All Nippon Airways Mileage Club - CPAP on ANA

There are a couple of other threads on this topic with other carriers, but my issue has been with ANA. So I thought I would add a topic here.

For those that do not know, Obstructive Sleep Apnea is a serious issue. A US football fan may recall Reggie White, from the Green Bay Packers and the Philadelphia Eagles, who died at age 40 due to OSA. I too have this affliction, due to the structure of my throat, which can cause me to stop breathing in my sleep.

Luckily, OSA is easily treated using a CPAP or BiPAP device. These are prescribed by Physicians who specialize in sleep disorders. They are extremely effective.

In the past two years, CPAP and BiPAP devices have been given certifications for use on aircraft, and consume low power to be used safely with aircraft power ports.

So I a traveling in F class on an LAX-NRT flight, and I see that NH does allow use of CPAP devices http://www.ana.co.jp/share/assist_eng/13.html#06. But my device is not listed, and, in fact, none of the devices listed are currently sold. A couple are even made by companies that non longer exist.

So, being a good citizen, I call ANA to ask about usage. Big big mistake. I give them the machine make/model, and they promise to get back to me. They get back and say, sorry, you cannot use this as it is rated at 100 watts, and they only allow up to 75 watts. Not correct I counter. The machine is clearly rated at 60 watts, and I get I letter from the manufacturer stating as such. Next they claim that the machine is not certified for airline use. Again, I counter that the machine clearly has been tested and rated for airline use. Their final argument is that they must personally test each device that they clear, but they will not do so unless enough customers complain.

By the way, this is all done via ANA's US reps, who hide shamelessly behind the "bosses in Tokyo". No means of communicating with those bosses is offered. I even had my MD call them, but they simply refused to admit this is a problem.

So I am left to assume that ANA does not want my paid premium class business. I hope someone at ANA takes the trouble to send this on to the higher-ups in Tokyo. Suffice it to say, there is a fair chunk of my business that will not be headed their way.

Why not bring your own battery solution? (http://cpapcharge.com/)

I sympathize with your situation and understand your frustration. Medical requirements should trump most policies the way pedestrians have the right of way over vehicular traffic.

However, ANA, like any business, has the right to refuse service to anyone, at any time, for any reason. They are not saying you can't fly, just not with that device. I'm sure you can find other options, perhaps less effective, but sleeping on a flight is not mandatory. I realize it's a long flight, but nobody's forcing you to do it.

Whether or not the manufacturer of the device rates it as safe is irrelevant. Clearly, ANA has not had a chance to test it, and they are not about to risk your health, the operational functionality of the electrical system on board, to say nothing of the safety of the other passengers due to any one passenger's needs.

ANA has an obligation to turn the flight around should somebody get sick. ANA has an obligation to make an emergency landing should somebody die. ANA has no obligation to accommodate special needs. You think they do, but they don't. No airline does. In that case, federal and international law trump all.

The best solution: take your business elsewhere.

if you really want/need to fly ANA, I would just take the device with you together with the copies of the certification and the letter from your doctor confirming it is required. I seriously doubt that onboard the aircraft, once presented with these documents, anybody will prevent you from using it. If it is really dangerous for you to sleep without this device then perhaps my suggestion is being reckless with your safety, but that's your call.

T
So I a traveling in F class on an LAX-NRT flight, and I see that NH does allow use of CPAP devices http://www.ana.co.jp/share/assist_eng/13.html#06. But my device is not listed, and, in fact, none of the devices listed are currently sold. A couple are even made by companies that non longer exist.

.

I am getting a page not found for that link.

I too use a CPAP, but reality is I do not need to use it every single night. Like most CPAP's it tracks usage, so I can always tell how many days in a month or week I am using it..usually 85% of the time.


I am going to be on NRT-ORD next month in F, so looks like I won't be using it onboard with them either.


I know a lot of airlines don't allow their usage, or they make you jump through hurdles to do so, possibly only with battery packs which I am not going to buy or use. I use AC more than most, and you may as well say they won't let you use one on board, at least not one you can plug in.

I know a lot of airlines don't allow their usage, or they make you jump through hurdles to do so, possibly only with battery packs which I am not going to buy or use. I use AC more than most, and you may as well say they won't let you use one on board, at least not one you can plug in.

I use my CPAP at all times, even for naps, and have for ten years. I'm wondering why, given that batteries weigh two pounds, you feel that's so undesirable?

I use my CPAP at all times, even for naps, and have for ten years. I'm wondering why, given that batteries weigh two pounds, you feel that's so undesirable?

Just feel I don't "need" it every time. My case is at the lower end of the spectrum and physician actually feels I may be able to get by without one at all. Will know after next appointment. I don't have batteries, and don't want to lug them along even at that light weight.

Just feel I don't "need" it every time. My case is at the lower end of the spectrum and physician actually feels I may be able to get by without one at all. Will know after next appointment. I don't have batteries, and don't want to lug them along even at that light weight.

Fair enough. The OP, though, apparently has a worse case, as do I.