Flying with a CPAP Machine and Other Breathing Devices (As Well As Other Forms of Travel)
Traveling with a wheelchair can be worrisome and difficult enough, but add in equipment for breathing issues, and it can seem impossible. Well, I’m here to tell you that flying with a cpap (and other breathing devices) is possible and maybe even easier than you think! As someone that is a full-time ventilator user, and who was previously on oxygen, I have flown, cruised, and camped while using these devices. Now I can share my tips with you!
Flying with a CPAP Machine and Other Breathing Devices
1. Make Sure Your Equipment is FAA-Approved
Nowadays there are many manufactures and models that meet these criteria, but it never hurts to check. To verify this, you can either check the owner’s manual or look for a sticker on the device itself. The sticker should specifically say FAA approved or have a picture of an airplane on it.
2. Get Permission from Your Doctor
Everyone’s medical situation is different so make sure to consult with your doctor to discuss the risks and benefits of travel involving flights. Your doctor may want to limit your time in the air, run some tests ahead of your flight to ensure it’s safe, etc. Besides, some airlines will require a note from your doctor stating that you’re medically cleared to fly.
3. Notify the Airline
Each airline has different rules and regulations for travelling with breathing equipment so it’s best to contact them to confirm what these are. Generally, they will want to know the type of equipment being used, make and model, confirm FAA approval, and may require a doctor’s note saying you are medically cleared to fly.
Make sure this note states whether you will need to use your medical equipment during the flight (and if so, what phases or all phases of the flight). Some airlines have restrictions on when you can use your equipment (i.e. not during takeoff or landing). A lot of this information can be found ahead of time on the accessibility page of the specific airline’s website.
4. Make Sure You Have Enough Batteries!
Typically, in most cases, even though there may be an outlet at your seat, it isn’t able to power medical equipment. Even if they did, there is no guarantee that they will be working properly. That’s why it’s really important to make sure you have enough battery power for not only your flight but to get you to where you are going after you land.
Airlines also usually require you to have at least enough battery life to last 1 ½ times the length of your flight. So, if you’re flight is 3 hours long, you would need at least 4 ½ hours of battery life. This is to ensure you won’t be in a medical emergency situation in case flights are delayed or other unforeseen circumstances.
5. DO NOT Check Your Breathing Device with Your Luggage
The last thing you want is your medical equipment to get damaged during travel. You are able to carry-on any medical equipment without it counting as a carry-on. This is the best way to ensure it will arrive safely at your destination. So even if you do not need to utilize it during the flight, still carry it on vs checking it.
6. Travel with Backup Equipment if Possible
Murphy’s law states “what can go wrong, will go wrong”. This applies to medical equipment too. It can malfunction or even worse quit working altogether. If you have backup equipment, make sure to bring it. This goes for backup hoses, parts, etc. If this isn’t possible, make sure to know what medical service companies are available at your destination before you travel. Hopefully, you won’t need them, but it’s best to be prepared.
Check out my post for Tips on Finding Cheap Flights Anywhere to help save money on your next trip!
Cruising with Respiratory Equipment
7. Check Cruise Line Rules and Regulations
Pre-COVID generally cruise lines didn’t prevent you from sailing if you required the use of oxygen, a CPAP, or a ventilator, however, now some (not all) are temporarily not allowing people that fall into these categories to sail. I expect this to be a temporary restriction, but my point is that it never hurts to be aware of their regulations before you book.
8. Notify the Cruise Line
This can relate to the above tip, but even if the cruise line doesn’t have any rules or regulations about your equipment, it’s a good idea to let them know that you will be bringing it aboard. Especially if you will be using oxygen onboard.
9. Bring a Non-Surge-Protected Extension Cord
In a traditional cabin, there is only one electrical outlet (maybe two) and they typically aren’t located in the most convenient locations (usually by the desk). An extension cord will make sure that you can use your equipment without too much hassle. Please note that surge-protected extension cords are not allowed on cruise ships.
Some cruise lines will provide an extension cord for you, however, if you have multiple devices that need to be plugged in the cord they provide may not accommodate your needs.
10. Consider Renting Equipment
If you are worried about flying with your equipment and do not need to use it on the plane, you can rent an oxygen concentrator and other mobility equipment from specific vendors and they will deliver it to your cruise cabin. The two vendors that the vast majority of cruise lines use are: special needs at sea (for oxygen and mobility needs) and Scootaround (for mobility equipment).
General Travel
11. Check the Voltage and Outlets at Your Destination
Obviously, this applies to international travel. The style of outlets and what voltage is available will depend on what country you travel to. Sometimes within a single country, there will be more than one style of outlet. Do your research so you will know what plug adapter you will need and whether or not you will need a voltage converter.
Some respiratory devices are made for international travel and can work with different voltages (usually 110-240). You can find out what your devices can handle by reading the owner’s manual or looking for a sticker4 on the machine itself.
12. Know How Long Your Batteries Last and Bring Extra if Needed
You finally got to your destination, you don’t want to be stuck at the hotel or wherever you’re staying because you don’t have enough battery power to go explore. Or worse, you’re out exploring, and you run out of battery power!
If you plan an itinerary, take into account how long you may be out and about and factors that may affect that (i.e. traffic, etc.). If you have a car cord that can run your equipment off of the car, then, by all means, take it! It can help charge or save the life of your batteries.
13. Consider How Your Destination May Effect Your Battery Life or Breathing
Altitude comes to mind for this tip. Higher altitudes may make your batteries drain faster or, at the very least, affect your breathing. Even people with healthy respiratory systems can have difficulty at higher altitudes, so it makes sense that people that need respiratory equipment will most likely have difficulty as well.
At what altitude that happens can be different for everyone, so it’s important to pay attention to your body and how you’re feeling. It’s also important to be aware of the symptoms of altitude sickness, so if you start experiencing any of them, you can get help immediately.
Final Thoughts on Flying with a CPAP Machine (or Other Breathing Device)
Many of these tips can go together and apply to more than one type of travel. My hope is that these tips help you feel more comfortable and confident traveling or flying with your CPAP (along with your breathing equipment). It is possible and once you do it once, you’ll see how it doesn’t have to hold you back from your dreams of travel.
