cpap machine for sleep apnea

[ariel3]

i have never traveled by plane since getting my cpap machine. does anyone have any experience with taking it through security? not so sure about leaving it in my packed luggage. does it count as one of my carry ons or is it considered a medically necessary item. any input would be great!!!

 

[gifchick]

DF has travelled with his many of times, don't put it in your carry on, if you luggage gets lost.....

It dosen't count as a carry on as it is a medical device. You can double check your airlines website to be sure, but we have gone with many and never had a problem.

When we were going through security they did ask what was in the bag and we opened and showed and we on our way. If it has a tank that has water in it, just make sure that is empty.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

i have never traveled by plane since getting my cpap machine. does anyone have any experience with taking it through security? not so sure about leaving it in my packed luggage. does it count as one of my carry ons or is it considered a medically necessary item. any input would be great!!!

Did you check the official source, tsa.gov? All of these types of questions are answered there.

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/specialneeds/index.shtm

 

[Alaskalonas]

I travel everywhere with mine and never have had a problem. TSA usually likes it open and in a seperate tub for the x-ray machine. I usually let them know that a CPAP is coming through and I have never had a problem. It is considered a medical device and does not count as part of your carry ons. Like GIFCHICK says, if it has a humidifier on it, make sure it is empty.

Have a great trip.

 

[CPT Tripss]

Most of the time, I have to take mine out of the carry case and put it in a bin. For that reason, I put all of my cpap stuff in plastic bags. Even after they xray it, they usually want to also do an explosive trace detection (EDT) swab. It's in your best interest to have the airport security screener put on clean gloves and use a new, out of the container swab.

 

[bumbershoot]

Page specifically for them: http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/specialneeds/cpap.shtm