Flying with a c-pap machine

[cassie]

Has anyone flown with one? I have sleep apnea, and I need to take my machine with me to Disney. I want to carry it on, but I don't want it to count as a carry-on luggage. Will I be able to bring it on the plane, plus a carry-on and a pocketbook?

 

[yoopermom]

Post this on the Disabilities board to get more replies, but I will say that I have flown often with my CPAP and have never had any problems (I have three relatives with them, too, who have all flown with them). DEFINATELY take it as carry on (too valuable to have checked), I have never had it counted as one of my carryons (same as any other medical equipment). My bag for it is not very padded, so I put it under the seat in front of me, rather than jam it in the overhead compartment and risk getting it banged around. Consider taking extras of the disposable parts (filters, nose piece, etc), and a small roll of duct tape (in case of last minute repair). Good luck and have a great trip!
Terri

 

[Honeymooners1021]

CPAP's don't count as carry on because it is a medical device but if you have one that needs water you will have to buy it at Disney since no water. talk to disablities page and check with your airline's website. I have heard that the airport screeners are really good about it!

 

[2Princes2Princesses]

My brother in law carried his nebulizer machine on with us in February to Boston. They allowed him to bring that and another carry-on. After it went through the x-ray, they did pull him aside to look in the bag. I don't think they were too sure what it was at first.

You should have no problems, though. I certainly would NEVER check it.

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

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

The limit of one carry-on and one personal item (purse, briefcase or computer case) does not apply to medical supplies, equipment, mobility aids or assistive devices carried or used by a person with a disability.​

Also, the airlines are not supposed to count medical equipment as part of the one carry-on and one personal item limit.

I've run into ID checkers (who are before the TSA checkpoint, and who do not work for the TSA) who have said, "You can't take three items!" When I politely explain that one is medical device, and does not count toward the limit, the response has been, "You still can't take three items!" I then politely ask them to call over a TSA supervisor, and the issue is resolved. That's happened twice.

 

[jiminy14]

My DH also uses a CPAP machine and was able to carry it on on our last flight in addition to his other carry-ons. The only time we had any problems was going through the x-ray machine in Orlando. Apparently the screener was unfamiliar with the machine and had my DH pulled aside for additional screening. Luckily, the second screener had a relative who used the machine and was familiar with it.
If you are at all concerned about three carry-ons, why not take a large enough bag that you could fit your purse into. I always take a larger carry-on bag (still within the guidelines) and put my purse in that. That way I am free to bring back another carry-on loaded with Disney souvenirs.

 

[helenm29]

I've had mine for quite a while and never had a problem bringing it as a carryon. I usually just explain what it is, let them go through exray and that's it! as far as it being an extra piece, never had that problem either but I do worry about someone not knowing what it is and giving me a hard time about it! thanks for the tip on what to do. Helen

 

[cassie]

Thanks for the replies, I feel better about it now.

 

[lovingthemouse]

My husband just took his on recently - SWA told him not to check it through, medical equipment is too valuable and he would have had a tough time without it!!!

 

[Mike in NC]

Good thread! I'll be taking my cpap for the first time next month and was uncertain as to what to expect. Should I get a copy of my Rx to carry with me?