CPAP on Aer Lingus

We flew Aer Lingus this summer -- Chicago to Dublin, Dublin to London, Paris to Dublin, Dublin back to Chicago. I carried my CPAP as a third item and no one batted an eye at any point. I printed and laminated a tag to clearly mark it as a medical device, but no one questioned it all and I was never asked to provide any documentation. Perhaps they've changed policies in the last six months, but I think CPAPs are so common these days that airlines should be pretty accustomed to people bringing them.

I will say that lugging three items -- a rolling carry-on, the CPAP bag, and my small over-shoulder day pack -- was a pain the butt. I was constantly juggling and stuff was slipping during some pretty long jaunts through airports. For Christmas, my wife gave me the RS Euro Flight Bag, which I intend to use as both my in-flight personal bag and to carry the CPAP. It seems roomy enough to do double-duty and it will fasten securely to my RS rolling carry-on. Then I'll have only two bags, stacked together, and not have to do the same juggling act.

I'd be curious to hear how you resolve the documentation question with the airline.

Cheers!

I'm flying BA instead. They don't care.

Be careful with using the Euro bag for both CPAP and personal item. Once the CPAP is in a bag with other things, it is no longer considred a third, medical device item.

And Aer Lingus new personal carry item size rules are 13 x 10 x 8.

I'm glad you didn't have a problem. Where did you get the tag?

I've carried a CPAP all over Europe on multiple airlines with no problems at all. It's only when you get to the USA that the SWAT team and guard dogs have to be called on when you approach the xray machine with your CPAP ;-)

Frank: I just printed something out on our ink jet. "MEDICAL DEVICE/CPAP" with a red cross symbol. I have access to a small laminator at my part-time job, but you can buy self-sticking laminating film, as well. You can buy pre-made tags online, but this was easy and cheap.
I'll keep your comments about the Euro bag in mind should we ever fly Aer Lingus again. Have a good trip!

Thanks for all the information.

Some airlines are starting to limit the size of the personal item so check first before assuming the Euro bag will work.