Travel | Carry-On | Hand Luggage | Medical Alert

[phattyre]

Newbie question alert.

My ResMed AirSense 10 came with a nice travel bag, and I see the airlines should not technically deduct it as a carry-on.  I realize the bag is still subject to all the typical carry-on screening.

Have any of you found it remotely helpful to put one of those medical alert luggage tags on your bag to avoid the occasional question/dialog to NOT have the CPAP bag count towards your carry-on limit?

[SarcasticDave94]

I've not done so in practice, because my disabilities and low income prevent most travel. But, yes, it should be helpful, though it may still be up to a search I suppose.

[TiredOne789]

I have displayed a medical alert tag on my CPAP for many years with no questions asked, except twice. In Germany during bag inspection, they asked what the device  was (a CPAP, sir), and in LA as I was boarding the plane. I replied, yes it was medical equipment and flashed the tag.  No one has ever questioned the number of carry-on items I bring on board. You probably don't need a tag, but if it makes you feel better get one. I got mine free on the internet. Don't remember where. I had access to a laminator, so I made my own. Safe travels.

[Big Guy]

I have one of those tags on my CPAP carry bag. But.....I'll never take it anywhere with me, let alone on a flight.

[RNeil]

I just put the machine in my regular carry-on. The Resmed bag is cute, but I don't think it makes efficient use of space.

[cyberfiche]

I have a tag on my bag because I want to eliminate as much confusion as possible when going through TSA and boarding the plane. I also call the airline before my trip to make sure they won't count the CPAP as an additional item. So far, I haven't had any trouble. Safe travels!

- cyberfiche

[Schnoozer]

I would guess that the medical equipment tag means almost nothing to TSA, or anyone else.

[phattyre]

My "airport checkers" aren't typically TSA, as I'm in Europe. Yeah, I doubt it will make any difference, but silly me decided to spend $10 on Etsy to have a little red one made. If it helps with just a single "airport checker" or "carry-on police" -- I will consider it $10 well spent. Of course, I probably won't attach it until right before security -LOL.

[TiredOne789]

In Germany, probably Frankfurt, the security person asked what was in the carry-on. No problems in Rome, Venice, Paris, Brussels, or Heathrow.

[weepingwillow]

I've not had any issues whatsoever flying with it in the US. On my first trip I specifically called it out to security and let them know it was a medical device. I've not bothered since, as I've now realized that they see these regularly. As you start traveling with yours, you'll likely start to spot many other travelers with the exact same extra bag as you!

For what it's worth, I've carried on simultaneously: (1) suitcase, (2) backpack, (3) CPAP, (4) small cooler of ice packs and breastmilk. Nobody batted an eye or even asked any questions about my carry ons. Perhaps I got lucky, but it has certainly put me at ease in regard to future travel.

My experience may differ from yours since we're in different countries, but at least for travel in the US, I'd recommend adding a colorful tag, ribbon, or another type of flair to your bag-- not for the purpose of identifying it as a medical device, but to ensure another traveler doesn't accidentally take it from the overhead bin, thinking it's theirs!