An update from two recent weekend mileage runs:

I was able to use my Puriten Bennett GoodKnight 420S the past two weekends doing SEA/DFW/FRA mileage runs.

Although I hadn't planned to use it on the trip - I was started to snoggle and snore abit about 3 hours into the 9+ hour trip from DFW-FRA. I know this - as my seatmate gently poked me a few times to ask me to adjust myself and reduce the log sawwing (fortunately, my seat mate was a work mate I had introduced to the dark side of end of year mileage runs... )

I had the CPAP unit in my overhead storage roll-a-board; and using my laptop A/C adaptor, did a quick test to see if it would work properly on the flight. Yep, no apparent power surge, LCD lit up; and we weren't able to hear the slight rush of air coming out of the face mask over the usual cabin roar.

I tracked down my flight attendant to see if there'd be a problem using the machine - she took a quick look at it; asked what it was - and after explaining - she said she didn't have a problem with my using it; especially since my seatmate was gesturing with a 20 dollar bill as a bribe behind my back (she didn't accept it - but enjoyed a short laugh with us).

Thus - I was able to get about another 4 hours sleep with the mask on; and awoke feeling pretty darn good. I guess I didn't realize how much I had gotten used to using the CPAP each night!

The next weekend - (4/5/6 Nov) I was on the same routing and ended up with the same set of FA's. After the usual questions as to "didn't we just see you last week"? and explaining the mileage run (which I'm finding more and more of them are getting used to us FT's doing these runs at year's end), she gave me the green light to use the CPAP if I wanted to plug in later in the flight.

On the return poriton of each flight - FRA-DFW-SEA - for whatever reason, I didn't feel sleepy either weekend; and ended up awake and writing emails most of the flight.

Thus - while I doubt AA's policy has changed on CPAP's (i.e. using only battery operated ones) - my experience has shown - that with a bit of courtesy and explanation to the FA -- I was able to use the device.

I've another trip this weekend (SEA-DFW-ZRH) - and will see if I'm able to use the CPAP this round.

Safe travels all.

Lord Z