CPAP and Carry On Travel

I haven't actually used this, but I did get this backpack. It's an awesome little bag for $40. Nice little rearrangeable cushioned compartments. It's a wee tight for a ResMed Autosense 10, but it works. I can get the whole unit in-- plus cord, mask, and hose, as well as a few travel accessories like extension cord, etc.

http://www.amazon.com/Waterproof-Organi ... 1248879011

I have nothing to do with this company. It gets 5 stars on Amazon.

Thanks for the suggestions, I'll see about keeping it with me.

Do I gather correctly that, with domestic flights on U.S. carriers (such as American in my case), the requirement for 48-hour advance notice only applies if you're going to be operating a device during the flight? Since I won't be doing that, I can just show up at the airport with my CPAP with no advance notice?

Correct.

A little note for people with cpap carry on.

Though on paper you are permitted to have the extra carry on, the flight attendants can decide that if there is too much carry on, it goes in the hold. They have every right to make that call since they are the ones determining the safety of the aircraft. If you are flying a small plane there is every chance it will end up in the hold. If you are really concerned, go up and speak to the gate before boarding, be nice a and friendly, and be one of the first to board because of "disability". Don't be that passenger that gets talked about in the chat rooms for being a total ass. (Yes yes they will talk about you, I worked for an airline and I assure you that the story will get told about you all over the world)

Flew again today with little or no problems. I am Pre-TSA but still had to pull my APAP out of its case and put in a bin (first time). That was probably the worst of my travel with APAP ....so far. Never had to take it out on previous flights. I still see people carry huge bags that should be checked because they do not fit in the overhead and for sure won't fit under their seats. I seen one lady have 4 bags and nothing was said to her.

Mr Snuffy wrote:Flew again today with little or no problems. I am Pre-TSA but still had to pull my APAP out of its case and put in a bin (first time). That was probably the worst of my travel with APAP ....so far. Never had to take it out on previous flights. I still see people carry huge bags that should be checked because they do not fit in the overhead and for sure won't fit under their seats. I seen one lady have 4 bags and nothing was said to her.

Wow, I'm TSA pre check and never get asked to take anything out of any bags. And I'm from Buffalo, so I'm guessing we're flying out of the same airport.

My various CPAPs have been extracted - and swabbed for explosive residue, regularly for years.

I'm a little more than a week into my CPAP therapy, and I have a business trip to our office in Scotland for a little over a week. While I feel confident about the flight there, I'll be facing a gate agent in Glasgow and again in AMS on the way back, and I'd rather avoid the hassle. So, for the first time in five trips to Europe, I'll be packing a bag. My CPAP stays with me. I have the sweet Eagle Creek gear back that should fit my machine, humidifier, hose and mask, along with a change of clothes. Basically, everything I need for my first night. My other cabin bag will be my notebook computer sling.
The first leg of my flight will be on a CRJ-700. I'm a bit worried; I'd rather avoid gate checking, but since my gear back is about 1/2 the size (maybe smaller) than a 21" rolling carry on, I hope I'll be fine.

Basically, I'm a week into therapy, and while I still have a lot of work ahead of me, I've already reached that stage where I'd rather go without fresh clothes for a day or two than go without my machine. As a result, I will not let it leave my side while traveling.

I leave in a few weeks for an extended trip throughout Europe. Almost all airlines I'm flying say you can take it on as an additional piece of luggagae not counted towards the normal carry on limits. Some want to know ahead of time even if you don't plan to use it so they can make a note in your reservation. (That should give you the approval to take it on board.)

British Airways doesn't care. Aer Lingus does. SAS does. Atlantic Airways doesn't care but they count it towards your carry on limit. The ones that do want notice say it has to be done no less than 48 hours before your flight. U.S. airlines are required to let you take it on board.

Check with the airlines you're flying with to see their rules. I will also have a tag on the cpap's case stating it is medical equipment.

Thatgirl wrote:
Wow, I'm TSA pre check and never get asked to take anything out of any bags. And I'm from Buffalo, so I'm guessing we're flying out of the same airport.

I flew out of Chattanooga yesterday. I guess it depends on airport. I didn't have to take it out in Buffalo when I left or Atlanta. Might be a smaller airport thing too.