... or don't care.

That's my experience thus far.

Rusty

[updownmostly]

I've heard about portable CPAPs and assumed that is what I would need for a long flight overseas. Do they have power hookups for a regular CPAP in flight?

[JPZeller]

I guess I am just not sufficiently careful.

I live in Chicago, and travel fairly frequently to/from Europe (and less frequently, Asia), and have NEVER carried my machine on board, nor have I ever taken a humidifier.

I have had luggage lost and thereby delayed a day or two, and just didn't consider it a big deal.

On one flight to London on AA, I chatted with a flight attendant (a regular on that route) who told me that in her career she has encountered exactly one passenger who used a CPAP machine during flight. His request to do so actually caused some consternation until approved by the captain.

Concur about the extension cord, though.

[bearcatx16]

All very good information. Some time ago my Sleep Doc gave me a Rx for distilled water, carry my own and have had no problems at all, sometimes don't have time to stop for any and am to lazy to clean my HH from tap water so carry the distilled. In addition to the ext. cord I carry a 3way block, some hotels are short on outlets. Also check into a "Pelican" case. I use the 1450 for my CPAP and paraphernalia. Carry the S8 Elite w/me.

Blessings,

Fred

[lifeartist59]

I am planning a trip later this year to Ireland, and I am debating whether it is worth the hassle to take the machine and stuff with me. I have read most the posts which make it sound do-able but I worry about dropping it, or otherwise damaging it and then having to replace it. I also worry about the power cord and converter issues. Has anyone gone there with their cpap or have any suggestions or ideas. Thanks in advance.

[tangents]

Whenever I travel with my CPAP, I pack a multi-outlet expension cord, a roll of 2" clear tape, some hair scrunchies, some string, and a large binder clip. Whatever the room layout is, these accessories allow me to plug in, and cover the electrical cord with tape (against the wall or to the floor) for safety. The scrunchies, string and binder clip allow me to attach the hose to lamp finials, picture frames, head boards, etc. When distilled water isn't available, I use bottled water that is purified (Dasani, Aquafina) rather than spring water. Most hotels sell it in their vending areas, saving me a trip to buy distilled.

Good luck,
Cathy

[mtoddrussell]

I have traveled 3 times since November on US Air, and asked the TSA attendant what to expect. He said that US Air will always need to swab the machine, not the humidifier, so I should send it through just as I would a laptop, out of the case.

I have always done that, they have always swabbed it, and they have always kindly thanked me and sent me on my way.

I would never check the machine. It does not count against your carry-on allowance, so you could actually carry a carry-on, laptop and CPAP. I would be afraid that it would be bounced around if I turned it over to be checked.

I also carry an extension cord, and have needed it. I do not carry distilled H20. My pharmacist said with a prescription, she could label it, but it is just not worth the hassle. For short trips, I use tap and clean my chamber with vinegar and water when I return. If I am going to be away for 3+ days, I look for the nearest Walmart or grocery store or if I know someone else is going, ask them to do it for me. It is usually less than $1, and if someone is running out, they usually don't mind picking it up for you.

I know this has all been pretty well covered on this site, but just wanted to give you my two cents as it pertains specifically to US Air.

Safe travels!!

-Todd

[RachelM]

I have taken my CPAP equipment as carry on for several domestic flights and have always met with courteous inspections.

I do try to get distilled water. Using tap water may depend upon where I am and where their water is obtained from. Once a could not get out to obtain distilled water and used city tap water from the place where I was staying. After only 3 days the bottom of the humidifier had an icky lime and mineral deposit on it. I will not do this again.

[RAINSUX]

1. Tap water is fine. Rinse the tank daily. Do a good cleaning when you get home. If you're going to be in the same place for several days, buy some distilled.

2. Carrying extra stuff and worrying about converters? No big deal. Do your homework.

3. Worrying about dropping it? Just be careful. The baggage handlers are much worse. They're professional luggage destroyers. Never check your xPAP. What if it's lost or destroyed? The airline won't pay for it. Are you prepared to buy a new one? Are you prepared to do without it until you can replace it?

4. Leave it at home and feel crappy the whole time you're gone? What's the point of a vacation or business trip if you're not feeling your best? Just stay home and feel good.

5. Risk a stroke in a hotel room in a strange place? It couldn't get much worse than that.

Take your xPAP everywhere you go, include whatever extra equipment you need, and NEVER check it with luggage.

Sam