I am very sure this topic has been posted here some where. However, I have not been able to find it.

My wife and I fly to Philly and Tampa to visit her family twice a year. We also go on a cruise once a year. I have only had my CPAP two months. I was told that it needed to be "Carry On" to keep it from damage, and of course for over seas flights.

What is the best way to let Security know it is necessary to have my CPAP with me?? Are there Med Alert ID Tags, and/or luggage tags to place a Dr.s info??

Thanks,

Fyrguy

The topic you are looking for is Trouble traveling by air with your CPAP? and it is under the Late Night with Sleep Apnea category or just go to http://www.apneasupport.org/about339.html .  I hope that helps.

I have flown with my CPAP sing 1988 and have never had any problems.  Olny a couple of times has it be "further checked" or swabbed.  It is always carried in the "Respironics" bag, and goes thru airport security without any problems at all.  I also pack a 12' extensdion cord in the bag, so I can make sure I can plug in to power when I get to my destination.

jwnice wrote:

I have flown with my CPAP sing 1988 and have never had any problems.  Olny a couple of times has it be "further checked" or swabbed.  It is always carried in the "Respironics" bag, and goes thru airport security without any problems at all.  I also pack a 12' extensdion cord in the bag, so I can make sure I can plug in to power when I get to my destination.

Have you flown since April, 2005?  Please note the following:

Quote:

TSA - CPAP update not promising

Here below is a copy of an email I received from someone who recently contacted the TSA for an update on the situation. I am continuing to monitor and update as available.

Dear Mr. Grandi,

I called Sandra Cammaroto, TSA Director (571-227-1823).  She was reluctant to speak with me but was familiar with the issue.  She directed me to call Diedra O'Sullivan, TSA Office of Public Affairs (571-227-2749).   Ms. O'Sullivan said that medical devices opaque to X-ray scans would not be permitted as carry-on.  She said their legal department was evaluating the issue and would probably reach a policy decision by the end of the year.  She indicated that any new policy would be posted on their website.  

From what I've read in the newsgroups, there is no guarantee a CPAP device will be allowed as carry-on.  Recently, some people had no problem, while others were refused.   I'll guess we'll have to see what happens.  


If you get any updates, please let me know.  Thank You.

Very truly yours,

Marc
__________________________________
Marc S. Ragusa, Esq.[/b]


_________________
Executive Director
American Sleep Apnea Association
1424 K Street, NW Ste. 302
Washington, DC 20005
202-293-3650

The real problem here is "not knowing" whether your CPAP will pass the x-ray test or not, and being forced to check it without the proper protection.  A cloth bag will hardly stand up to the abusive handling of baggage checkers.

The following post provides some information which will allow you to go to the airport already prepared:

Quote:

TSA - CPAP update not promising
 
To avoid the possible hassles of being forced to check my CPAP, I've been doing some research on sturdy carrying cases.  Respironics offers nothing but a cloth bag, so I turned to the Internet.

For those of you who may be traveling by air and want to "hedge your bets," here are a couple of web sites for companies that make carrying cases:

http://www.casesbyskb.com/

http://www.casefoam.com/Blow.htm

SKB makes a wheeled "carry on" with a foam interior that will also stand up to being put through checked luggage.

I hope this doesn't violate the "commercial links" edict, as I'm only trying to provide information, and have nothing to gain by providing the links.

Good luck air travelers,
Amigo

I just returned from vacation...travelled on Delta airlines from Portland to Montana and back.   No one questioned the CPAP when I went through security in Portland.  On my way back, the TSA person in Montana pulled the CPAP from the xray machine and asked for a female TSA agent to 'swab the CPAP for this lady'.  He knew what it was and so did she.  They swabbed it and gave it back to me....not a problem.

I intentionally book a seat in the back of the plane so I can board first and get my machine into the overhead bin so I'm sure it has a place on the plane.  

By the way, I printed and carried with me the TSA info and a page from Delta on CPAP carry on in case anyone asked me any questions.