RE: Qantas Flight with Resmed S9 Autoset
Yep. The airlines don't want to be libel if the power fails.
RE: Qantas Flight with Resmed S9 Autoset
The simple fact is that most older / smaller aircraft don't have power outlets at every seat (or indeed any seat). Nothing to do with liability, it's just the way air travel has evolved. If you travel on an aircraft without power outlets, the airline can't magically make them appear. Getting back to the original question, Qantas A380s have power at every seat, and this is the aircraft which most commonly flies SYD - LAX. The B747 (SYD - BNE - LAX) doesn't have outlets at any seat in cattle class. And you won't get an upgrade to business for this purpose.
RE: Qantas Flight with Resmed S9 Autoset
Would it perhaps be wise to travel with a soft cervical collar, just in case? I'm not sure that it would actually keep the airway open without the cpap device, but it may be better than nothing.
Good luck. I hope it all works out for you. Well, and for all of us. I've only traveled out to a nearby island with my device, but I was worried about letting it out of my grasp when on the little bitty plane.
RE: Qantas Flight with Resmed S9 Autoset
Break up your trip in Fiji?
Then you'd be guaranteed an outlet; 3 nights in Fiji might be cheaper than a battery.
RE: Qantas Flight with Resmed S9 Autoset
Please be aware that some older aircraft such as the 747, may have what looks like normal US 110 VAC outlets in the sidewall lower panels. These outlets MAY supply 110 VAC/400 Hz power instead of 60Hz. Standard power for the operation of the aircraft is 110VAC/400Hz, not 60 Hz. Make sure you ASK before using. The later aircraft have inverters installed to provide 60Hz power for passenger convenience, and should be marked as such. Even the vacuum cleaners used on the aircraft between flights have motors which are designed for 400Hz.
