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But it would really be more convenient if I could check the machine. Is it too delicate to just include immersed in a bunch of clothes? (I pack like a child.) Have others had to take special measures when they flew with their machine to ensure no damage was inflicted? I might not be able to include both my laptop and my CPAP machine in my carry-on baggage, and am not sure which would be the one less likely to sustain damage if traveling as part of a checked piece of luggage.

DO NOT check the cpap. It is far too delicate to trust to baggage handlers, or the previously mentioned possibility of becoming "lost luggage." If you tag it accordingly, it is a "medical device" and does not count towards your carry- on limits http://www.directhomemedical.com/access ... e-tag.html

secret agent girl wrote:... but I'm curious to learn if I might be missing some important reason (beyond self-soothing) for doing this. ...

If you have a normal immune system, a little bit of germs from the screening process won't cause any problems. Besides compared to all those people coughing and sneezing at the airport and on the airplane the screening process won't amount to anything. So, why bother?

Autopapdude wrote:... If you tag it accordingly, it is a "medical device" and does not count towards your carry- on limits ...

It does not even need to be tagged. I've never had problems with it. However with my ASV unit, I purchased a tag to be certain it is very, very clear:

https://www.cpap.com/productpage/medica ... pment.html

You can find the information online. For example, the following PDF includes frequently asked questions and answers:

http://airconsumer.dot.gov/rules/FAQ_5_13_09.pdf

53. May a carrier refuse to allow a passenger to stow on the aircraft any respirator, ventilator, CPAP machine or FAA-approved POC that does not have a manufacturer’s label indicating compliance with the standards of RTCA/DO-160 (current edition) or other applicable FAA or non-U.S. government requirements for medical portable electronic devices?

Answer: No. Carriers must allow passengers to carry a respirator, ventilator, CPAP machine or FAA-approved POC onboard aircraft, subject to applicable safety requirements, even if the device may not be used onboard the aircraft.

Also remember, the TSA rules do not apply for flights outside of the USA. Even foreign carriers must adhere to the rule if the flight picks up or drops off passengers at an airport within the jurisdiction of the US DOT. Though most other countries allow it to be carried onboard in addition to the carry on luggage, it is not guaranteed.

That's probably because you didn't know that one time I was flying out and stepped in something fresh on the way to the airport....and TSA made me take my sandals off, and they put it in a bin and xray'd it. And, one can only wonder where that bin is now....

The Dreamer.

i just returned from a 3 week trip, including stops in 5 countries, across 3 continents, ending in a carribean cruise, which meant a total of 7 trips through the security lines. i have to agree with the others that say DO NOT CHECK your machine. it is easy enough to get it through security - the only thing you need to pull out of the carry case is the actual machine itself, the rest can stay in the case. if you're worried about germs, put the machine itself in a ziploc bag and explain to them before they take it out of the bin that it is medical equipment needed for when you sleep. and if they need to examine it further to please use fresh gloves.