Airplane travel with CPAP

Babbie · Post by **Babbie** » Mon Nov 14, 2005 6:47 pm

I know this has already been discussed, but I can't find the thread. I'm going to Australia in January for my daughter's wedding and am wondering if my CPAP will go through security ok in my carry-on. And any suggestions as to packing it--put "bubble wrap" around it or what. Also, I'm sure I'll have to buy an adapter down there, correct? Any suggestions will be appreciated. Kathy

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Nov 14, 2005 7:07 pm

Use search function, keyword: airport

lots of info

Babbie · Post by **Babbie** » Mon Nov 14, 2005 8:57 pm

Thanks - I knew the info was there somewhere, just had to find it. Lots of good info there.

Nenetx2004 · Post by **Nenetx2004** » Tue Nov 15, 2005 8:03 am

I flew from Texas to NY a couple of weeks ago. When I left NY, I was pulled out of line in the airport by one of TSA's finest. He stated that he wanted to check my case that had my machine in it. He opened it up, swabbed his little cotton pad around and checked it for whatever it is they are checking for. Being the smart mouth that I am I looked at him and said, "You have no idea what that is, do you?" He stated that he didn't and looked at me expectantly. I just looked at him, took my machine and headed to the gate.

I know, I know....one of these days that might get me into trouble. But I couldn't resist....

Jeanne

Babbie · Post by **Babbie** » Tue Nov 15, 2005 6:01 pm

LOL!! Quite honestly, before being diagnosed, I wouldn't have had a clue what one was either. If you don't need it, you don't pay much attention to things like that! You're one gutsy lady though - have to hand it to ya!! How did you pack it - just put it in your carry-on or wrap it in something?? I'm thinking I'd better take it because it's a LONG trip down there.

tlc95066 · Post by **tlc95066** » Tue Nov 15, 2005 7:11 pm

Hi Kathy,

Before you leave you may want to go to a travel store to obtain the correct adapter/converter (plugs). You may want to consider taking a surge protector and an extension cord. I have stayed in plenty of hotels that the only plug was in the bathroom, not very convienient.

I pack my machine in the travel back that was provided and I try make sure that it goes directly above me in the overhead bin. I have traveled several times with my "little buddy" and have not had any problems with trying to find room. I did "win the lottery" and was randomly selected in Italy to be searched. The looked in my computer bag and my APAP bag, they seem to recognize it right way. I did ask the security woman not to touch my mask for sanitary reason and she didn't even blink. I was allowed to remove it myself.

Anyway, I hope you enjoy your trip and fly safe.

Best,
Teri

JimH · Post by **JimH** » Tue Nov 15, 2005 8:46 pm

good tips to know. i am leaving for Fla after thanksgiving. I have debated leaving it home as trying to get through security with 4 kids and 4 adults and being held up could be disastrous. But alas, I decided to take it. (Actually my wife threatened to beat me over the head with it if I didn't.- I think she actually wanted to sleep or something while we were there. Hahha

JimH

tlc95066 · Post by **tlc95066** » Tue Nov 15, 2005 9:00 pm

Jim,
If you value your life you will take it with you. Not because you obviously need it, but because you may suffer the wrath of your wife.

Many posters here have traveled though out the US and abroad with relatively no problems. Have a safe flight and a good Thanksgiving!
Best,
Teri

Lyn · Post by **Lyn** » Tue Nov 15, 2005 9:54 pm

You might want to call the specific airline ahead of time & ask if there's anything you need to know.

klady · Post by **klady** » Wed Nov 16, 2005 5:21 am

We're flying to Texas on Monday. I called our Airline and mentioned that I would be carrying my APAP equipment with me. They were very cooperative, answered all my questions and made a special notation on my ticket.

The advice about bringing along an extension cord is excellent! Mine is quite long and has 3 outlets. It sure came in handy in previous travel. My travel APAP (Puritan Benett 420E) has two cords and the third outlet came in handy for the table lamp on the dresser.

Also, if you have a "built-in" humidifier, don't forget to bring a funnel. Have a great trip.

PhillyPat · Post by **PhillyPat** » Wed Nov 16, 2005 11:16 am

I love all the helpful suggestions on this forum. I can't wait for the opportunity of going through airport security with my cane, my leg brace, the titanium rods and screws in my back AND a CPAP! Who says two hours early is enough time!

Apneaat22 · Post by **Apneaat22** » Wed Nov 16, 2005 12:38 pm

Make sure you get one of the super squishy massage travel pillows too. The ones that are like a mini soft bean bag travel pillow shaped pillow with the vibration motor and battery inside. On my last trip back from London it scared them quite a bit. They looked at it on the xray and all they see is what is supposed to be a pillow with a battery, wires and an unknown device. They made sure to swab it down quite a bit and check it with their machine. They were so distracted with that they didn't bother with the CPAP. I know at least in my experience so far, the Repironics label on my carry bag is very well recognized.

Adam

yardbird · Post by **yardbird** » Wed Nov 16, 2005 1:26 pm

I got pulled aside in an airport with my cane, my titanium rods and screws in my leg (which apparently don't set anything off anyways) and as they're asking me to "come over here please" the guy says, "No, no. Leave the cane over there."

I looked at him in disbelief. I went over to where he said and deposited my cane.
Then he says, "Ok, now over here please."
So I pick up the cane.
He say, "No! You leave the cane THERE"

I looked at him and said, "You better get some friends to carry me. Why do you think I HAVE a cane? If I could walk without it, I'd have left it home!"

What a pin head .... Why not tell the guy in the wheelchair to "leave that over there and come with me".

Geeeeeesh...

livemix · Post by **livemix** » Wed Nov 16, 2005 3:01 pm

I was just told my the guy who set up my machine that I should always take it as carry on.. AND even though you are only allowed 2 carry ons.. this does not count as one of them because it is medical equipment..

ProfessorSleep · Post by **ProfessorSleep** » Wed Nov 16, 2005 3:17 pm

I've been told the same thing by several health care providers. Unfortunately, no one bothered to tell the two airlines I fly the most. Or, make that, used to fly the most.....

Mask

Airplane travel with CPAP

Airplane travel with CPAP

great if true