Trouble with getting my machine through airport screening

[silentsnore]

Never had any trouble, but sometimes someone new will take the machine out and look at it.
First time anyone saw a CPAP I had to take it out and they read the letter I had, then went away to make a phone call, they placed a sniffer inside the bag before asking me to unpack it ( all a bit frustrating in front of everyone), then they wiped it and went away to do a drugs test.  They then put it through the x-ray machine, which I was not sure about the first time, but it worked fine afterwards, so it survived, phew!  However, after a phone call and negative test for drugs they read the letter again and asked how I used it, satisfied they let me go through.  The airline never bat an eyelid, and when I was struggling to get it into the overhead rack one of the staff took it into the back with them, returning it when the aircraft landed.  Can't say I have had any real problems, security are just doing their job and as long as you are patient with them, it smooths the way a lot.

What letter ?

Usually a letter from your DME or a copy of Rx, offering proof that you need the device for medical reasons.

[JimmyMc]

You can eliminate most issues by registering with TSA Precheck.

[PsychoMike]

The only issues I've had with my machine is that I bring a couple of medicine bottles of distilled water with me (depending on the flight time, it can be hard to get some when you first get to your destination and I prefer distilled). They usually swab the bottles, but not usually a concern.

I'll agree with others here....give your machine and case a good wipe down with cleaning wipes...if you are going to do the mask too, then I would recommend the benzalkonium ones as they don't degrade silicone like alcohol ones can.

[Homerec130]

You can eliminate most issues by registering with TSA Precheck.

Doesn't always work - know several folks on pre-check who were pulled aside for more advanced screening.