Thanks, Ed, but GOOD GRIEF!  What in the world is in the CPAP device that would be opaque to x-ray?!

I sincerely hope that a correction to this TSA policy is forthcoming soon.  I'm planning to fly to Florida in November, and desperately need to know if I should pack (extremely carefully) my CPAP device for checked baggage.

For what it's worth, I sent the following e-mail, personal information omitted, to the TSA (TSA-ContactCenter@dhs.gov) with copies to both of my state Senators:

"Subject:  Americans With Disabilities

To Whom It May Concern:

I have a disability that requires the use of a respirator (CPAP - Continuous Positive Air Pressure) at night.  It is very delicate electronic equipment that has always been part of my carry-on luggage.

It is my understanding that as of April, 2005, it is no longer possible to carry-on this device because some of its parts are opaque to x-ray.  Unfortunately, because your web site was never updated with this information, many people are required to check this equipment at the last minute resulting in damage and untold grief.  This policy is literally threatening people's lives.

Since I'm flying in November, will you please advise me how best to pack this device for checked baggage so that it will arrive at my destination safely?"

Amigo, I trust you will let us know what you hear back, from everybody.

Ed


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

"Great idea Amigo, I trust you will let us know what you hear back, from everybody.

Ed"


Ed, rest assured that I will definitely share TSA's response here.  I will also be looking forward to any feedback that you receive on this outrageous mess.  The lack of posting the rule change on their web site is unconscionable and so very typical of another huge bureaucracy with its head up its **S!

Please forward to me whatever you find out. I am also traveling to visit family in November and flying cross country with connections.

Many thanks!

Lori

"Thank you for your e-mail message. So that we can better assist you we encourage you to call us at 1-866-289-9673. Due to the unexpected high volume of calls we are receiving, you may experience a lengthy wait time during peak hours (7am through 5pm), please try calling during off-peak hours.

If you are outside the United States and cannot use the toll-free number, please call us at 1-571-227-2900.  

We encourage you to visit our website at www.tsa.gov for additional information about TSA.  All travelers, and particularly those who travel infrequently, are encouraged to visit the section on travel tips before their trip.  The website has information about prohibited and permitted items, the screening process and procedures, and guidance for special considerations, that may assist in preparing for air travel. You can go directly to these tips at www.TSATravelTips.us.  
 

We hope this information is helpful.

TSA Contact Center"


Yeah, as helpful as the governments response to Katrina!  So, folks, I guess we're on our own unless Ed can get us something more definitive.  I will try to call, but according to their e-mail, availabilty is limited.  God, I am SO frustrated.

In the unlikely event I learn anything more, I will be sure to share it here.  In the meantime, I'm looking into several options for "crating" my CPAP.

Amigo

sleepapnea_ed wrote:

Amigo,

thank you for posting the link to the TSA web site that deals with the persons with disability issue.  My review of that webpage indicates that it was last updated in November of 2004 and so does not reflect the change that was effective in April 2005.

I received an email from a CPAP user on Monday 08/26/05 who was traveling from Long Island NY and was made to check her device.

I am still waiting for some confirmation of a revised standard operating procedure and was told to contact them after Labor Day.  I will ask them if they will be updating that webpage.

I am following this issue and will report back as soon as I have additional information.

Ed Grandi

Ed, have you had a chance to follow-up with the TSA?

Thanks,
Amigo

Amigo and others interested in the TSA question,

I contacted the TSA concerned with the questioning of carrying on CPAP devices that don't pass the x-ray screening due to their having an opaque component to it.

I was told that a final decision was still pending and that I would be advised when they do decide.

I receiving a troubling email froma fellow who has traveled between San Jose and Sacramento 23 times in the past couple of months with no problem.  Just the other day they no, he could not carry on his device.

I will try back with the TSA in a week and report back.


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

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
6856 Eastern Avenue, NW Ste. 203
Washington, DC 20012
202-293-3650

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

With Thanksgiving approaching and many people travelling (myself included), I was wondering if anyone knows anything more?  I might just end up leaving my cpap at home for a 5 days :(


_________________
"You may only be one person to the world, but you may also be the world to one person."

aishel wrote:

With Thanksgiving approaching and many people travelling (myself included), I was wondering if anyone knows anything more?  I might just end up leaving my cpap at home for a 5 days :(

Not that I've heard, aishel, and I tend to watch for this forum information very carefully.  It still seems that either people have almost no problem whatsoever carrying their xPAP's on-board, OR they're required to put them in checked baggage because either something "opaque" doesn't pass x-ray muster, or the capriciousness of the TSA employee.

I'm also traveling in November, and have purchased a carrying case specifically designed to stand up to the rigors of being checked, but will also fit in the overhead compartment if it passes the security check (http://www.casesbyskb.com/).  It took about 5 weeks, however, so this isn't one of your options.

I strongly recommend that you DO NOT leave it at home, but I do understand your concerns about damage if it has to be checked.  Bring a copy of your doctor's prescription for the device, and be sure to mention that you're an American with a Disability whose life depends on a functioning device that will NOT stand up to the rigors of being checked.  If it doesn't pass the x-ray test, ask them nicely if they won't please just swab it for explosives rather than making you check it.  As a last resort, bring a small extra bag with lots of padding that you can wrap the device in before checking it.

Good luck (to both of us),
Amigo



Last edited by Amigo on Thu Nov 24, 2005 11:37 am; edited 1 time in total

Thanks Amigo for your reply.  I was talking to several of the forum members in the chat, and they too said not to leave it at home.  I flew through Regan National Airport, right in the heart of D.C., and they didn't say a word!  No questions, no comments whatsoever.  I just but it on their xray conveyor belt, and was able to continue through.  So that was good.

We'll see how it is on the return trip!


_________________
"You may only be one person to the world, but you may also be the world to one person."

I traveled to Jacksonville Fl from Pittsburgh PA in October with a stop in Philadelphia each way.  I took my cpap with me for the whole trip without any problems.  No one even questioned it.  They saw the Repironics logo on the black bag and that was it.  

There was a link on this home page to the DOT{Department of Transportation} sight and to the law reguarding cpap and carry ons.  Check the archieves.

Hope you did well on your trip also.

Arthur

Return trip was a breeze! :)  No one even looked at it.


_________________
"You may only be one person to the world, but you may also be the world to one person."