Packing CPAP for travel

Aside from the possibility of my luggage getting lost, is there any reason not to wrap CPAP machine in a towel and put it is checked luggage? I will be traveling with a rolling computer bag with TWO computers in it plus my regular carry-on. I recently injured my right arm and still feeling a fair amount of pain. I just don't think I can manage three carry-ons.

Do you really want baggage checkers messing with the device that protects you from early death without you being present? What is in your regular carry on that you need to carry it on? Why not check those things. I don't check my scuba regulators, and I don't check my CPAP.

Most people will say carry it on but I've put my in checked baggage a dozen or so times with no problems.

I would NEVER even think about checking in my cpap. I won't let it out of my sight when I travel.

Never never pack anything of value or electronics in your checked in baggage! Even the airline sites say that. (and I worked for one at one time)
I have had luggage show up 3 days later, my mother's bag once had tire marks on it.

Arrange everything in your carry on. get one with wheels and make sure it is the right size (airlines are getting fussy). Play the medical/disabilities card and board first.

I have one back pack that holds my laptop, cpap stuff, camera, knitting, tablet for reading, change of under wear and tshirt and my meds and my GF food. I use a fanny pack in the front for my personal items.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5YGc4zOqozo

Cute video, Blackspinner. Your backpack plan sounds good, but too heavy for me. I'll just manage with using it as an extra carry on.

How do you get the knitting needles through security? I got busted for a crochet hook one time.

cherylann wrote:Cute video, Blackspinner. Your backpack plan sounds good, but too heavy for me. I'll just manage with using it as an extra carry on.

How do you get the knitting needles through security? I got busted for a crochet hook one time.

I have never had any problems. I use a circular needle and a small project either socks or a lace shawl. They have allowed it for years now. If you are worried, put a lifeline in your project so you can pull the needles out if they get obnoxious.

cherylann wrote:Aside from the possibility of my luggage getting lost, is there any reason not to wrap CPAP machine in a towel and put it is checked luggage? I will be traveling with a rolling computer bag with TWO computers in it plus my regular carry-on. I recently injured my right arm and still feeling a fair amount of pain. I just don't think I can manage three carry-ons.

Up to you. The machine should be considered like medication. If you are comfortable with it being delayed (or possibly broken), then into the suitcase it goes. Be sure to carefully look at the airline's liability statement. Most don't cover damage or missing stuff over $500 and even those are limited with soft-sided suitcases. Consider shipping stuff ahead overnight.

You never know with travel when you might be delayed. You could have to stay overnight someplace, and you'd have to sleep without CPAP if it's in your checked luggage.

I don't check medication that I take daily. CPAP is just medication I take daily.

Don't check medications or anything that you can't do without for 3 or 4 days. CPAP is a free ride since it's a medical device.

If you are disabled and cannot carry it, ask the airline for assistance.
How bad would it look if they refuse?

Drowsy Dancer wrote:You never know with travel when you might be delayed. You could have to stay overnight someplace, and you'd have to sleep without CPAP if it's in your checked luggage.

I don't check medication that I take daily. CPAP is just medication I take daily.

Sorry to OP for hijacking thread but I meant to ask you this before and forgot; what type of dancing do you do, fun or competitive and have you found that Cpap helps you remember your figures? If this goes more than two messages we can start a new thread

Drowsy Dancer wrote:You never know with travel when you might be delayed. You could have to stay overnight someplace, and you'd have to sleep without CPAP if it's in your checked luggage.

I don't check medication that I take daily. CPAP is just medication I take daily.

This is especially true at this time of year. I was once stuck with a 6 year old in a airport for over 12 hours and then they overnighted us in an hotel due a combination of mechanical issues and weather else where. I didn't see our baggage for 3 days.

When I first got my CPAP, I stuck it in my luggage, wrapped up in jacket and clothes, I will never do that again, it started to malfunction, luckily under warranty, got upgraded to a much better machine. It flies with me in my backpack, with other incidentals. Maybe try a big Pelican Box, put your laptops in it, and check them.