Lois Larson
If you use a CPAP machine, you may be concerned about bringing it through airport security. The good news is that CPAP machines are considered medical devices, and you have the right to bring them on board without it counting as a carry-on item. However, you will likely need to remove the CPAP machine from its case for inspection, and it may be X-rayed or swabbed for explosives. To keep it clean, you can place it in a clear plastic bag before putting it in the bin for screening. It is also a good idea to pack backup parts and supplies, such as extra batteries, a power adapter, and an extension cord.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| CPAP machine allowed in airport security? | Yes, CPAP machines are allowed through airport security. |
| CPAP machine as carry-on baggage | CPAP machines are not counted as one of the carry-on or personal items. |
| CPAP machine inspection | The CPAP machine must be removed from its carrying case and kept in a clear plastic bag for X-ray screening. |
| Facemask and tubing | Facemask and tubing can remain in the case. |
| Lithium batteries | Lithium batteries are not allowed in checked luggage. |
| Water for humidifiers | Water for humidifiers is subject to TSA's liquid rules. |
| International travel | It is recommended to call the airline ahead of time for international trips. |
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What You'll Learn
CPAP machines are allowed through security
CPAP machines are allowed through airport security. However, there are some important considerations to take into account when travelling with one. Firstly, it is recommended that you carry your CPAP machine with you as hand luggage, rather than packing it in your checked baggage. This is because CPAP machines are considered medical devices, and you may need to use it during the flight. Keeping it with you also ensures that it won't be damaged during transit.
When passing through security, you will likely be required to remove your CPAP machine from its case for inspection. It may be swabbed for explosives or put through an X-ray scanner. This process is unlikely to harm the device. You can place the machine in a clear plastic bag to protect it from germs and keep it clean. The facemask, tubing and accessories can remain in the travel bag, and you may be asked to provide a letter from your healthcare provider explaining the device's purpose. It is also a good idea to pack backup parts and supplies, such as masks, tubing, filters, batteries and power adapters.
If you use a humidifier with your CPAP machine, you may want to bring distilled water with you. However, this water will be subject to the TSA's liquid rules, so it is recommended that you buy it after passing through security. You can also purchase distilled water after you land. If you bring water through security, it will be opened and tested for explosives.
It is important to contact your airline at least 48 hours before your flight to notify them of your CPAP machine and verify that your model is airplane-friendly. Most CPAP machines are designed to be dual-voltage, but you will need a country-specific outlet adapter for international travel.
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Pack backup parts and supplies
When travelling with a CPAP machine, it is recommended to pack backup parts and supplies. This includes your mask, tubing, and filters. It is also a good idea to bring extra batteries, a power adapter, and an extension cord. If your CPAP machine uses a humidifier, bring distilled water with you or purchase it after you land. If you bring the water through airport security, it will be opened and tested for explosives.
It is also recommended to bring a letter from your doctor or a copy of your prescription for the CPAP machine. While this is not always necessary, it may be helpful if you need to replace some equipment or rent a machine during your trip. Additionally, make sure to bring all essential components, including the machine, hoses, mask, and power cords. You may also want to pack cleaning supplies and a sturdy, protective case for your CPAP machine.
If you are travelling abroad, you may need an outlet adapter as well. Most modern CPAP machines have an internal voltage converter, but an outlet adapter can be useful when travelling to a different country. It is also a good idea to have the phone number for your equipment provider in case you need a last-minute replacement.
To make your setup more reliable and easier to maintain, consider bringing new filters, cushions, and tubing. If you use a humidifier with your CPAP machine, bringing distilled water is important as tap water can leave buildup in your machine and may not be safe in certain locations. CPAP wipes are also a lightweight and convenient option for keeping your equipment clean while travelling.
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CPAP machines must be removed from their case
CPAP machines are considered medical assistive devices, so you have the right to bring your CPAP machine with you when you travel. However, you will need to remove the machine from its carrying case for X-ray screening. The facemask, tubing, and accessories can remain in the case. You may place the device in a clear plastic bag for protection and to facilitate the screening process.
