New TSA procedure at airports

Snoozy Q · Post by **Snoozy Q** » Wed Aug 01, 2007 4:11 pm

At the security checkpoint at the Seattle airport today, the TSA guy who checked my CPAP told me that starting next week, we'll be required to take our CPAPs out of their carrying cases and put them in a bin at the checkpoints, as we do with laptops.

Anybody else hear this?

I have an old Remstar pro with a humidifer unit that it kinda sits on but is not fastened to-- the humidifier+cpap will be a pain in the neck to take out of its case at the security checkpoint. Does anyone know if the humifier unit will stand up to being carried in checked baggage so I'd just have to deal with the cpap itself at security?

geoDoug · Post by **geoDoug** » Wed Aug 01, 2007 4:26 pm

I hadn't heard about a policy change, but I can say this: the one time I traveled with my cpap (At the time, a remstar plus w/humidifier--no small machine!), I treated it exactly like a laptop. I took it out of the carry-on travel bag and put it in the bin next to my bag. At both airports they ended up pulling me aside to inspect the machine a little closer (the "swab test"). They didn't question it, though.

It sounds to me like they will just be codifying that.

Doug.

edited to add: I just realized that may have sounded a bit cold. I apologize if it was. I realize it's a pain in the rear. If it's true, it's good to know about the change in policy.

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scottbla · Post by **scottbla** » Wed Aug 01, 2007 5:13 pm

I thought that already WAS the policy (for a while now) and I've had the same experience as Doug...so I've already been in the habit of doing that (including at SeaTac).

CollegeGirl · Post by **CollegeGirl** » Wed Aug 01, 2007 5:19 pm

Suzy,
It's always been policy at the airports I travel in for them to leave it in the case til it gets to the other side of the xray machine. Then they take it out of the bag and swab it down. I realize not ALL airports do that (other people have reported as much here) but that's what they're SUPPOSED to be doing.

Now, as for this new policy, I find it a little objectionable. They want me to put a machine I use to breathe in a bin covered in germs from thousands of strangers' SHOES? Ew. NOT sanitary. I guess I'll do it if I have to. I'd want to check on this though, at least before I travel again.

DO NOT - repeat, DO NOT! check your machine. Some people get lucky and have no problems doing that - but others end up with broken machines. It's just not worth the risk, in my opinion.

Snoozy Q · Post by **Snoozy Q** » Wed Aug 01, 2007 5:27 pm

eeewww-- I didn't even think about my machine having to go where the shoes have gone. Yuk!

Jeeper · Post by **Jeeper** » Wed Aug 01, 2007 5:37 pm

Suzy,

I flew from Tulsa to Chicago last April. The TSA agent in Tulsa checked my cpap and suggested I remove the cpap from the bag and put it in a bin on future security checks. He said this would expedite my going through security.

At Tulsa the scanner noticed the cpap in the bag and alerted the agent. He took it to another table, removed it from the bag and took it back through the scanner. He then took it back to the table and swabbed it for explosive residue. He then had me put it back in the bag.

When I was returning from Chicago I put the cpap in a bin and the person scanning it called an agent who simply took it aside and swabbed it. I then put it back in the bag.

Jeeper

Maryb · Post by **Maryb** » Wed Aug 01, 2007 5:42 pm

yes. I've been on several trips lately (SF to Hawaii and SF to Florida) and most have required me to pull my machine out and put it into a separate bin.
I didn't think about the shoe issue (yuck!), but the only part of my machine that is coming in contact with the bin is the feet on the bottom of the machine, the powerbrick and the powercords. The air intakes don't touch it and the mask and hose get to remain in the bag.

Maryb

Snoozy Q · Post by **Snoozy Q** » Wed Aug 01, 2007 5:50 pm

I'm thinking about duct-taping my humidifier to secure it to my cpap to make it easier to handle when I take it out & reinsert it into my case. It would look pretty tacky. But then, I'll be putting a medical device/respiratory aid in a shoe bin so I guess the situation is inherently tacky.

drummergirl410 · Post by **drummergirl410** » Wed Aug 01, 2007 8:27 pm

I agree comletely! I've never flown, but want to someday. If I do, I will request that it not have to be put in the same bin with other common materials that might harbor germs. Even if all that touch is the rubber eet on the bottom, I still don't want my machine anywhere near something that might be that germy! I'd be willing to take the extra time, no problem.

I wonder if a statement addressing that or similar situations can be added to a letter of medical necessity. That might be helpful especially someone that might have a compromised immune system.

RosemaryB · Post by **RosemaryB** » Wed Aug 01, 2007 8:42 pm

Good topic. Here are things I can think that might help and I will do them next time I travel.

1. Put saran wrap over the air flow opening so when you put it in the bin that part stays clean. This is recommended anyway, so no moisture gets in when you travel, particularly if you use a humidifier.

2. Make some kind of a cloth drawstring bag to put it in before you put it into the carrying case. Then put this bag down in the bin and lay the machine on top of it. Or put it in a plastic bag and do the same. You could discard the plastic bag once you get through security.

Another tip I used last time I travelled is that I put a roll of tape over the powercord where it comes out of the back of the tank before I put it into the carrying case. Since this cord cannot be unplugged, this prevents it from being smooshed.

I'm wondering about putting the humidifier in my other carryon bag, at least until I get through security. No point in risking damage to it.

