Apr 30, 2019, 2:26 pm
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
Sep 3, 2017, 10:23 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: lax
Posts: 3,888
CPAP, POC oxygen concentrator portable medical devices on AA
I'm sure most here know this, but if you intend to bring on a device, please contact AA in your reservation and have it approved before you bring it on board and use it. These devices must be pre approved, and the policy will be explained to you ahead of time. CPAP machines are never to be plugged in to the power ports, only used in battery mode once approved.
Last edited by JDiver; Feb 11, 2020 at 10:47 am Reason: Strike out wording no longer current
Sep 5, 2017, 3:03 pm
#2
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: DFW - DL MM/SM, AA 5MM/CK, MR LT Titanium
Posts: 827
Yep...this is the third different CPAP policy in effect since the merger. There is clearly someone at AA HQ with way too much time on his/her hands.
Next thing you know they will start requiring a doctor's note...
Next thing you know they will start requiring a doctor's note...
Sep 5, 2017, 4:50 pm
#5
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2001
Programs: DL 1 million, AA 1 mil, HH lapsed Diamond, Marriott Plat
Posts: 28,190
Lithium ion batteries may contain too much energy.
https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org..._batteries.pdf
https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org..._batteries.pdf
Sep 5, 2017, 9:03 pm
#6
Moderator: American AAdvantage & Marriott Bonvoy
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: PHX
Programs: American ExPlat; Marriott/SPG Lifetime Plat; Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 8,116
Just carrying it onto a flight to use at your destination requires no advance communication with the airline.
I note this just because of personal experience with my confused parents over this very question.
Sep 6, 2017, 1:07 pm
#7
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: DFW - DL MM/SM, AA 5MM/CK, MR LT Titanium
Posts: 827
Apr 27, 2019, 8:47 pm
#8
Join Date: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,044
I'm sure most here know this, but if you intend to bring on a device, please contact AA in your reservation and have it approved before you bring it on board and use it. These devices must be pre approved, and the policy will be explained to you ahead of time. CPAP machines are never to be plugged in to the power ports, only used in battery mode once approved.
I see some on this thread from two years ago saying “must be battery powered”, but then AA’s website (linked elsewhere in this thread) says:
- If available, power outlets may be used for medical devices
Apr 28, 2019, 8:23 am
#9
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
Has anyone had more recent experience with CPAP use in flight (specifically in J international where there’s space and power).
I see some on this thread from two years ago saying “must be battery powered”, but then AA’s website (linked elsewhere in this thread) says:
- If available, power outlets may be used for medical devices
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)
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.
Apr 28, 2019, 9:41 am
#10
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Thousand Oaks, Ca., USA
Programs: AA Lifetime Plat; Bonvoy Titanium Lifetime Elite;Hyatt Globalist; HHonors Diamond; United Silver
Posts: 8,315
Interestingly enough, now the linked site makes no mention of prior approval for CPAP use on flight. (It is not a mobility device).
Apr 28, 2019, 10:55 am
#11
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: SAN
Programs: AA CK, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 839
Apr 28, 2019, 11:08 am
#12
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'm sure most here know this, but if you intend to bring on a device, please contact AA in your reservation and have it approved before you bring it on board and use it. These devices must be pre approved, and the policy will be explained to you ahead of time. CPAP machines are never to be plugged in to the power ports, only used in battery mode once approved.
Last edited by JDiver; Feb 11, 2020 at 10:49 am Reason: Edit quoted post to update
Apr 28, 2019, 11:35 am
#13
Suspended
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Location: DCA
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Posts: 50,262
There are sufficient disclaimers on the AA website to make quite clear that there is, on the one hand, no prohibition of the use of onboard power for CPAP, but on the other, no guarantee that it will be working, be of sufficient wattage to power your machine or that it will be available in working order at your assigned seat.
If you require onboard CPAP, the only way you may be assured that it will be available is to provide a battery source (which is itself compliant with AA's requirements).
If you require onboard CPAP, the only way you may be assured that it will be available is to provide a battery source (which is itself compliant with AA's requirements).
Apr 28, 2019, 12:02 pm
#14
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Thousand Oaks, Ca., USA
Programs: AA Lifetime Plat; Bonvoy Titanium Lifetime Elite;Hyatt Globalist; HHonors Diamond; United Silver
Posts: 8,315
There are sufficient disclaimers on the AA website to make quite clear that there is, on the one hand, no prohibition of the use of onboard power for CPAP, but on the other, no guarantee that it will be working, be of sufficient wattage to power your machine or that it will be available in working order at your assigned seat.
If you require onboard CPAP, the only way you may be assured that it will be available is to provide a battery source (which is itself compliant with AA's requirements).
If you require onboard CPAP, the only way you may be assured that it will be available is to provide a battery source (which is itself compliant with AA's requirements).