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Travelling with CPAP

Amir
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Anyone had to travel with their CPAP. Any advice on getting it through airport security?

Amir

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CPAP

6 replies

deeards

I have been w/ a friend who has flown w/their CPAP. She has to count it as the 1 piece of carry on luggage. She announces to the folks at the carry-on baggage check that she has a CPAP. They open it up and check through everything. She has never been stopped due to the machine. It has caused more problems as carry-on luggage and not a medical device.

otto

Yes, I have traveled with my CPAP. I have had no problems with airport security. I have not traveled recently so I do not know whether or not it would count as my one piece of carry on. Once on a cruise the man that made up the room broke the water container on my humidfier. Surprisingly enough, they were able to glue it back together. In England, I burned out the heating element on the humidifier by plugging it directly in to their electrical outlet. Always use distilled water. I have had my CPAP for ten years.

StillGroggy

I've traveled a lot internationally with my CPAP (I've been using it since the mid-1990's). The only time I had problems carrying it on board was when I was leaving London following the liquids (bomb) scare when the UK authorities permitted almost nothing to be carried aboard. Mostly, airport security recognizes the CPAP on the x-ray machine and lets it pass, although occasionally I'll be required to pull it out to show them what it is. In the end, with the exception noted above, I've always ultimately been allowed to board with the CPAP in my one piece of hand luggage. U.S. transportation regs do permit an extra piece of carry on for medical equipment, but I've never attempted to carry the CPAP as a second hand-carry item.

Amir

Thanks everyone for their input. I did not have any problem through Logan, Frankfurt or Heathrow. My next trip is within the US and I don't check my bag and plan to take as a carry on. We'll see what happens. Thanks again.

Amir

Elanami

I have had c-pap since 1994 and have travelled extensively.
On cruises I order the distilled water when I first book the cruise. Usually I have had to contact the cruise line directly and the travel agent has given me the contact information.
When I travelled to Slovenia in Oct. I once again coordinated the distilled water with the travel agent. I have found pre-planning essential.
I have also purchased electrical converters on line for the voltage. Unfortunately, I don't remember the site but the c-pap manufacturer & supplier were very helpful.
I purchased a small suitcase on wheels. I put my lap-top,c-pap,and camera in it. I have to remove them for the security check but it makes traveling easier & I am able to comply with the 1 carry on rule.

jbernoff

I travel a lot. Hints:

1. Has to be in carryons, I wouldn't trust it with luggage handlers.

2. In moist months, leave the humidifier piece at home and just take the pump and hose adapter.

3. Remove from luggage so they can see it. About half the time they say "I need to run a test on this" (no idea why) but after 90 seconds they'll come back and say it's ok.

4. Bring distilled water for a few days in the plastic bag in 3 oz containers, or buy it when you get there (or both).

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