Holiday Advice

[shelley123]

Hi,

I'm going to the Canaries, the first time I've been abroad since on cpap. I'm just wondering if I need to do anything other than just take it and plug it in as per usual. Do I also need to have a letter, etc to take it on an aircraft (not to use obviously)?

Thanks xxx

[shuckie]

Hi shelley123!

According to http://treehouse.ofb.net/go/en/voltage/Canary%2BIslands, the voltage and frequency in the Canaries is the same as the UK so you shouldn't have any problems in that respect, however the sockets are of the two round pin type so you will need an appropriate travel adapter.

With regards to taking your CPAP on the plane I suggest that you get a letter from your GP or consultant confirming that it is prescribed medical equipment, just in case airport security ask any questions. I also strongly recommend that you pack your CPAP in your hand luggage rather than in your checked-in luggage, just in case the latter gets lost or damaged in transit

From what I've read in other posts most people have been able to take their CPAPs on holiday with no problems, however it doesn't hurt to take a few precautions like those mentioned above just to be on the safe side.

Happy holidays!


Cheers

shuckie x

[Tigers Fan]

Hi shelley123

Just stick your PAP rig into your hand luggage and forget about it. Security will be as interested in it as in your hairdrier!

Start waving letters about and airlines and security start asking questions - are you fit to travel, for instance, and want medical certificates to prove it. Whole can of worms.

Plug adapter for sure and maybe a few meters of extension lead - but that last is heavy and is available at your destination. Do you arrive in time to go shopping if the plug is away from the bed?

Lighten the load! Do you need a humidifier on holiday? a heated hose?

The airlines become interested if 1. you want to use the CPAP during the flight and 2. if you want to carry it as 'essential medical equipment', which does not count in your baggage allowances - but it has to go in the hold where it may get lost and/or damaged.

TF

[shelley123]

Thanks to both of you for replying to my questions. I'm confused now lol. Shall I take a letter and declare it, or not? Yes I will definitely carry it on as hand luggage. I'm thinking I may ask the sleep clinic for adivice. Has anyone else taken theirs overseas? I will definitely take an extension lead incase the socket is not near the bed.

Thanks again xx

[Richard]

And make sure you take a continental plug adapter, too.

Have a good time.

Richard

[shuckie]

Hi again!

What I meant about the letter was that you should get one to keep in your hand luggage just in case you're asked for it. As TF implies if you start waving the letter around and making a fuss about your CPAP, then security, customs or whoever are more likely to start asking questions.

As far as I know you should be OK but if anyone else has any other advice to offer I'm sure they'll chip in!


Cheers

shuckie

[Fredxx]

After many many journeys on planes (50+) with my CPAP, I have only been asked twice to open my hand luggage for them to see...and only once was for the CPAP machine! they see them more often than you would think, and ultimately it is just a fan and a few electronics.

Several of the bigger airlines allow you to take the CPAP on as additional to hand baggage if you have told them before and have a letter explaining what it is.

All airlines will allow you to take it on just in your normal hand luggage without anything saying what it is.

Some airlines have power at the seats and will let you use your CPAP on the flight...in my experience they don't even need a letter for that.

[Sleep2Snore]

I Would carry it as hand baggage and say nothing unless asked.
Then show then a letter from clinic explaining what it is.
Works for me.
Take an adaptor and a LONG extension cable as power points may not be handy. Also put a spare fuse and small screwdriver in main baggage, nothing worse that being stuck for the sake of a fuse
Do NOT put screwdriver in with machine as this will give you problems and you will not have a screwdriver for long

[CROFTON]

Just come back from a 4 centre around the Far East carried the cpap machine in my hand luggage never asked or checked. The only slight problem was finding a suitable plug socket in all the rooms. Only one room where it was out of reach and the hotel supplied an extension lead without question. Made the holiday far more enjoyable for myself and my wife as she was dreading the snoring in such close proximity, and I stayed awake all day a novelty in itself.

[shelley123]

Thanks to everone who replied. Again, this site has proved to be a valuable source of information and advice.

I will take a letter with me and if they quiery the machine, show it to them!

Thanks again x