Last edit by: JDiver
AA and policy regarding CPAP, POC *
*(continuous positive airway pressure machines, portable oxygen concentrators)
*see aa.com page linked to above for POC requirements and prohibitions
Onboard power for medical devices
We recommend you bring any necessary, fully-charged batteries to power your medical devices throughout your flight. Don’t depend on the availability of a power outlet to support your device.
If available, power outlets may be used for medical devices
The use of onboard power might require a DC power adaptor.
Onboard power (link)
*(continuous positive airway pressure machines, portable oxygen concentrators)
Mobility and medical deviceslink to aa.com page
Traveling with mobility and medical devices
If you’re traveling with any medical device, a wheelchair or other mobility device we’re here to help – we offer pre-boarding, deplaning and airport assistance.
For battery operated mobility devices, contact Special Assistance to make sure the battery type is approved for travel and for any other special assistance travel requests.
Contact Special Assistance (link)
If you’re connecting to another airline or traveling on a codeshare flight, contact the operating carrier or other airline for their rules on traveling with mobility and medical devices.
Carry-on devices
Mobility and medical devices don’t count toward carry-on limits. If space is limited, the device doesn’t fit in the cabin or if it isn’t required during the flight, it may need to be checked. These include:
Canes, walkers, continuous positive airway pressure machines (CPAP) and other assistive devices that can be collapsed to fit into overhead and under-seat storage
Items used for comfort such as seat cushions, arm or footrests...
...Oxygen (Portable Oxygen Concentrators)
Requirements for traveling with a portable oxygen concentrator
Before you board, check in at the gate so an agent can:
Traveling with mobility and medical devices
If you’re traveling with any medical device, a wheelchair or other mobility device we’re here to help – we offer pre-boarding, deplaning and airport assistance.
For battery operated mobility devices, contact Special Assistance to make sure the battery type is approved for travel and for any other special assistance travel requests.
Contact Special Assistance (link)
If you’re connecting to another airline or traveling on a codeshare flight, contact the operating carrier or other airline for their rules on traveling with mobility and medical devices.
Carry-on devices
Mobility and medical devices don’t count toward carry-on limits. If space is limited, the device doesn’t fit in the cabin or if it isn’t required during the flight, it may need to be checked. These include:
Canes, walkers, continuous positive airway pressure machines (CPAP) and other assistive devices that can be collapsed to fit into overhead and under-seat storage
Items used for comfort such as seat cushions, arm or footrests...
...Oxygen (Portable Oxygen Concentrators)
Requirements for traveling with a portable oxygen concentrator
Before you board, check in at the gate so an agent can:
- Test that you can operate the POC and respond to its alarm
- Explain the phases of the flight when the POC will be operable
- Check your supply of fully charged batteries to power the POC no less than 150% for the duration of the flight and ground connection time (including unanticipated delays)
*see aa.com page linked to above for POC requirements and prohibitions
Onboard power for medical devices
We recommend you bring any necessary, fully-charged batteries to power your medical devices throughout your flight. Don’t depend on the availability of a power outlet to support your device.
If available, power outlets may be used for medical devices
The use of onboard power might require a DC power adaptor.
Onboard power (link)
CPAP, POC oxygen concentrator portable medical devices on AA
#16
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: San Juan Capistrano, CA
Programs: Bonvoy Titanium, Hilton Diamond, AA 2.5 MM, United Gold, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 2,460
I actually had a problem a couple of years ago with American in Madrid. They almost would not let me board with my CPAP because I had a battery, which AA had told me to get in order to use the machine onboard when I had called for authorization before my trip. Then, they kept asking me, "does it produce oxygen?" I told them that it did not, but only blew air. It took a total of an hour and a half at checkin before they finally gave me my boarding pass and allowed me to board.
#17
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Small town near RNO
Programs: Delta 1MM/PM, BAEC GGL, Asiana Diamond Plus(Lifetime), AC *Tangerine
Posts: 899
I haven't had any issues using my CPAP on AA, BR, DL, OZ, JL, KE or UA. All I've had to do is tell the Lead or the Purser I'm going to use it and a couple of times they've checked my machine for the aircraft approved markings on the name plate. Usually they don't even do that and I've been told that it isn't really a issue for them as long as the hose or cord doesn't block aisle access. Not usually and issue since I'm almost always in either J or PE window so no issue with sticking the machine itself out of the way. If I'm in cattle upstairs on an A380 I just put the machine either in the storage bin or on top of it.
