recent TSA checkpoint experience...
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2012
Location: San Antonio, TX
Posts: 506
recent TSA checkpoint experience...
Recent airport security experiences.
SAT on July 13th...
I'm the 3rd person through the checkpoint in the early
AM. Bag is locked with TSA approved lock. I leave the
CPAP in the bag.
TSA agent comes to me and says they need to inspect
the CPAP... and that the bag is NOT supposed to be locked
while going through security. Hmm, then why do we have
these TSA approved locks?
Odd given the last 2 times through SAT TSA checkpoint
they did not say a word about the CPAP in the bag.
YOW on July 28th...
CPAP in the bag, bag NOT locked and I forget to remove
my 1-quart zip lock liquid bag from my bag. It all zips through
without a comment or problem. They saw all the liquids in one
location on the machine and did not make a fuss... and typically
in Canada I never have to remove the CPAP for inspection.
SAT on July 13th...
I'm the 3rd person through the checkpoint in the early
AM. Bag is locked with TSA approved lock. I leave the
CPAP in the bag.
TSA agent comes to me and says they need to inspect
the CPAP... and that the bag is NOT supposed to be locked
while going through security. Hmm, then why do we have
these TSA approved locks?
Odd given the last 2 times through SAT TSA checkpoint
they did not say a word about the CPAP in the bag.
YOW on July 28th...
CPAP in the bag, bag NOT locked and I forget to remove
my 1-quart zip lock liquid bag from my bag. It all zips through
without a comment or problem. They saw all the liquids in one
location on the machine and did not make a fuss... and typically
in Canada I never have to remove the CPAP for inspection.
#2
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: DCA
Programs: UA US CO AA DL FL
Posts: 50,262
CPAP machines are supposed to be removed and presented to an Officer. That's for your own protection as the instructions for most warn against sending through X-Ray.
TSA-"approved" locks aren't for hand luggage, they are for checked luggage.
The Officer was helping you out. Hope the machine not harmed.
TSA-"approved" locks aren't for hand luggage, they are for checked luggage.
The Officer was helping you out. Hope the machine not harmed.
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2012
Location: San Antonio, TX
Posts: 506
CPAP machines are supposed to be removed and presented to an Officer. That's for your own protection as the instructions for most warn against sending through X-Ray.
TSA-"approved" locks aren't for hand luggage, they are for checked luggage.
The Officer was helping you out. Hope the machine not harmed.
TSA-"approved" locks aren't for hand luggage, they are for checked luggage.
The Officer was helping you out. Hope the machine not harmed.
been a CPAP and traveler for several years.
What is the source of your information regarding that?
From TSA site...
"All CPAPs, BiPAPs, and APAPs must be screened by X-ray. If the X-ray cannot see through all parts of the CPAP, BiPAP, or APAP, additional screening by X-ray or other methods may be required."
#4
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: YUL
Programs: AC SE
Posts: 2,103
CPAP machines are supposed to be removed and presented to an Officer. That's for your own protection as the instructions for most warn against sending through X-Ray.
TSA-"approved" locks aren't for hand luggage, they are for checked luggage.
The Officer was helping you out. Hope the machine not harmed.
TSA-"approved" locks aren't for hand luggage, they are for checked luggage.
The Officer was helping you out. Hope the machine not harmed.
Will the x-ray scanners at the airport security affect my CPAP device?
No.
The x-ray scanners will not harm your CPAP device. However, Security may require you to show the medical statement from your physician verifying that you are carrying medical equipment. Make sure this is handy.
#5
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 516
As per Resmed:
Will the x-ray scanners at the airport security affect my CPAP device?
No.
The x-ray scanners will not harm your CPAP device. However, Security may require you to show the medical statement from your physician verifying that you are carrying medical equipment. Make sure this is handy.
Will the x-ray scanners at the airport security affect my CPAP device?
No.
The x-ray scanners will not harm your CPAP device. However, Security may require you to show the medical statement from your physician verifying that you are carrying medical equipment. Make sure this is handy.
#6
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: gggrrrovvveee (ORD)
Programs: UA Pt, Marriott Ti, Hertz PC
Posts: 6,091
Always inform the screener that you have a cpap, and it must be removed from its case, per TSA policy.
https://www.tsa.gov/traveler-informa...paps-and-apaps
I've removed my liquids baggy from my carryon maybe 3-4 times in the last year, spanning probably 70 flights. I only do so when they explicitly state that everyone must do so. That's a rare occurrence for me.
https://www.tsa.gov/traveler-informa...paps-and-apaps
Passengers are required to remove CPAPs, BiPAPs, and APAPs from its carrying case, though facemasks and tubing can remain in the case. A passenger can provide a clear plastic bag in which to place the CPAP, BiPAP or APAP during X-ray screening; however, an officer [sic] may need to remove the CPAP, BiPAP or APAP from the bag to test it for traces of explosives.
