I spoke with the Division Manager, Disability Programs Division at the Transportation Security Administration who advised that all TSA screeners have received training on this procedure for screening CPAP devices.  I have it on good authority that a 2 1/2 gallon zip-lock will accommodate most CPAP machines.

http://www.tsa.dhs.gov/travelers/airtravel/specialneeds/cpap.shtm

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Machine

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Machines

CPAPs are allowed through security checkpoints once they have undergone screening.

Passengers will be required to take their CPAP machine out of its carrying case and place the device in a bin for x-ray screening. Facemasks and tubing can remain in the carrying case.

In addition to x-ray inspection of your CPAP machine, a visual and physical inspection, and Explosive Trace Detection (ETD) sampling will be required.

To facilitate CPAP machine hygiene and cleanliness:

Once out of the carrying case, you can place your CPAP machine in a clear plastic bag before placing the device in the bin. You will need to provide/bring your own plastic bag.

Upon request, TSOs will change their gloves prior to performing the visual and physical inspection, and ETD sampling of your CPAP machine. The CPAP will need to be removed from the plastic bag by the TSO to conduct the ETD sampling.

Upon request, TSOs will clean the table where the ETD sampling will be conducted.

Upon request, TSOs will change the ETD sampling media before conducting the ETD sampling.



Last edited by sleepapnea_ed on Thu Sep 25, 2008 8:19 am; edited 3 times in total
_________________
Executive Director
American Sleep Apnea Association
6856 Eastern Avenue, NW Ste. 203
Washington, DC 20012
202-293-3650

sleepapena_ed

Could you contact you source at the TSA to obtain the following information:

In May, 2008 I will be taking an American Airlines overnight flight from JFK to Heathrow, London. American Airlines will only allow a CPAP to be used during the flight with a battery backup. Under the revised TSA battery rules will they allow me to carry a 12v DC Lithium Ion Battery Pack for my CPAP? The battery pack is quite expensive. I don't want them to confiscate it during the screening. I have sent an e-mail to the TSA Hqts. in Washington however have not received a reply. Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Scott

Scott,

This is the word from TSA office of passengers with disabilities - Our screeners are already trained not to tamper with batteries and to allow extra batteries for the device.

Edward


_________________
Executive Director
American Sleep Apnea Association
6856 Eastern Avenue, NW Ste. 203
Washington, DC 20012
202-293-3650

Edward

Thanks for the update

Scott


_________________
Scott9931

In fact, they now *require* you to keep loose lithium batteries (i.e. those not installed in the device they power) in your carry-on luggage. Loose lithium batteries may no longer be put into checked baggage at all.

So it will be a bad sign if they give you any trouble about carrying it with you on the plane!

I was surprised that the TSA folks didn't perform the ETD on my APAP machine yesterday when going through security in Atlanta, GA. I even asked and they said it wasn't necessary. While going through DFW, the TSA guy "asked" if it was OK that he perform the ETD... very courteous indeed.

I just traveled from Washington, DC to Fort Lauderdale, FL carrying a CPAP and a large 12 volt lithium ion battery.  I took the machine out of the bag and put them in a bin; I left the battery in the bag.  On both flights the machine was quickly swabbed and the bag with the battery went right through without comment.

Back in Feb I went to Ft Lauderdale from Newark, NJ, and on the way back they had me remove my CPAP from its case and swab it - and, the agent was very pleasant about using fresh gloves/swabs etc.

Just this past Saturday I returned from vacation in Europe, Newark --> Paris --> Amsterdam, and back, and was never asked to remove my CPAP from it's case.  I was nervous that I might have issues in either CDG or Schipol, but neither was the case.  

The only problem I've had is that my CPAPs have malfunctioned and required replacement both times after I returned.  Though, I've traveled a few other times with my machine with no problem.  Interestingly, my DME provider told me yesterday that they've been having problems with Respironics equipment.  I went for 11 months on my first machine, and now I've had to replace 2 in a month.  Thankfully they are very responsive.  Also, from my description of my behavior and travel practices, and questions asked to my DME, I have not been misusing/mistreating my gear.

- David


_________________
REMStar Plus M-Series with HH, 4 ramp to 12
Ultra Mirage FF Mask

Restrictions on fluids: Can we travel with distilled water?

Has anyone else had this problem?

  When flying out of Boston, the security people informed me my CPAP had to be checked for explosives. I said, "Fine, where do I take it?"
"Oh, we're just going over here."
I said, "It doesn't leave my presence!"
They proceeded to grab it and walk off with it, when I yelled, "I said it doesn't leave my presence! I don't care if you want to check it, but I'll take it!"
He kept walking with it, grabbing the contents out with absolutely no consideration of what it was. I fussed at him about it, and he started jamming things back into it, when I grabbed it back from him and said I'd repack it.

