TSA Says: CPAP Like Laptops - Take Out Of Your Bag

[Joe McManus]

This didn't get much attention and I have yet to blog about it but here's an interesting announcement State-side:

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/sop/index.shtm

Effective August 4, 2007 [...] must be removed from their carrying cases and submitted separately for x-ray screening.

What Needs to be Screened Separately
[...]
CPAP breathing machines

Let's hope that rule stays where it belongs, in the US. The single-bag rule here already causes problems for us who need their CPAP in-flight. We can do without having to unbag all the stuff at the security gates.

[puffin]

Typical Yank knee jerk reaction, but if you remember that nearly every brain dead airport worker will not know what a Cpap does, never mind what it looks like. Its still a minority sport!
However, a determined attacker may consider a cpap box the right size. Remember the Lockerby Radio! So rather than complaining just be patent with them and what ever you do don't mention the B**B word.


Quote "Effective August 4, 2007, laptop computers, full-size video game consoles (for example Playstation®, X-box®, or Nintendo®), full-size DVD players, and video cameras that use video cassettes must be removed from their carrying cases and submitted separately for x-ray screening. Laptop computers and video cameras that use cassettes have long been subject to this policy.
What Needs to be Screened Separately

• Laptops
• Full-size video game consoles
• Full-size DVD players
• Video cameras that use video cassettes
• CPAP breathing machines

Small and portable electronic items do not need to be removed from their carrying cases."

[JackTheSnorer]

Queues at the airport are getting more ridiculous by the day. Shoes off, belt off, pants drop, laptops & CPAP out of the bag...

Solution? I need a private jet.

[mart9012]

Oh yes, removing the belt in front of the German security ladies was always a bit scary.. lol I think things are going to improve now that baggage limits have been lifted somewhat. The single bag thing never affected me as my CPAP machine went as medical equipment anyway, but having to show them a CPAP machine and then explaining it.. lucky my Consultant provided a letter that I was able to translate and keep with the machine.

M.

[fromtheboro]

I've been to the US and Europe a quite few times this year and i've had no problems so far. I do think it depends on the airport. At Boston airport i was taken to one side and the CPAP machine swabbed, this seems to be the only main thing that happens. Philadelphia airport same again. Both Heathrow and Gatwick, you just tell them its a CPAP machine and they just wave you though once checked on the xray. European airports, this havent really cared at all ...

My advice, just tell the security its a CPAP machine before you put it on the belt, they usually notice the respironics logo.

One point to note, on the airlines that only allow one piece of hand luggage, medical equipment is an exception to this rule, just state its "Medical Equipment" at check-in or when challenged and they will usually let you though.

[flyinpete]

I travel loads with my job and only have problems here in the UK. They insist on the one bag rule, even though the CPAP is medical equipment.

I carry a laptop for my job and have to chose between the laptop or the CPAP. Many airline will not allow a laptop in the hold so the CPAP has to go through.

I have now the letter from my doctor and a printout of the Department of Transport rules. Unfortunatly this does still say that where posible the medical devices SHOULD be combined into one bag. WHen I pointed out it was not posible, they say its my problem.

The worst airport in the UK is Birmingham, closely followed by London City. I have now been given the email address of the customer services lady in Birmingham and I am told to E mail her before each flight and she will sort it.

I am told the problems come from these airports having private security firms, and the employees of these firms have been told to stick to the rule with no exceptions.

As I was discussing my CPAP machine at London City airport last week, a guy game past with a large Chello in a case......no problems at all lol

Peter

[puffin]

Thats probably because he has booked an extra seat for it. Some string instruments are susceptible to changes in air pressure, "UNLIKE US HUMANS?".

[flyinpete]

yea but think of how much explosive would fit inside

[julesn]

When I fly from Heathrow to USA and HK, I've never had a problem taking my vpap in addition to hand luggage - in fact I was specifically advised to do just that rather than check it in (in case it gets lost!). I've never once been asked what it is, though occasionally it gets swabbed (like my laptop) at US airports.

[flyinpete]

HI jules

Do you use your VPAP on the flight? If so how do you organise the power etc?

I have a couple of flights over to HK planed for this year and I was wondering how I would get on with sleeping on the flight.

Peter

[julesn]

No, I've not tried to use it on the flight (I'm not sure why I bothered to take it at all, since I hardly used it anyway, but that's a differnt story which I'm addressing now..!)

I expect the usability on the flight varies very much dependent on the model of machine, the airline, the class you are flying, the aircraft model, and whichever configuration happens to be operating that route on that day.

I suggest you call the "special assistance" helpine of whatever airline you are flying with and ask for advice, if you haven't already. And please let us know what they say and how you get on!

jules.

[flyinpete]

This country is Crazy....

NEW REGS...Take two bags so end to the problems...Like Hell!!!

London City Airport...

Whats in your bag.....CPAP breathing machine....Sorry that has to go in the hold!!

After 30 min fight showing doctors letter, and Govenment web site page, the let me through.

Birmingham Airport ......

Single bag only...and I dont care if its Personal medical equipment ...It aint comming through....RIng customer support Director... Of course you can take it through ......back to security.....It aint coming through..... ARRRGGGG .... Had to wait 45 mins for Customer Services Director to get to Security... Good job I was early.

I love this country, but going through Swiss, French, German, Italian and Spanish airports...." your on CPAP" no problem come on through.


Peter

[puffin]

Hi Pete, I'm at Birmingham Airport amongst others at least 300 times plus, a year, work related. They had a problem with the private company people on security, reading papers, playing with mobiles etc. instead of watching the xray screens. Got filmed under cover doing it, heads rolled, so everyone is playing it by the book watching their back.

As for the one/two bag rule, this depends on the Airline, cheap ones to keep the cost down still only let one on. Interestingly I've yet to see anyone carrying a cpap bag while I've been walking around the terminals!

[flyinpete]

I was told the same by the customer services manager. She told me that CPAP equipment has been specifically added to the allowed list, but the guys on security seem to disregard this.

Just have to keep plodding on and make sure I get to the airport at least 2 hours early lol

I was told by the security to get a larger bag that can take both the laptop and the CPAP equipment. I tried this last week and the cabin crew tried to put it in the hold as the seat I was in only had small lockers....you can’t win!!

I have spotted loads of the blue ResMed bags, and usually stop to chat. Surprising how many people are embarrassed to acknowledge they use CPAP.

In main land Europe people are far more knowledgeable about CPAP. I was in a Swiss hotel working in my room. The lady came in to make up my room, and pointed to the machine and in explained in Swiss English that her husband also uses it. I have found the same awareness in Security at the airports.

The UK is really behind in this form of treatment, I was explaining to my parents in law about the machine and they could not come to terms with the fact it’s a "permanent" form of treatment. They kept asking how long before "it" cured me. I do wonder if this lack of education is the heart of the problems at the airport security.

Peter

[Johnnyab]

CPAP machines on aircraft.

Hi All.

Im new at posting and I would like to ask a question.

With regard to the aggro people keep getting with the security staff at airports carrrying there CPAP machines as hand luggage, will there be any bother putting the CPAP machine in your suitcase to go in the hold.

I ask this question as I am going on holiday in a months time.

Best Regards

Johnnyab