#7
Suspended
Join Date: Dec 2012
Programs: A3, AA. Plasticy things! That give me, y'know, Stuff!
Posts: 6,293
#8
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Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Ontario, Canada
Programs: Aeroplan, IHG, Enterprise, Avios, Nexus
Posts: 8,355
YOW on July 28th...
CPAP in the bag, bag NOT locked and I forget to remove
my 1-quart zip lock liquid bag from my bag. It all zips through
without a comment or problem. They saw all the liquids in one
location on the machine and did not make a fuss... and typically
in Canada I never have to remove the CPAP for inspection.
CPAP in the bag, bag NOT locked and I forget to remove
my 1-quart zip lock liquid bag from my bag. It all zips through
without a comment or problem. They saw all the liquids in one
location on the machine and did not make a fuss... and typically
in Canada I never have to remove the CPAP for inspection.
#9
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2012
Location: San Antonio, TX
Posts: 506
TSA approved locks were used on my carry-on for the TSA
convenience as well as some measure of peace of mind for me.
Instead of berating me for securing my items perhaps the agent
should have merely used the tools to open the bag.
I was not denying them the ability to inspect.
#10
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2012
Location: San Antonio, TX
Posts: 506
despite their policy statements.
I've gone through security without an inspect more often than I've
had the inspection.
I've started to removed the CPAP only to have an agent wave me off.
Not knowing what to expect... I simply leave it in the bag and let
them decide if further inspection is necessary.
#11
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: where the chile is hot
Programs: AA,RR,NW,Delta ,UA,CO
Posts: 41,677
CPAP machines are supposed to be removed and presented to an Officer. That's for your own protection as the instructions for most warn against sending through X-Ray.
TSA-"approved" locks aren't for hand luggage, they are for checked luggage.
The Officer was helping you out. Hope the machine not harmed.
TSA-"approved" locks aren't for hand luggage, they are for checked luggage.
The Officer was helping you out. Hope the machine not harmed.
Source?
#12
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Portland, OR
Programs: DL MM Gold
Posts: 1,676
But for hand baggage, any sort of lock is allowed. Combination or secure key locks serve the very useful function of forcing the screener to do it in front of you, with your knowledge and presence. None of this taking the bag away or hidden by their bodies. There is no requirement at the checkpoint to allow them unobserved bag access.
That it slows 'em down is a side benefit.
#13
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Happily living in Frenaros Cyprus having escaped the near-death experience called Sofia Bulgaria
Programs: Etihad Guest Gold, DL FO and 1MM, and a bunch of others at a low level
Posts: 2,052
TSA-"approved" locks can be used on any luggage you want to put them on. In fact, you can use any kind of lock you want on any kind of luggage. However, non-TSA-approved locks on checked luggage may be subject to forcible removal if the TSA deems it necessary to access your checked luggage. And there is no guarantee that the TSA-approved locks on your checked luggage will be replaced on your luggage or even relocked if replaced on your checked luggage if the TSA deems it necessary to access your checked luggage. If you use a lock on your carry-on luggage you need to be able to open the lock should the TSA request you to do so, but you do not have to use a TSA-approved lock on carry-on luggage.
#14
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Houston, Texas
Posts: 959
TSA-"approved" locks can be used on any luggage you want to put them on. In fact, you can use any kind of lock you want on any kind of luggage. However, non-TSA-approved locks on checked luggage may be subject to forcible removal if the TSA deems it necessary to access your checked luggage. And there is no guarantee that the TSA-approved locks on your checked luggage will be replaced on your luggage or even relocked if replaced on your checked luggage if the TSA deems it necessary to access your checked luggage. If you use a lock on your carry-on luggage you need to be able to open the lock should the TSA request you to do so, but you do not have to use a TSA-approved lock on carry-on luggage.
#15
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Rio Rancho, NM - USA
Programs: DL, UA, WN, Amtrak, Hyatt, Accor
Posts: 1,793
But for hand baggage, any sort of lock is allowed. Combination or secure key locks serve the very useful function of forcing the screener to do it in front of you, with your knowledge and presence. None of this taking the bag away or hidden by their bodies. There is no requirement at the checkpoint to allow them unobserved bag access.
If a TSO ever lectures me or tells me I can't lock my items, I will just give them the dumb look and smile.