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Taking CPAP Machines Through Airport Security
Sleep apnea sufferers know how important their CPAP machines are. Traveling CPAP users may worry about taking these devices through airport security. In fact, millions of people travel with them without problems.
Don’t Check It
One of the basic rules of air travel is: never check anything you don’t mind losing. Even the best airlines lose bags. It may be a matter of hours or days, or your bag might disappear into the mysterious black hole that also eats socks out of your dryer and caps off the pens in your desk.
You should never put CPAP machines in checked baggage. The risk of loss, damage, or theft is simply too high. Always take it on the plane with you.
CPAP machines do not count against the carry on limit! The Transport Security Administration (TSA) recognizes that the CPAP is a medical device and as such do not count as your carry-on bag or your personal bag.
Be Ready for the Checkpoint
Getting through security shouldn’t be difficult. CPAP machines are common and security personnel can recognize them. However there are a few steps you will have to take at security.
Take with you your prescription or a statement of medical necessity. You probably won’t need this, but it doesn’t hurt to have.
CPAP machines will be screened. That means that, like a laptop or other electronic device, they have to be removed from their carrying cases and put in a bin for the x-ray machine. For hygiene purposes, you are allowed to put the machine into a plastic bag before putting it in the bin.
Any CPAP supply such as masks or tubing can remain in the bag. Put the bin with the CPAP machine and the CPAP bag on the conveyor. The x-rays will not harm any of these items.
Security may perform a visual inspection and/or take an explosive trace sample. If you have put the machine in a bag, they will have to remove it for the inspection. You are allowed to ask them to change their gloves, clean the inspection table, or change the explosive trace sampling media before inspecting the machine.
What If Security Doesn’t Pass the Machine?
Although most travelers have no problem, there is a small chance that for one reason or another security will not be able to pass your device. Usually it is the explosives check; there are several innocuous household products that trigger the explosive trace sensors. Per the TSA, “Any respiratory equipment that cannot be cleared during the inspection process will not be permitted beyond the screening checkpoint.”
This does not mean you won’t be allowed to travel with it. The item will be checked and you can claim it on the other end. Most airports will do a gate check, meaning you claim it as soon as you walk off the plane rather than having to go to the baggage carousel.
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