check cpap in luggage?

Just "lost" the previous one I typed so hope this isn't a duplication.
I was on a trans-atlantic overnight flight with 3 seats to myself. I put my feet up and leaned back facing the aisle during "lights dimmed" and dozed off (bad- I know) . At some point I was awakened by a bang on the foot which was hanging over the edge of the seat to find a man standing in the small area between the seats. When he saw that I was awake he casually moved back into the main aisle and continued along towards the front of the plane. I checked my cpap bag in the overhead locker but apart from it having been moved from up against the forward wall to the other end of the locker all was ok - there was only one other bag in there and I doubt that the owner had moved anything as my bag was last in. I always try to use a locker ahead of my seat for easier surveillance, but all were full on this occasion .
I didn't do anything or tell the staff, should have I guess, wasn't sure I could definately ID him.

I remember a hostess saying to me that it was surprising what disappeared from the overhead lockers.

Hi All,

I will be traveling via airlines in July. I know that I am allowed to take my cpap on board, however, I will also be bringing along a portable oxygen concentrater. I asked about that, not sure they understood what I was talking about and they said "sure, you can bring on your cpap, no matter what the size".

I am concerned because of all the medical things I will need to bring on board with me and how they will react as I have no intention of sending anything medical with my suitcase in the belly of the plane. I will of course have my purse with ID, my cpap machine, my portable oxygen concentrater, my bag with my insulin pump supplies and accucheck machine and all of medications. Should I request a note from my MD?

The good news is if anyone on board has a medical emergency, I'll be set up to help

I throw the machine, mask and hose right in my carry-on. Its very light and on only 2 of 13 flights has my bag been opened by TSA at security. But, on the other hand, your checked baggage has about about a 1/2 pct. chance of not arriving at your destination with you, assuming you follow the rules and check-in early. I just wouldn't worry about it at all.

I travel by air an average of four flights per week for the last 10 years, and always pack my cpap in by checked luggage.

Never had a problem. I have had luggage delays, but sleeping a night without my cpap certainly beats having to drag it through airports, connections etc.

I'll continue to do it this way as long as I carry the thing with me.

Yes, I agree that many times we travel the world hassle free but travel security can not be ignored. We should well prepared that how to pack luggage.

Arthurs wrote:4. In addition to the XRAY screening of your CPAP, they will likely do a swab test on it, politely ask them to use a clean swab cloth just to keep things sanitary. The screeners should NEVER need to examine or handle the hoses and mask. If they try, scream bloody murder and demand a supervisor.

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

I wonder what kind of trouble this might cause me being a Soldier. Seeing as how there are times when I deal with things that go boom, make 'em go boom, and then go to sleep. I wonder how many red flags I'd set off.

I would not pack my machine in checked luggage; there is too much of a risk of delay, loss, or damage. I pack a spare mask and sometimes my CPAP battery in checked luggage. I also would not sleep even one night without CPAP. If I had to, I might check my CPAP on the flight home, but I wouldn't like it. I have a separate travel CPAP, so delay or damage wouldn't mean a night without CPAP at home.

When flying, I also carry a copy of my CPAP script and the cpap.??? phone number in my pants pocket (not in carry-on), for in case of an emergency evacuation from the aircraft. The script will allow me to rent a CPAP and/or buy a mask in a strange town, and in the worst case, I can get a new CPAP with over-night shipping from cpap.??? (they have my script).