CPAP machines and British Air

I use a CPAP machine for sleep apnea. There’s no oxygen tank; it’s just a machine. On flights, I’ve always taken aboard a carry-on, my purse and the CPAP. However, often I’ve put the CPAP in my checked baggage simply to avoid having security have to confirm that it is what it is. I don’t need it on the plane or when sitting up anyway, only when lying down.

FAA rules state that medical devices can be carried in addition to the normal carry-on items, and, indeed, airlines have always exempted my CPAP as a piece of carry-on luggage. However, in December ’07 I called British Air and inquired about it. I was told that all my carry-on items, including the CPAP machine, would have to go into one bag — no exceptions!*

JUDY BURR

Kensington, MD

*On the website www.british airways.com is stated, “The UK Department for Transport has given approval to most UK airports to remove the one-bag restriction on hand baggage. This covers all UK airports that British Airways flies out of and, as a result, you can now carry two pieces of hand baggage when traveling on all British Airways flights.”

The British Air website also states, “Medical clearance is not required for the carriage or use of CPAP machines. . . as fitness to travel will not be in doubt. CPAP machines can be plugged into a laptop power point, where available, with a suitable adaptor. Maximum power output from the laptop points is 75 Watts, and if your equipment draws more than this, the outlet will be automatically deactivated. We cannot guarantee that any of the laptop points will be serviceable. If you intend to use one in-flight, we prefer that you use a dry-cell battery operated device.”