Question for airline pilots

[Apoggi]

I am coming to Guana in July and have been diagnosed with sleep apnea. I need to bring my CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine with me. Will I be allowed to bring it as an extra carry on? Should I get a letter from my doctor? I don't want to put it with checked luggage because the machine costs $1500 and I am afraid it will get lost or damaged? Thanks.

[Bren737]

Most all airlines will allow you to carry on a CPAP without any problem. If you have a doctor's note they will possibly allow you to carry it on and not even count it against your 'carry on limit.' However, when you fly in Marsh Harbour you'll be on a pretty small plane and it most likely will not fit under the seat (and there is no overhead bin). If that's the case, just talk to the pilot as you board and they should be able to put in the 'crew storage.' They will usually work with you so that it doesn't have to end up in the cargo compartment.

[PattyB]

Thanks to ADA it does not count as carryon. Most large carriers allow 1 carryon and 1 personal piece, like a purse or laptop, on the plane. Your CPAP can be a third piece due to medical necessity.

When you go thru screening warn TSA that you have a machine that might show as something suspicious. It will save you the hassle of having your baggage pulled apart.

[Windswept34]

As a pilot, I know that it will not count as a carry on and the crew will gladly stow it for you,

[floridacargocat]

Suggest that you contact the nearest TSA office and get a clarification on this issue. Airlines/FAA has approved this device for carryon, but the TSA screeners may not have the latest information.

[Apoggi]

thanks for all the responses guys. I don't even know why I'm trying to bring it. Half the time you have no electricity anyway although last year it was mostly during daylight hours that we had no electricity. Nights were a little better.

[Cathy Arizona]

My husband took along his C-Pap machine when we went to MH in Dec. No problems. . .just had to open the bag each time along the way. The TSA recognized what it was.