Overseas Travel - How does this work?

Flying overseas with cpap machine for the first time. How does this work? Should I carry it on with me on the plane - or pack it in my luggage.
Probably wont use it in flight. Is there a place to plug it in on the plane? Any special gear I need ? Thanks!

I have only traveled overseas once with cpap (though I have flown a lot domestically with it). First remember that when flying a foreign flagged airline, they are not bound by U.S. D.O.T. or T.S.A. regulations. They may in fact count your cpap as your only allowable carry-on, or disallow it entirely. If at all possible, contact the airline themselves (not a travel agent or reservations clerk) to get correct information. They may have you fill out some kind of form and send you a document to present to the gate agent, authorizing you to carry the cpap on board. Many newer planes have electrical outlets available, but only at certain specific seats. You may have to book one of those seats ahead if you want to use cpap on board, and it may only be in business or first class. Beg, plead, grovel, do whatever you need to, but do your best to get the airline to commit to letting you carry your cpap with you as opposed to checking it with other luggage. You do NOT want the luggage handling apes flinging it about. You may have to pay an extra fee, but it's worth it to have the cpap with you.

Things will be easier if you do not have to use the cpap in flight. If you do (and are allowed to), be sure to bring or buy some water and use your humidifier. Aircraft air is very dry. You may want to increase your humidity setting by 1 setting.

Be prepared. Bring a copy of your Rx, a Letter of Medical Necessity from your doctor, and (if you are flying a U.S. airline) copies of the relevant D.O.T. and T.S.A. regulations. Visit your airline's web site and poke around for information on their policies on assistive devices and print those out to have with you. All of this is "just in case". I've only needed these documents once in all my travels, but I was glad to have them.

If you have some options (or time) you might want to check with several airlines. Policies differ, and you may find one that has more permissive ones that flies to where you are going.

Good luck and a safe trip!

On some planes the humidifier will overload the power and turn it off for the duration of the flight.

Bookbear wrote:I have only traveled overseas once with cpap (though I have flown a lot domestically with it). First remember that when flying a foreign flagged airline, they are not bound by U.S. D.O.T. or T.S.A. regulations. They may in fact count your cpap as your only allowable carry-on, or disallow it entirely. If at all possible, contact the airline themselves (not a travel agent or reservations clerk) to get correct information. They may have you fill out some kind of form and send you a document to present to the gate agent, authorizing you to carry the cpap on board. Many newer planes have electrical outlets available, but only at certain specific seats. You may have to book one of those seats ahead if you want to use cpap on board, and it may only be in business or first class. Beg, plead, grovel, do whatever you need to, but do your best to get the airline to commit to letting you carry your cpap with you as opposed to checking it with other luggage. You do NOT want the luggage handling apes flinging it about. You may have to pay an extra fee, but it's worth it to have the cpap with you.

Things will be easier if you do not have to use the cpap in flight. If you do (and are allowed to), be sure to bring or buy some water and use your humidifier. Aircraft air is very dry. You may want to increase your humidity setting by 1 setting.

Be prepared. Bring a copy of your Rx, a Letter of Medical Necessity from your doctor, and (if you are flying a U.S. airline) copies of the relevant D.O.T. and T.S.A. regulations. Visit your airline's web site and poke around for information on their policies on assistive devices and print those out to have with you. All of this is "just in case". I've only needed these documents once in all my travels, but I was glad to have them.

If you have some options (or time) you might want to check with several airlines. Policies differ, and you may find one that has more permissive ones that flies to where you are going.

Good luck and a safe trip!

First of all, good luck if you can use your CPAP in flight. I last flew premium economy on EVA and there were no outlets. Not sure about business.

Also, I'm not sure I'd increase the humidity setting at all. The machines are designed to take ambient humidity into account. That's why some nights you use more water than others.

Finally, I'm not sure I'd use my CPAP on a plane *even if* it were allowed. How clean is the power? Is it pure sine wave or modified or something else?

I just sleep with an oral appliance. Also, since I'm not laying flat, I don't think I have an issue with apnea. Maybe next time I will bring my O2 sensor to verify that.

With respect to number of bags, most airlines allow you one carry on and one personal item (laptop bag). So even if your cpap bag has to be counted, you can probably manage.

Don't ever check your CPAP.

davelikesbeer wrote: Also, I'm not sure I'd increase the humidity setting at all. The machines are designed to take ambient humidity into account. That's why some nights you use more water than others.