I personally thought(knowing me) that checking me for explosives was rediculous, but they didn't know me. I didn't mind the check. I really minded the disregard for my request, and for the mishandling of a piece of medical equipment like that.

If there are any others that have had this experience, maybe we can join together to get some better policies & practices enforced, so we don't have to repeat this event.

Any comments?


_________________
painless

Sleep Apnea is a Killer! Get it Tested!
Get it Treated! Use the Treatment!

Yes, contact the airline you were flying on and relate your experience. Also contact the airport you flew out of w/a copy. The same for the TSA or whatever the security provider is called w/a copy. The proper authorities, especially at this airport and for this airline need to be aware of your experience so that it doesn't happen to others or to you again. You are quite correct that you don't mind the check it was the way your medical equipment was handled and you were treated.


_________________
Some people are like Slinkies... Not really good for anything, but they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs.
Resmed VPAP Auto. Humidaire 3i, Simplicity & Micro masks, ResScan 3.4, S8 ResLink, Embla oximeter.

This is a quote from an email I got from TSA after I wrote asking about how to prepare for going through security with my CPAP:

"If you encounter problems with the screening process, ask to speak with the TSA security supervisor.  You can report problems encountered while traveling by calling the TSA Contact Center toll free at 1-866-289-9673."

Grandma


_________________
ResMed Quattro Full Face Mask
ResMed S8 Escape with heated humidifier
Pressure set at 11

I met with the director of the Office of passengers with disabilities yesterday.  I learned the office was established soon after 9-11 and was one of the first divisions within the Transportation Security Administration.

The procedures for screening persons with disabilities... all persons traveling with disabilities... all sorts of disabilities were and are being developed as they learn more about the disability. So there are definitely bumps along the way.

The ASAA is now a part of the Office's Disability Coalition. The group is made of a number of patient groups like ours that advises the director.

Going forward we can be an additional point of connection with the TSA on issues having to do with folks traveling with CPAP.


_________________
Executive Director
American Sleep Apnea Association
6856 Eastern Avenue, NW Ste. 203
Washington, DC 20012
202-293-3650

In April I was flying out of the Phoenix Airport and had my CPAC taken to the testing station.  I asked what they were testing it for and she said explosives.  I had flown twice  before with my machine, once out of Orlando, and once out of New Jersey, and and my machine was not tested.  Earlier in the week when leaving Jacksonville, my machine was taken and tested and I didn't know what to expects.  I was laughing at this in Phoenix as I thought this was crazy, me a middleaged frumpy woman trying to sneak in explosives.  All was proceeding nicely everyone was relaxed and friendly when all of a sudden their machine has a red light going off I think some kind of alarm noise.  Suddenly a man comes over and tells me to step over to another area.  Now the smiles were gone and people were very serious.  My machine disappearred from my sight and I was patted down, had to stand on a mat of some kind and had a wand waved all over me.   My daughter was frightened by all this activity and my husband was laughing along with me.   I knew I didn't have any explosives, but no one could tell me what explosive my machine was testing for.  After about 5 minutes, my machine is handed back to me and I'm told all is ok.   My question is does this happen often?  I guess their machine registered a false positive or could my machine have picked up some chemical at the resort we were staying at.  Everyone was very professional, so I can't complain about that, but it certainly was unsettling to say the least.   Another question,  after they swab it with whatever, do we need to do anything special to clean the machines.  I don't know what type of chemicals they use, but mentally don't like thinking I'm breathing any chemical in at night.

I completed my first trip through security with CPAP this spring and didn't hit any snags.  They swabbed my machine for explosives in Minneapolis and in Portland, OR.  No false alarms this time.  But as for the patting down and wand procedure, I have had to do that every time I fly because I have had both hips replaced and I always set off the alarms. I tell them before walking through so they are already getting somebody lined up to take me to the area where they can check me out.  All of the people who have had to perform that procedure have been absolutely respectful, explaining what they are going to do before every step. I have noticed that the patting down has become much more thorough. I just ignore all the people who are walking by and gawking and I just keep smiling and talking to the person doing the search. As one frumpy woman to another, just think how much safer we can feel knowing that dangerous frumpy women (and all others who have hip or knee replacements) are being so carefully scrutinized.  

I don't think they put any chemicals on the machine, I believe they swab it to remove any substance that might be on it that would show it had been stuffed with a bomb. Am I right on this, anybody know?
Grandma


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ResMed Quattro Full Face Mask
ResMed S8 Escape with heated humidifier
Pressure set at 11