#18
Moderator: Travel Safety/Security, Travel Tools, California, Los Angeles; FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: LAX
Programs: oneword Emerald
Posts: 20,631
#19
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: AUS
Programs: QANTAS, Oneworld
Posts: 84
Note that AA will not guarantee that the at-seat power will actually work on any particular seat on any particular flight.
Since it is not an air-safety issue, availability of at-seat power is only a best effort thing.
Since it is not an air-safety issue, availability of at-seat power is only a best effort thing.
#20
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Maître-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
Updated information and links are provided in the Wikipost at the top of the page. The thread has been refitted, the scope broadened to include AA policy regarding CPAP and POC devices.
Moderator
Moderator
#21
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: San Juan Capistrano, CA
Programs: Bonvoy Titanium, Hilton Diamond, AA 2.5 MM, United Gold, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 2,460
They must have been confused. Oxygen concentrators require a physician's signature.
#22
Join Date: Jun 2015
Posts: 11
CPAP use
hello
I hope someone can help I'm trying to find out if I can use my CPAP machine on board .
I read only with batteries, but somewhere else said I could use onboard power so I'm confused .
also said about 48 hours notice .
Does anyone know what the rules are ?
I hope someone can help I'm trying to find out if I can use my CPAP machine on board .
I read only with batteries, but somewhere else said I could use onboard power so I'm confused .
also said about 48 hours notice .
Does anyone know what the rules are ?
#23
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: DFW - DL MM/SM, AA 5MM/CK, MR LT Titanium
Posts: 827
Unfortunately the rules change every few years, which is why you are seeing conflicting information. The AA.com website isn't too helpful either at the moment. Last I knew the "official" policy was battery powered devices only, but the website says nothing that I can see at the moment. Best to contact AA Special Services and ask.
That being said, I've never had any trouble using my CPAP on board an AA flight without a battery. I always call Special Services before departure to advise them I'll be using it, and they always warn me not to depend on the availability of at-seat power and not to use the CPAP during take-off or landing.
That being said, I've never had any trouble using my CPAP on board an AA flight without a battery. I always call Special Services before departure to advise them I'll be using it, and they always warn me not to depend on the availability of at-seat power and not to use the CPAP during take-off or landing.
#24
Join Date: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,044
Unfortunately the rules change every few years, which is why you are seeing conflicting information. The AA.com website isn't too helpful either at the moment. Last I knew the "official" policy was battery powered devices only, but the website says nothing that I can see at the moment. Best to contact AA Special Services and ask.
That being said, I've never had any trouble using my CPAP on board an AA flight without a battery. I always call Special Services before departure to advise them I'll be using it, and they always warn me not to depend on the availability of at-seat power and not to use the CPAP during take-off or landing.
That being said, I've never had any trouble using my CPAP on board an AA flight without a battery. I always call Special Services before departure to advise them I'll be using it, and they always warn me not to depend on the availability of at-seat power and not to use the CPAP during take-off or landing.
#25
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Maître-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
The Wikipost at the top of the page has links to AA policy and power information.
#27
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Maître-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
#28
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: DCA
Programs: UA US CO AA DL FL
Posts: 50,262
AA's updated policy is very clear. Batteries are recommended, but not required and you may need a DC adaptor depending on the aircraft. The key here is a decision you must make. Passenger power outlets do not always function and may not supply sufficient power. If that is the case and you do not have batteries, will you suffer any health consequences beyond a lousy night's sleep? If yes, then do not take the risk. If no, then it's purely a risk vs. cost of battery issue.
We recommend you bring any necessary, fully-charged batteries to power your medical devices throughout your flight. Don’t depend on the availability of a power outlet to support your device.
We recommend you bring any necessary, fully-charged batteries to power your medical devices throughout your flight. Don’t depend on the availability of a power outlet to support your device.
- If available, power outlets may be used for medical devices
- The use of onboard power might require a DC power adaptor
Last edited by Often1; Feb 11, 2020 at 3:42 pm