C-PAP Machine for sleep apnea as carry-on with BA & Continental

We have flown with Air Canada and my husband has never had a problem flying with his CPAP. He had a letter from his doctor but no one has ever asked to see it. He carries it just in case.

Every time I take mine they just inspect it to make sure it has no explosives. They don't ask what it is because I'm sure they've seen so many they can immediately recognize it. I've never been asked for a letter...what would a letter even say or accomplish? CPAPs are for breathing, and chances are you're not carrying it just for the fun of it, right ;-)

Tim, There are a lot of things not allowed on planes...like knives that hunters may want to carry, air-purifying devices for those who have allergies, pool cues for professional pool players, etc. We did not have our C-Pap the last time we traveled by air. I have tried to get an answer from both Continental & BA, but have been unsuccessful. I appreciate the input from those travelers who must use a C-Pap. If you don't use a C-Pap you may not realize that not being allowed to carry it on could ruin a long-awaited vacation for us. After all, it's not like you can walk in a store and buy one!

But Jennifer, I HAVE carried a CPAP for the last several years which includes destinations all over Western and Central Europe. It also includes many flights within Europe. I've never been questioned even once. In fact, my CPAP says "Made in Germany" so I'm just guessing that the Europeans have seen them on several occasions. Unlike some other posters on these forums, I don't offer advice on things that I've not personally encountered.

Tim, You should have stopped with "I've never been asked for a letter." Advice is always welcome, but Smart A-- comments have no place on this helpline.

I don't think the question is whether the airline will allow it, but will TSA (and the European counterparts)allow it.

We have flown to Europe each of the last four years and the CPAP machine was never questioned - coming or going.

I use a C-PAP and have traveled on BA, no problems. I do have a letter from my doctor, never used it, but will continue to carry it just in case. The last couple of times I've flown, security has asked me to pull the machine out of its bag and put through X-ray by itself, like a laptop.

Oh, by the way. BA counts C-PAP machine as one of your 2 allowed carry-ons. Not sure about Continental

Tom

CPAP is a Medical Assistive Device. Please do carry it with you on board the Aircraft. Not that you will be using it while on board but it is best kept with you where it is safe. In checked baggage it could become delayed or even lost which presents more headaches which you don't need.
You may be asked to turn it on and off to prove that it is functional and not something more sinister. That could mean additional screening so keep that in mind and allow yourself extra time just incase.
I would recommend a Dr's note just to be safe. You may not need it but it's good to be pro-active just incase.

Never taken my CPAP on either Airline but I'd image their policies would be similar to what Kate experienced with ACA (Air Canada).

May I make a couple of suggestions?

I've found it handy to carry an extension cord with my unit as plug ins can sometimes be further from the bed than we'd like it to be.

It's also nice if you can pre-arrange with your Hotel (assuming you are staying at a hotel...)to have distilled and sealed bottled water waiting for you at check-in. That is handy if you will be arriving late and don't want to have to run out and buy some.

Wishing you a great nights sleep...

F/A

Thanks so much everyone! Tom, I was planning on the cpap being in addition to my roll-on and my purse. Anyone ever carried all 3??

My husband travels with a CPAP. We are Brits who now live in the US and the cpap (British) has been all over the world. We've never been questioned or had an issue. It is scanned and swabbed at checkpoints but that is all routine. We keep a copy of the prescription order with it but haven't been asked to show it. The best tip is what was mentioned above: keep an extension cord with you: we have encountered hotel rooms without a bedside power outlet. Many airlines, including BA, consider the CPAP as one of the carryons/personal items. We now plan for that-hubby carries on cpap bag and one other only.

Thanks Jennifer! I guess it's on to "plan B". We both have cpaps, so I guess the "purses" will have to go in the 21" carry-on until we get on board. With all the miscellaneous things I've read to take, on this helpline, we may be down to one change of clothes!! But, hey, that's ok! No one will know except the people who see our pics wearing the same clothes everyday with a different scarf! (Don't know how my husband is going to look in scarves :)) Sure can't forget the febreeze!!

It is possible that the 21" carryon bag could be a greater problem. I have seen those routinely rejected and forced to check them so you may need a Plan C.

OMG!! I bought that at RS Travel Store and thought it was advertised as acceptable carry-on. There isn't a plan c, but I may have to come up with one!

I've carried my CPap in my carryon luggage on Continental, Air France and Southwest airlines. None have asked for a doctor's note, which is a good thing since I've never asked my doctor to write one. Without fail, they've all opened the bag in my presence and swabbed the breathing hose -- never anything else.

Elizabeth, what else did you carry-on besides the cpap?

My carryon had my C-Pap, adaptor plugs and extension cord just in case, toiletries (quart size bag), extra clothing (pants, shirt, sweater, undies, socks), travel guides/info, hairbrush -- with room to spare.

It basically included those things I had to have (C-Pap and travel info) and enough clothing to give me options should my checked luggage fail to arrive.