CPAP and travel

[LXJenkins]

I just received my CPAP the other day and will be traveling by plane this weekend. Do most of you carry your CPAP on to the plane or pack it in your checked baggage? Have you run into any problems that I should be aware of? Thanks!

[cflame1]

carry in on.. definately

[bap40]

Never check your device or pack it in with your luggage. It goes with you as a medical device and will not count as a carry on. It is in addition to whatever you are taking as carry on. I have flown several times and have no problem what so ever getting through security. I did have a slight problem with my distilled water bottle sold by Bret. It is marked TSA approved I believe and security did question it but in the end let me go with it. They just wiped it along with my machine and off me and my machine went.

[scrapper]

AT the check in point, just pull out the blower, and put it in the tray separate from the case and all other pieces. I always travel with the blower in a ziplock bag so that it isn't on the grime of the trays.

For the past couple years, an agent has grabbed the blower, taken it off to the side to swab for explosives or something, and returned it to me. They've been very respectful and careful.

Last week when I flew, they didn't even touch my blower--they are possibly over all of their checking of cpaps............

[drj130]

I agree, do not check your machine in. You never know what might happen to it. I also agree with the other advice given and experience as well. I do suggest getting a hard case for it, but that is my two cents on that matter.

David

[gpap]

I didn't have any trouble with American last week. I told the check in agent that it was medical and took all three bags on the plane with me. No problems.

[Leadhead]

I agree never check the blower. I did this once and It did not work when I got to the destination. I think the lack of pressure in the hold damaged the unit.

[cpapcharge]

I agree with everyone. Always carry it on the plane. Here's the TSA link with the regulations

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/ ... /cpap.shtm

[Dimples]

Do they X-ray the CPAP machine???
Is it safe to have it X-rayed??

[sleepyb]

The last couple times I flew they didn't even ask me to remove the machine from the bag. The Xray won't hurt it, but if you check it the baggage handlers will.

[nqbrownie]

Mine has gone through many scanners in Australia over 8 years and on two trips to Europe. I have never had a problem. Always carry-on - not in the baggage compartment.

[mstevens]

Do they X-ray the CPAP machine???

Of course.

Is it safe to have it X-rayed??

Completely.

[aroche]

Definitely check it. I have an old laptop bag that I put mine in while traveling. It has several pockets so I can also put my Kindle and a snack in the bag as well.

As for why? I flew out yesterday morning and checked my luggage, carried on my CPAP and laptop. I arrived at my destination with my CPAP and my laptop, but no luggage. Although there are some things I wish I had put into carry-on that I do not have right now, I am more than happy that my CPAP is not one of them.

Hand carry the CPAP every time.

[digitaleagle]

The last trip I took the TSA agent told me they had just changed the rules for CPAP and carry on. They no longer need to have you take the blower out of the bag.

[CruzTerri]

I didn't have any trouble with American last week. I told the check in agent that it was medical and took all three bags on the plane with me. No problems.

Good to know this, I'm traveling via American Airlines next week to visit a few of my sisters in Iowa.

Thanks. I won't be checking it.