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-   -   Flying with CPAP (https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/practical-travel-safety-security-issues/1740457-flying-cpap.html)

Jaimito Cartero Mar 18, 2019 11:23 am


Originally Posted by Cloudship (Post 30901408)
I see a number of threads about using CPAP on a plane, but very little about going through security with a CPAP. What is the protocol - so you need to take it out of the bag? If I have Pre-Check can I leave it in the case? And do I need to take even those little travel units out, too?

Likewise, my understanding is that the CPAP doesn't count towards your carry-on, but the case I got anyways is the size of a small laptop bag. Can I put that and my roll aboard up above, or am I still expected to fit my laptop bag and the cpap under my seat? Any strategies or tips about carrying the CPAP?

For USA flights, I’ve found some TSA locations need it out of the case, others it doesn’t matter. Just look at the signs.

I wouldn’t put it on the floor, personally. Easier to get stepped on or damaged. Always in the bin.

obscure2k Mar 18, 2019 11:56 am

Moving thread to TS/S Forum
Obscure2k
TravelBuzz Moderator

TWA884 Mar 18, 2019 1:33 pm


Originally Posted by obscure2k (Post 30901585)
Moving thread to TS/S Forum
Obscure2k
TravelBuzz Moderator

Where it has been merged into the relevant thread.

TWA884
Travel Safety/Security co-moderator

squeakr Mar 18, 2019 3:41 pm

At SFO at least
 

Originally Posted by Jaimito Cartero (Post 30901428)

For USA flights, I’ve found some TSA locations need it out of the case, others it doesn’t matter. Just look at the signs.

I wouldn’t put it on the floor, personally. Easier to get stepped on or damaged. Always in the bin.

TSA seems to know what they are and let people through keeping them in the case.

Jaimito Cartero Mar 18, 2019 6:06 pm


Originally Posted by squeakr (Post 30902535)
TSA seems to know what they are and let people through keeping them in the case.

As I noted, it all depends on the airport. In PHX last week it had to be out, and in a bin.

Cloudship Mar 18, 2019 6:41 pm

Was that regular security or pre-check?

Jaimito Cartero Mar 18, 2019 6:45 pm


Originally Posted by Cloudship (Post 30903091)
Was that regular security or pre-check?

Regular, I think.

Critic Mar 18, 2019 10:09 pm

I’ve been traveling with my CPAP device since 2012. I’ve had to take it out of its case every time I use a normal screening lane. Every time I’ve gotten PreCheck, it stayed in the case.

USA_flyer Mar 19, 2019 2:53 am

I've flown with mine through SAN and LAX and on no occasion have I had to take it out of the bag. The only time they gave it a second look is when I added some girl scout cookies to the bag.

I carry a letter with me that says that my CPAP machine needs to travel with me in the cabin. I've never needed it but, it should help with being able to take it in the cabin if a over-zealous check in agent causes a fuss.

I always put mine in the overhead bins. It's not very big and doesn't take up a lot of space.

Critic Mar 19, 2019 10:03 pm


Originally Posted by USA_flyer (Post 30904108)
I've flown with mine through SAN and LAX and on no occasion have I had to take it out of the bag. The only time they gave it a second look is when I added some girl scout cookies to the bag.

I carry a letter with me that says that my CPAP machine needs to travel with me in the cabin. I've never needed it but, it should help with being able to take it in the cabin if a over-zealous check in agent causes a fuss.

I always put mine in the overhead bins. It's not very big and doesn't take up a lot of space.

I had created a tag for my CPAP case clearly identifying it as a medical device (along with the relevant regulatory info), just to be safe, but CPAPs are common enough now that gate agents in the US know what they look like and don’t generally make a fuss. In fact, the only time I’ve been stopped re: my CPAP was by a Red Blazer @ EWR policing the tail of a TSA line (actual TSA didn’t even give it a 2nd look).

And +1 re: the overhead compartment; apart from the fact that I need access to my laptop bag more than I need to access the CPAP in-flight, I don’t relish the notion of keeping my device anywhere it could potentially get vomited upon.

Cloudship Mar 20, 2019 6:32 am


Originally Posted by Critic (Post 30907642)
I had created a tag for my CPAP case clearly identifying it as a medical device (along with the relevant regulatory info), just to be safe, but CPAPs are common enough now that gate agents in the US know what they look like and don’t generally make a fuss. In fact, the only time I’ve been stopped re: my CPAP was by a Red Blazer @ EWR policing the tail of a TSA line (actual TSA didn’t even give it a 2nd look).

And +1 re: the overhead compartment; apart from the fact that I need access to my laptop bag more than I need to access the CPAP in-flight, I don’t relish the notion of keeping my device anywhere it could potentially get vomited upon.

Yeah I have ordered a tag, too. Although I have already decided I am going to get a second travel device.

I am less concerned with the people at the scanner itself than the people monitoring the lines and those policing the boarding door and the bins.

Cloudship Mar 20, 2019 7:25 am

I've ordered a ResMed AirMini. Now I am thinking about how to carry the thing. ResMed has a case designed for the AirMini and the mask and hose, but it is a bit overpriced I think. I was thinking about just getting one of those clear drawstring bags you can get for $10. But, do you think that would be too big a risk in the overhead compartments from getting squashed?

MaxBuck Mar 24, 2019 6:55 pm


Originally Posted by Cloudship (Post 30908790)
I've ordered a ResMed AirMini. Now I am thinking about how to carry the thing. ResMed has a case designed for the AirMini and the mask and hose, but it is a bit overpriced I think. I was thinking about just getting one of those clear drawstring bags you can get for $10. But, do you think that would be too big a risk in the overhead compartments from getting squashed?

That looks like a tiny little thing. Why not just carry it in your personal item?

Cloudship Mar 25, 2019 7:06 pm

I ended up buying a small case made by Samsonite from Staples. The problem is you have to carry the machine itself, the power supply which is nearly as big as the machine, the hose (that takes up the most room), the mask, something to clean it with, there were a couple of other things which I don't think I need to take, a manual which was totally useless, plus I also stuff my meds and my blood test kit and cuff in there. It adds up. Got few looks but told all the boarding agents it was a CPAP - they all said OK and thanked me for telling them. Got a few stares from people, but also ended up having a few discussions from others about them. I am going to exchange my machine if I can for a different model, but I think I can eventually get the space freed up.

retirementdreams Aug 7, 2019 6:15 pm

Cloudship did you exchange the divide...if so, what model and are you happy with it??


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