CPAP Tag for Travel

[MandoJohnny]

I travel by plane every week on business. Since I have been carrying my CPAP, I have been challenged at least once every trip about my "third carry-on." So far, everything has turned out OK in the end, although I have run into some gate agents who don't know about CPAP or the TSA/airline rules. Fortunately, there has always been another airline employee nearby who knew about the rules to set the other one straight.

I had an idea, tried it and it seemed to help. I welcome comments. I had clear plastic, double-sided luggage tag made for my CPAP case. It says, in large bold, red letters:

CPAP
Medical Device

I tried it on its first flight today and no airline employee said a word to me about about carry-ons.

The CPAP did get pulled out on the TSA security check, which it often does because of all the plastic the machine is made out of, which could in theory, be plastic explosive. But the TSA lady was really nice. She didn't even ask me what it was. As soon she saw the tag she said, "I have to check your breathing machine. We have to check these all the time, but it will only take a second and we'll have you on your way."

The tag didn't cost me thing. I made it up on the computer, printed it at work on card stock run through a color printer. I printed two, cut them to size, glued them back-to-back with an office glue stick and then trimmed the edges neat with paper cutter. Then the Marriott Courtyard I stay at has a laminating machine and makes free luggage tags for guests as a customer service. However, anyone could get Kinko's to do all this for a few bucks.

I will update this thread with my experience with this tag going forward.

[Goofproof]

You might need to make the tag large, and enclude, "NO BOMB ENCLOSED", just don't offer to loan them your box cutter to inspect the bag. Jim

[925]

I don't like to go through the drill of carrying a third device. So I put my CPAP in one of my two regular carry-ons. Makes them big and heavy, but no one has nailed me for that yet.

[kurtchan]

Good idea MandoJohnny!

I couldn't stand the look or additional hassle of the lovely blue nylon bag that came with my CPAP, so I've been stowing it in an old laptop shoulderbag -- made back in the days when computers actually weighed something. It's a Tumi expandable, and the machine and all the paraphernalia will easily fit inside along with whatever onboard necessities I carry.

Kurtchan

[Guest]

As a former Screening Manager for TSA, whatever you do, do NOT use the word BOMB anywhere on the tag. Not only will you not make your plane, you might en up spending the day in front of the cops. TSA policy is that all CPAP's will be checked by an ETD (Explosive Trace Detector). Even if you place in in you carry-on baggage, the X-Ray operator should call for a bag check. I'd just let the TSA screeners know what you have, let them do their job, and then have a great day!

Later,

Pooh

[Pooh105]

Sorry, forgot to log in!

L8ter,

Pooh

[roadwarrior]

As my namesake would indicate, I too am on the road all the time. At least every other week I'm checking into multiple airports flying anywhere from Omaha West to the Left Coast. I don't, however, ever take more than my laptop and the CPAP onboard, so a 3rd item isn't an issue for me. I also come to the belt and seek a TSA agent as they approach, and tell them "This is a CPAP machine". They take it from me and say it will be at the other end waiting for me. They check me through the primary checkpoint, and as I await their check of the machine I grab my other things (the usual belt, shoes, laptop and bag) and usually promptly am handed my checked CPAP. On occasion (perhaps as much as 1 out of 6 times) I am asked to join the agent and watch as they check the machine out. Since I got the new Respironics +M machine it is so much easier to deal with. With it's nice compact profile and ballistic nylon carry bag it has speeded up my travel with it in general, and it is not so much of a burden to carry any longer. It is even easier for the TSA agents to check out with their swab. I find they are especially nice to me because I am cooperating with them and if anything speeding up their process. They like that....

[tlc95066]

I don't travel all the time like some of you, but I did purchase a new bag for my APAP. I decided to purchase a backpack that has ample space for my machine and accessories. I ended up with a Tumi, yes it was expensive, but worth it. The backpack is padded and is rigid enough for the proper amount of protection needed.

I just recently traveled to the east coast no one even looked in the backpack. Except for the x-ray machine...

Happy Travels!
Teri