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Flying with cpap - Printable Version

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Flying with cpap - FozzyDaBear - 01-02-2018

Hi, I'm going to be flying in a couple of weeks for a business trip and it's my first flying experience with a cpap machine. I know it can be carried on in the US with no penalty since it's considered medical equipment. I'm planning on checking my suitcase so I don't have deal with it along with my laptop and cpap machine. For those that have flown, what's your preferred method of dealing with your cpap machine: Carrying on or packing in suitcase?

I'm leaning towards carrying it on since they're rather pricey and it will be in my control.


RE: Flying with cpap - Walla Walla - 01-02-2018

Carry it with you. Suitcases have been known to get lost.


RE: Flying with cpap - Apnea Infant - 01-02-2018

Have you seen the way they throw checked in luggage about??

Am sure my bread maker present was wrecked by being checked in for long haul flight as the maker was working absolutely fine before travel.

I will definitely not recommend checking in the CPAP machine.


RE: Flying with cpap - PaulaO2 - 01-02-2018

Take it on board. Risk of damage or being lost is just too great when compared to going without it for god knows how long.

http://www.apneaboard.com/wiki/index.php?title=Travel_with_CPAP


RE: Flying with cpap - Sleeprider - 01-02-2018

I have carried the CPAP onboard. If I'm using carry-on luggage, I will fit the CPAP case over the extendible handle on the luggage with the laptop. Once at my seat, the bag goes to the overhead bin, and the CPAP/Laptop can sit on the floor under the seat in front if there is not overhead bin space; otherwise it can all go in the bin. If not carrying on a piece of luggage, the CPAP and laptop are pretty easy to manage. New rules will require you to open the CPAP case and put the blower section in a plastic bin at TSA, so don't pack a bunch of loose things in your CPAP case.


RE: Flying with cpap - HalfAsleep - 01-02-2018

You understood that a medical device like a CPAP can be carried on to cabin in addition to whatever else you're allowed to take? You might want to get (or download) a medical device tag. There are a couple of other pieces of paper that are handy to have, but I've forgotten what they are!


RE: Flying with cpap - Apnea Infant - 01-02-2018

I keep a letter from the Sleep Clinic in the side pocket but have not been queried about the bag the both times I have travelled out of the country. Think the Resmed bags must be very recognisable by the airport authorities these days as they do not bat an eyelid but of course they can see all with the X-ray.


RE: Flying with cpap - PollCat - 01-03-2018

You can easily replace lost clothing but it's damned hard to replace a medical device when you're flying to a different location. I have flown with a cpap for more than 20 years and never put it in my luggage - the risk is too big. Besides TSA loves to wipe the exterior down, thus cleaning the dust off of it.


RE: Flying with cpap - PoolQ - 01-03-2018

they all know what they are. on the belt through x-ray and into the overhead. No one even blinks, except the occasional passenger that uses CPAP but didn't bring to avoid any problems. They just want to hear the story first hand. TSA sees lots of them and no do not pack it in checked luggage.


RE: Flying with cpap - Homerec130 - 01-03-2018

I have a wheeled carry-on bag that holds my CPAP and all my wife's meds. Just put it on the belt with my other stuff when I go thru security. Never been asked to open it. Goes in the overhead bin with the med device tag showing. When traveling with my wife, we usually board early as she has some mobility issues.

Homer