It is recommended to keep your CPAP machine with you as a carry-on bag to avoid damage during transit. According to the Department of Transportation (DOT), CPAP machines are not counted as one of your carry-on or personal items. However, it is still an extra bag to carry, so factor this into your plans to ensure you can carry it comfortably.
When passing through airport security checkpoints, your CPAP machine may be subject to examination, including a swab for explosives or X-ray screening. These procedures are unlikely to harm the device, and most security screeners are likely to be familiar with CPAP machines and similar medical devices. However, if you are travelling to a region that may be less familiar with CPAP machines, you may want to carry a letter from your healthcare provider explaining its purpose and your medical need.
To make the screening process easier, you can bring documents such as your CPAP prescription paperwork, a Transportation Security Association (TSA) Disabilities and Medical Conditions Notification Card, a medical device ID tag, a letter from the CPAP manufacturer, or the FAA approval sticker to present to the security officer. While not required, it may also be convenient to have your CPAP prescription with you in case you need to purchase any CPAP supplies at your destination.
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CPAP machines may be swabbed for explosives
When travelling with a CPAP machine, it is important to keep it with you as carry-on baggage. According to the Department of Transportation (DOT), medical devices such as CPAP are not counted as one of your carry-on or personal items. However, it is a good idea to pack backup parts and supplies, including your mask, tubing, and filters. You should also bring extra batteries, a power adapter, and an extension cord.
During security screening, you will likely need to remove the CPAP from its case, and it may be subject to examination, including an Explosive Trace Detection test where a small white swab will be run over your machine and then analysed for trace amounts of explosives. The facemask and tubing can remain in the case. You may provide a clear plastic bag to place the device through the X-ray to keep it sanitary. In the unlikely event that your CPAP machine needs to be swabbed for explosives, ask the agent to use new gloves.
The CPAP machine may be targeted because some of them have humidifiers that hold liquids. This started when liquids were banned from aircraft. Although these restrictions have been relaxed, there is still concern about CPAP units being filled with dangerous liquids. If you bring water through airport security, it will be opened and tested for explosives.
Most security screeners are likely to be familiar with CPAP machines and similar medical devices. However, if you are travelling to a part of the world that may be less familiar with them, you may wish to carry a letter from your healthcare provider briefly explaining its purpose and your medical need. This is generally unnecessary, and most people don't have to show a prescription to a security officer.
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CPAP machines are not counted as carry-on items
If you use a CPAP machine, it's important to take it with you when you travel, as you'll need to use it every night, even when you're away from home. Fortunately, CPAP machines are considered medical assistive devices, so under FAA rules, airlines permitted to fly within the US cannot count them as carry-on or personal items. This is also the case in other parts of the world, where the Department of Transportation (DOT) protects your right to fly with a CPAP device, provided it is approved for in-flight use by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
This means that you should not check your CPAP machine as baggage. It needs to stay with you, so it doesn't get damaged during transit. However, this does mean it's an extra bag to carry, so factor this into your plans to ensure you can carry it comfortably. It's also a good idea to pack backup parts and supplies, including masks, tubing, and filters, as well as extra batteries, a power adapter, and an extension cord. If you use a humidifier with your CPAP, you may want to bring distilled water or buy it after you land.
When you go through airport security, you'll likely need to remove the CPAP from its case, and it may be subject to examination, including a swab for explosives or X-ray screening. These procedures are unlikely to harm the device, but you may want to place it in a clear plastic bag first if you're concerned about hygiene. You don't need to remove your facemask and tubing from the case. Although it's unlikely you'll need to show it, you may want to bring a letter from your doctor or a copy of your prescription for the CPAP machine for extra peace of mind.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, CPAP machines are considered medical devices, so you have the right to bring your CPAP machine on the plane. It does not count as a carry-on item.
It is recommended to call the airline at least 48 hours before your flight to notify them and verify that your model is airplane-friendly. If you are flying internationally, you will need a country-specific outlet adapter.
You will need to remove the CPAP machine from its case and place it in a bin for X-ray screening. You can place the machine in a clear plastic bag first to protect it from germs. The facemask, tubing, and accessories can remain in the case.
