Flying with CPAP

[sleeplessinaz]

Hi Everyone--I just took my first flight with my CPAP. I went from PHX to Pittsburgh PA on Southwest and back home agin to PHX last week --not one bit of trouble at all. They took it out and swabbed it and used gloves to do this. They were very kind and all went smoothly. I had a photocopy of my prescription inside the bag just in case!!! But it was never needed.

So don't be scared to take the CPAP on board with you. NEVER EVER check it though --it wwill be broken by the time you get to your destination!!! Like someone above said --those luggage handlers could break an ANVIL!!! LOL! It went it the upper bin right where I could keep an eye on it. I had a big red tag on it that says in bed red letters MEDICAL DEVICE that I got from CPAP.COM.

Carrie

[Dark_Star]

I travel 1-2 times a month ...

I always carry 2 things on... 1) my Cpap machine bag 2) my laptop bag.

Never had any issues on board.. but I only carry 2 items and check my suitcase.

To other wondering about traveling......the TSA people are well aware of cpap machines. They do require that I take it out of it's bag (like laptops) and put it through the screener by it's self. Also they usually do "swab" it like other poster said... But the screeners are always polite. They are well aware of cpap machines and one guy even told me that he's "seen a lot more of them lately".

[Guest]

I have a letter of necessity and the Rx copies laminated that remain inside my CPAP bag all the time ... to me it's just part of the bag.

How important is the Letter of Necessity?

_________________

A letter of necessity is sometimes important to have if you need the written proof of your condition... sometimes the prescription isn't quite readable ...I had one person question mine ( you know how doctore write so nice and clear !) before boarding on a flight in Toronto, Canada....
Luckily I also had my letter, and I had no problems with bringing on board my CPAP.
This letter simply states that you have been diagnosed with SOA, the apnea index that showed up on the study, and therefore the necessity to use a CPAP. Mine also states the pressure at which it is initially set, and the need of a humidifier.
All is written on an official paper from the sleep lab and signed by the specialist. The signature is the same as on the prescription.

D.

[Auricula]

See the Southwest Airlines website for their policy regarding customers with disabilities: http://www.southwest.com/travel_center/ ... heelchairs
"Assistive devices such as walkers, canes, crutches, CPAP machines, etc., that can be stowed in compliance with the FAA safety regulations, are given priority onboard stowage, and are not counted toward your one carryon plus one personal item limit. If an assistive device cannot be stored safely in the cabin, we will transport it in the cargo compartment."

Also worth investigating is the airline's advance check-in and priority pre-boarding.

[Rusty!]

Good news,

Got a very nice call from USAirways Corporate Customer Relations. She was very concerned about the behavior of the FA's; she said that it never hurts to the gate agent know b4 boarding why you carrying a 3rd bag. They can call the crew and short circuit any isssues. I asked that she make a statement in email that I could present upon demand in case this is ever an issue again. Here is her written response.

She also said there is a compliance officer (ACO) at every US airport as required by the FAA. Asking for an issue to be resolved by an ACO would resolve an issue like this quickly but would also incite additional drama. The email should be enough esp. if you are on USAirways.


Dear xxx

Thank you for contacting the Executive Office of US Airways. I appreciate the opportunity to respond to your concerns. Thank you as well for taking the time to talk with me on the phone. I know your time is valuable and important and I appreciate your allowing me some of yours.

As we discussed, per the Air Carrier Access Act 14 CFR Part 382.41 (c) Carriers shall permit qualified individuals with a disability to stow canes and other assistive devices on board the aircraft in close proximity to their seats, consistent with the requirements of FAA safety regulations for carry-on items.

(d) Carriers shall not, in implementing 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.

Part 382.53 Medical certificates.(a) Except as provided in this section, a carrier shall not require a person who is otherwise a qualified person with a disability to have a medical certificate as a condition for being provided transportation.

In other words, you are allowed to take your assistive device on board the aircraft. It does not count toward your carry on allowance and you do not have to have a medical statement to prove need, either on-board the flight or off.

Again, thank you for taking the time to talk with me. I apologize the experience you had on your flight was less than pleasant. I will, as I said, forward your concerns to the appropriate management teams. We do appreciate your email, as it allows us the chance to make positive change for the future. Should you have any further questions or concerns, please contact our office at 1-877-369-6512.

[Bookbear]

Rusty, thanks for posting that response. The person you communicated with certainly earned their keep, pouring oil on troubled waters. They were prompt in their reply, and hit all the right buttons, along with providing you with a document that might come in handy. I would still take your Rx and the letter of medical necessity on trips, though.

I forgot to mention earlier about the dispute resolution officer (the ACO mentioned). By Federal law, every airport with scheduled passenger service must have one available at all times the airport is in operation (for large airports, that means 24/7). Most importantly, that person is authorized to settle disputes over the phone, meaning you do not have to wait for the person to be found and transported to your gate; nor do you have to go to them, which would almost certainly cause you to miss your flight.

The carriers themselves are required to have a 'Complaints Resolution Officer' at the airport, who is authorized to settle disputes (by phone if necessary), and that would likely be the first step before involving the airport's person.

These provisions are part of the Air Carrier Access Act and it's accompanying Rules, the full text of which can be accessed here: http://www.united.com/ual/asset/AirCarr ... 030925.pdf

To help clear up some confusion, the Air Carrier Access Act was passed by Congress in 1986. It required the Department of Transportation (DOT) to develop new regulations to ensure that persons with disabilities will be treated without discrimination in a way consistent with the safe carriage of all passengers. These regulations were published in March 1990.
The DOT regulations, referred to as the 'Air Carrier Access Rules', represent a major stride forward in improving air travel for persons with disabilities. The rules clearly explain the responsibilities of the traveler, the carriers, the airport operators, and contractors.

[flyingejk51]

I always carry my machine, I don't trust baggage handlers, have travelled Qantas American British and Cathay no problems or issues,
I have always taken machine out for inspection at security at checkin they almost always check it for explosives, must be a novelty to them. Machine was a larger Resmed s7. I am about to travel to and around US this time with a Sandman intro.
Run across a Cpap user on security at Heathrow he understood and made security easy.
I haven't been carrying my perscription but after reading experiences of some I definately will.
For those travelling to and around Australia I have had zero isssues, just bring your power adapter.

Cheers

Eddie