Comments on: Angry Over CPAP Alert

By: John

John — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 01:01:52 +0000

I find that if you take it out of the case and put it in a tray, they usually just let it go through without extra scrutiny. Once in a while they swab it for explosives, but I think by taking it out you can minimize the chances that they will touch it. I don't like when they handle it because they do not seem to understand that if it were damaged I would not be able to go on my trip. It is THAT essential for me to have it. Also, I take out only the main unit, not the humidifier. They don't seem to be interested in the humidifier, and the unit by itself is much smaller and easier to handle (less chance to damage it, I figure).

By: Tim

Tim — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 16:34:34 +0000

I sort of have the same problem. I scuba dive a lot, and I bring with me an underwater housing for my camera, and I need to carry it on since the housing was not cheap, and I do not trust check in procedures. (Even when you mark something as fragile, 9 out of 10 times it will break) And every time I go through security, they dump all my crap out, swab it for explosives, then tell me everything is fine, and i'm on my way. I'm not angry over it, since I know that they have to do their jobs, but it's just annoying.

By: Justine

Justine — Sun, 27 Feb 2011 21:15:41 +0000

I've yet to travel with my CPAP. Even though it has a sticker indicating that it's a medical device, I expect to receive some extra scrutiny over it. I'll be sure to tell the inspector that it's fragile and not to drop it. Hopefully that will help to prevent what happened to you!

By: Ken

Ken — Sun, 27 Feb 2011 20:11:48 +0000

I've gotten used to the fact that I'll be pulled out of line so my CPAP can get the treatment, but I really got P.O'd when a TSA inspector dropped it, upside down, in front of me when he was done. Then, when I complained, he quickly darted off to tell a supervisor what "jerk" I was (I could read his lips and that's not the word he used.) It's a piece of medical equipment costing thousands of dollars which we need. Treat it better and don't make us feel like potential terrorists.

By: Jackie

Jackie — Sat, 05 Jun 2010 18:19:42 +0000

My laptop, shoes, bags, etc get swabbed and inspected all the time. I get patted down occasionally. Just learn to expect it, pack light, and try to be calm, because they are not going to stop what they are doing.

By: polydolly

polydolly — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 11:31:32 +0000

My kids both use CPAP and while we have yet to fly with them, I did find info on the TSA web site. Worth looking at, especially if you are a little OCD about germs, like me! http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/specialnee...

By: Jeanie821

Jeanie821 — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 12:51:44 +0000

I also use a CPAP and travel with it regularly. Quit whining about it getting swabbed – laptops, portable DVD players and such are also being swabbed for explosives. Just allow extra time to go through security, and don't let that machine out of your sight for a minute.

By: USMom

USMom — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 01:01:35 +0000

Very helpful, as my father has one, and will be travelling soon. Thanks!

By: Larry Couch

Larry Couch — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 14:58:03 +0000

I travel internationally with my CPAP. It is almost always the source of further examination. Many times it gets swabbed, but it is always done in my presence and in my line of sight. I think one of the issues is that the x-ray exam shows the cylindrical fan as a sealed cylinder, which can be very suspicious. I learned this as I passed through security in Kazan, Russia. They asked me to open it, so they could examine the "metal cylinder". When I showed them it was a sealed unit with a label that it is medical equipment, they passed it.

Hint: Carry it in a separate small case (my CPAP came with one) or pull it out (like a laptop) and put in a tray by itself and the intrusive exam is greatly reduced.

By: Glenn R.

Glenn R. — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 13:36:31 +0000

Actually, Oxygen tanks are not permitted on the aircraft. The FAA approved units are oxygen generators – completely different from the tank.

As for the difference in security handling CPAP machines. Every device brought into the sterile area should be checked for forbidden items. Laptop computers are x-rayed and randomly swabbed before entering the secured area.