Finally, I'm not sure I'd use my CPAP on a plane *even if* it were allowed. How clean is the power? Is it pure sine wave or modified or something else?

...

Don't ever check your CPAP.

At altitude pressure of 6000 to 8000 feet, the water will evaporate faster. Thats why water boils quicker in Denver. Plus you would have to use bottled water since the tap water on a plane is not suitable for drinking let alone breathing and the security actors won't allow distilled water. The systems seem to take relative pressure into account but I suspect that their humidity control is based purely on the mechanics of water uptake ratios vs relative humidity of the inbound air.

The power on planes can be 400 Hz. I figure the resmed power supply might be one of the most robust in the industry considering Aussie power but its not rated at 400 Hz (but I don't think it would care -- Anyone got a dead one I can take apart to find out?).

There is also the problem that you don't want some idiot saying your playing with wires and then put on a gas mask

And if you have an S9, get some foam padding and cut a hole the size of the knob and put that on the unit since someone here had that get broken off. (his solution was to glue it back on)

I've flown to Europe several times...
None of the airlines allowed use
Distilled water wasn't available in Switzerland or France, however I used tap water and dried out the tank daily and had no problems
Going through security in Europe with a cpap was much simpler than in the US
All you need is an adapter plug for the region you are going to- the machine adapts to the difference in voltage.

NEVER allow any airline to force you to check your machine. I carry my machine in the bag it came in, and put a medical equipment tag on the outside (available at cpap.com) and have never had an issue with carrying it on board- even after they've announced there is no room for carry on items. I also travel with a wheeled carry on, and I just use a bungee cord and attach the machine's bag to it. I have never had to remove the machine from the bag to go through security in Europe (Zurich and Paris) however the US makes you take it out. I put my machine in a large ziploc bag so it stays clean, and I also bag the ends of the hose and the mask.

davelikesbeer wrote: Also, I'm not sure I'd increase the humidity setting at all. The machines are designed to take ambient humidity into account. That's why some nights you use more water than others.

Sorry, but not all machines are equipped with sensors that take ambient humidity into account. Without knowing which machine the traveler would have with them, I made the suggestion. Any member of a cabin crew will tell you that cabin air is very dry.

davelikesbeer wrote: Finally, I'm not sure I'd use my CPAP on a plane *even if* it were allowed. How clean is the power? Is it pure sine wave or modified or something else?{/quote]
As far as I know, only ResMed machines require pure sine wave power, and then only for the humidifier, and then only if operated on DC. The power provided on aircraft seat taps is either 120v or 240v ac. Remember, though, that not all planes have power taps at passenger seats, and those that do offer it only at a few seats. As I suggested, check with the airline prior to purchasing tickets and reserving seats.

davelikesbeer wrote: I just sleep with an oral appliance. Also, since I'm not laying flat, I don't think I have an issue with apnea. Maybe next time I will bring my O2 sensor to verify that.

A good point. Sitting semi-upright might make the issue moot, but people do differ. Still, I'd be leery of sleeping without my cpap. People differ.

davelikesbeer wrote: With respect to number of bags, most airlines allow you one carry on and one personal item (laptop bag). So even if your cpap bag has to be counted, you can probably manage.

Domestic airlines do have to follow TSA and DOT regulations as to carry-ons and medical equipment not being counted as such, but foreign airlines do not, and if the traveler is flying a foreign-flagged airline, they would be well advised to check carefully with that airline prior to the trip.

davelikesbeer wrote: Don't ever check your CPAP.

Heartily agree, as will almost every traveler on cpaptalk!

I know I'll get scolded for what I am writing, but...

I find all the posts so far very negative about airlines. Even insulting ("luggage handling apes").
Is that because all of you are based in US?

In the outside world, where I belong, airlines are apparently much better. I travel almost every other week and I dare to say that I always check in my machine in my luggage if it is a short flight. It is properly wrapped or put between thick layers of clothes. Never had a problem.

I do agree about contacting the airline if I want to use the machine on board. That is the safest way. End of this month I will travel to Europe, and called the airline, they asked me what model I was using and said it was OK. The lady said she will make a note about it in my file. Not sure if she will, but that can only help.

As for power, I have a small, lightweight battery (that you can buy online). It is not cheap, but I want to arrive fresh and rested at destination.

Personal message to Tcamillemars: I think you should be a bit more persistent when looking for distilled water in Switzerland or France.

