Flying with CPAP
Mar 18, 2019, 11:23 am
#61
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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?
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?
I wouldn’t put it on the floor, personally. Easier to get stepped on or damaged. Always in the bin.
Mar 18, 2019, 1:33 pm
#63
Moderator: Travel Safety/Security, Travel Tools, California, Los Angeles; FlyerTalk Evangelist
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Mar 18, 2019, 3:41 pm
#64
Moderator: Hilton Honors, Practical Travel Safety Issues & San Francisco
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At SFO at least
TSA seems to know what they are and let people through keeping them in the case.
Mar 18, 2019, 6:06 pm
#65
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Mar 18, 2019, 10:09 pm
#68
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Between EWR & PHL
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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.
Mar 19, 2019, 2:53 am
#69
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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 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.
Mar 19, 2019, 10:03 pm
#70
Join Date: Nov 2009
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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 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.
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.
Mar 20, 2019, 6:32 am
#71
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Central Mass
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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.
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.
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.
Mar 20, 2019, 7:25 am
#72
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Central Mass
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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?
Mar 24, 2019, 6:55 pm
#73
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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?
Mar 25, 2019, 7:06 pm
#74
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Central Mass
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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.
Aug 7, 2019, 6:15 pm
#75
Join Date: Apr 2005
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Cloudship did you exchange the divide...if so, what model and are you happy with it??
Last edited by retirementdreams; Aug 7, 2019 at 7:35 pm Reason: typo