Get a machine smaller than the "tank" if you are going to travel. After traveling with my tank recently I decided I needed a backup and travel machine that's smaller. I love my tank, but not for travel!

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JZ · Post by JZ » Wed Aug 01, 2007 8:45 pm

On my recent trip, I removed my cpap from its bag and put in in a bin at security as I had been told that would speed up the process, and it did. I did not give any thought to the shoe issue (and it is not a pleasant thought), but I would think if you are concerned you could carry some of those disposable anti-bacterial handwipes to wipe off your machine before you put it back in the bag.

I don't have any particular expertise in germs, but I would think that a much, much bigger problem than the bottom of our machines sitting in a bin where hundreds of shoes have sat is using our bare hands to grab the bins in the first place after hundreds of hands have grabbed them before us. Probably a much more robust disease vector than the bottoms of shoes, at least for respitory infections.

I personally don't worry much about germs. At the grocery store, I grab hold of the shopping cart handle, think about heading over to the little handwipe dispenser, then can't be bothered. I tend to think a certain level of exposure to everyday germs builds up the immune system. I am sure I would be much more careful if I had a compromised immune system.

btw, I have not had a single cold or respiratory infection since I started cpap 10 monts ago. Coincidence? Yeah probably, but I like to pretend that 6 1/2 to 7 hours of breathing filtered air each night makes a difference.

Janna

Jirel · Post by **Jirel** » Wed Aug 01, 2007 9:00 pm

Since I DO have a compromised immune system due to medications I take to repress mine I think I will just settle for wiping it down well after I get to the hotel. I'm already going to be moving a PC, a laptop, my bag with my purse and digital camera and myself in a battery operated wheelchair through security. I can't see taking the time to worry about the machine until later. I have enough trouble trying to keep track of my stuff while struggling to get my shoes off. (I travel alone).

Sigh, travel is getting harder and harder every year.

Bookbear · Post by **Bookbear** » Wed Aug 01, 2007 9:39 pm

I have flown 12 times since starting CPAP last year. I've never been asked to remove the unit from my carry case (a hard shell unit with foam inserts). In fact, the one time I tried to help the TSA person remove it (he was digging down under it to lift instead of using the handle, and was ripping the foam) I got barked at. "Back off! You do NOT touch this until I am finished with it!" Jeeze! I mean, 'Yes, SIR!'

Other than that, no problems. I've never had to prove it's medical equipment, nor have I had to prove that TSA regs allow it as carry on over the 2 bag limit. I do carry a copy of my Rx and a letter of medical necessity with me as well as copies of the TSA website pages that define CPAPs as medical equipment and exempt them from the carry on bag limit.

I always ask if they will use fresh gloves (they never object and always have agreed to do so), and they always swab the machine. They've never removed the hose, mask, or power cord.

Now here's something that does NOT inspire confidence... On my last trip (soCal to DFW to Washington), TSA at DFW did not open or inspect the CPAP at all. No swab, no inspection. That's the only time that's happened.

A couple of times, the TSA person has taken me aside and asked about how CPAP's work, and how to get tested for apnea.

All of the above have been domestic flights. International flights may vary.

One of those travel packet folded hand sanitizer towelletts would do to disinfect your machine, I would think. Easy to pack and (so far) ok to take on board.

goose · Post by **goose** » Wed Aug 01, 2007 9:47 pm

Perhaps if people started flying with small cans of lysol to "sanitize" the bins, perhaps they'd get the hint (or perhaps those lysol wipes -- take a couple to dispose of when finished).

Also letters may be in order explaining the unsanitary requests they are making, but from what I've seenm they really don't care about any issue other than giving all of us a false sense of security.....I certainly don't feel any safer flying today than I did 25 years ago (but then I didn't become a nervous flyer until I became a pilot myself!!!)

cheers
goose

girlsaylor · Post by **girlsaylor** » Thu Aug 02, 2007 6:50 am

I also have a compromised immune system. So, this thread is very helpful. I shall be carrying disinfecting wipes, as well as something (perhaps paper?) to lay in the bottom of the bin, prior to putting my equipment in.

The suggestion to request they use a clean pair of gloves when inspecting your breathing equipment is a good one.

After reading about the screening agent who manhandled the foam-lined case getting the cpap machine out, I thought about putting a sign, something to the effect, on top of the machine: 'attn TSA: you break it, you bought it', lol. But then, I might get labeled as a terrorist or something like that! Ah, what fun we have.

Due to my prosthetic hip and other failing joints, it marvels me how these guys expect me to take my shoes off, balancing on a cane, with nowhere for the disabled to sit for that task. so, I've gotten into the habit of just using the handicap services, so they have to transport you to gates, through security, and such, in wheel chair or cart. It at least gets the screeners' attention, backing up any special requests, like a chair to sit in to remove and replace shoes.

One last suggestion: as one who gets the additional 'wand treatment' due to my artificial hip, be sure to politely request your belongings be screened before they wand you and then have the attendant move your machine/laptop/whatever in the bins over to where you are, so you can keep an eye on your own equipment. Sadly, safeguarding the customers' items in those screening lines, isn't on the agents' minds. I do not allow them to separate me from my belongings. While I'm not allowed contact with the bin or my stuff til they 'wand' search me, at least I have visual possession of my expensive bipap and laptop.

girlsaylor

New TSA procedure at airports

New TSA procedure at airports

airport bins for cpap

compromised immune system and airport security

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