I tried using mine on a trans-Pac flight on Cathay Pacific and the captain wouldn't permit it. I might have been OK if I'd contacted the airline in advance and gotten it cleared but I didn't and wasn't. Running on battery rather than plugged into the electrical might have been an easier sell as well. Aircraft crews like things by the numbers and are not keen on equipment they don't recognized getting broken out.

I don't see a problem with checking it other than it's an expensive piece of equipment to lose or have damaged. Either of which is likely to make you sad especially at the beginning of a trip. Make sure you tag it with a name tag just in case you get separated from it. I didn't and got to buy a new one out of my own pocket when I accidentally left it in the overhead on a trip.

My unit is dual voltage so I just needed a plug adapter to use on 220V.

I have not had any problems carrying it on as a 3rd piece on a variety of international carriers in Asia and Europe. YMMV.

Super helpful information. Thanks to all who replied!

My comment from another thread with the same question:

Every airline has their own set of rules. Best to check with each of them - first by reviewing their policies via website, second by calling their CS center.
I have used cpap for long transPacific flights on the following airlines:
ANA - needed to make request/permission. Painless, and very polite in-flight when using. Two flights with them in past 2+ yrs.
Cathay Pacific - never asked for permission, never had a problem. Caveat - haven't flown them in past year and have read they are now requiring advance notice/approval. 3 flights in past 2+ yrs.
EVA Airlines - website says no, but I've flown them 4 times this past 16 months, used cpap everytime, and never had a problem!
Note, none of airlines permit or have enough power for humidifier.

I'm flying next week on UA, again trans Pacific and just called to pre-clear my cpap. Also asked them to send me email confirmation.

If you can buy your ticket from the US carrier, even if it is cross listed. When you do the US Baggage rules apply... Per the US Rules, you usually get to check 2 bags free for international. You also get 1 carry on, one personal item, AND CPAP DOES NOT COUNT, per TSA Rulings. I would have a copy of the TSA letter about medical equipment.


If you buy the ticket from the internaltional carrier, it will probably be one checked bag, one carry on, no personal, ad the CPAP may count.

The added bag gees add up in a hurry, so check the prices, and be suer to calculate that. I had to pay $400 in extra baggage fees for a return flight, that all was free going out.....

here is one link on TSA and CPAP
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/ ... /cpap.shtm



CPAP do not count as carry-ons. They are medical equipment. Here's a quote from the Department of Transportation Fact Sheet on "Steps Taken to Ensure New Safety Requirements, Preserve and Respect the Civil Rights of People with Disabilities"

The limit of one carry-on bag and one personal bag (e.g. purse or briefcase) for each traveler does not apply to medical supplies and/or assistive devices (including service animals and their equipment). Passengers with disabilities generally may carry medical equipment, medications, and assistive devices on board the aircraft.

here is one link

http://airconsumer.dot.gov/rules/20011029.htm

user from Singapore wrote:I know I'll get scolded for what I am writing, but...

I find all the posts so far very negative about airlines. Even insulting ("luggage handling apes").
Is that because all of you are based in US?

That may well be the case. Since the U.S. airline industry was deregulated, fares HAVE come down. But we also now have crowded planes with less leg room than there used to be, planes that are cleaned less often, a precipitous decline in the quality of food served, evn in first class, let alone economy (you can call it "Bistro Meals" all you want, it's still a dry sandwich with a small pouch of crackers and a small portion of cheese with an apple... at an extra charge, of course!). Cabin crews are overworked, and ground staff (gate agents, ticket agents) are often harried and surly, the result of staffing reductions. Planes are often late in arrival and departure.

As to the 'apes' comment (it was mine), I have personally seen drivers of the baggage cart trains racing along and making such sharp turns that luggage flew off the carts. I have seen baggage handlers pick up dropped bags from the apron and fling them at the cargo door, miss, and shrug as the bag hit the plane and dropped to the pavement below. I have seen luggage come out of the baggage handling area onto the carousel half open, with garments spilling out. I've seen baggage handlers kick bags they have dropped. And people ask why I only do carry on luggage

Air travel used to be fun, an adventure. It may still be an adventure, but not a pleasant one, and it is rarely fun. For what it's worth, I've had my worst experiences on Quantas, United, and Delta; and my best experiences on Southwest. I'd also point out that it was not US airlines that came up with the idea of pay toilets on planes, or standing room only 'seating'.
http://www.boston.com/travel/blog/2010/ ... ves_a.html
http://www.flightglobal.com/blogs/fligh ... s-hav.html
http://gdail.hubpages.com/hub/Scuttlebut

I think I'll just stay home.

chunkyfrog wrote:I think I'll just stay home.