travel on AirFrance

Hello,
I travel often with my IntelliPAP, and have never had a bit of trouble (regulation wise), even internationally. I tag it as a medical device, have both the blower and humidifier in plastic just in case some new TSA person who has never seen one wants to take it out and paw it a bit, store it under the seat or overhead. Not once has anyone tried to count it as a carryon, meaning it comes on board in addition to my carry on.

Next week, I'm flying AirFrance and either they have new rules, or I've just never asked before. Last year I flew AirFrance with no questions asked. For this trip, they sent me to their "Medical Desk", a company called Saphir. This company wants me to check the machine, unless I plan to use it onboard. They said that unless I called them with info about a (qualified) battery I was bringing onboard to use, I should check it, as there might not be room onboard.

I suspect that it will get onboard without issue, but am interested in the experiences of others.
Thanks in advance for any information, Jean

We are advised to NEVER check the cpap machine.
Contact the airline's corporate office.
Forcing a passenger to check VITAL MEDICAL EQUIPMENT is so wrong.

Jeannh wrote:they sent me to their "Medical Desk", a company called Saphir.

Probably staffed by a bunch of DME dropouts.

Contact the airline's corporate office.

I have, but by email, which has been slow. It's in France.

Who knew there was a UN Tests and Criteria, fifth revised edition, Amendment 1 (2011) and Amendment 2 (2013), Section 38.3: Lithium Batteries with regard to the transportation of dangerous goods? Lucky for us, cpap.com! I easily found the info connected to a portable battery that could work for my IntelliPAP, along with an attached letter from the manufacturer certifying the battery for airline use. If I wanted to buy a battery, it couldn't have been easier.

Jeannh wrote:Hello,
I travel often with my IntelliPAP, and have never had a bit of trouble (regulation wise), even internationally. I tag it as a medical device, have both the blower and humidifier in plastic just in case some new TSA person who has never seen one wants to take it out and paw it a bit, store it under the seat or overhead. Not once has anyone tried to count it as a carryon, meaning it comes on board in addition to my carry on.

Next week, I'm flying AirFrance and either they have new rules, or I've just never asked before. Last year I flew AirFrance with no questions asked. For this trip, they sent me to their "Medical Desk", a company called Saphir. This company wants me to check the machine, unless I plan to use it onboard. They said that unless I called them with info about a (qualified) battery I was bringing onboard to use, I should check it, as there might not be room onboard.

I suspect that it will get onboard without issue, but am interested in the experiences of others.
Thanks in advance for any information, Jean

Have you checked the Air France web site?

http://tinyurl.com/j7w7ynz

Downloaded just now from that link:

"You may bring the following items with you in the cabin and they do not count as your hand baggage or accessory:

Jacket, coat or other clothes you are wearing
Umbrella
Duty-free items purchased on your flight or at the airport
Special baggage such as collapsible strollers, car seats, diaper bags, medical material (wheelchair, crutches, etc.), animal transport bag"


Your guess is as good as mine as to whether a cpap qualifies as "special baggage" but it seems logical that it would. I don't think they would ask you to check your travel medications and a cpap is a prescribed item. If your checked luggage were lost or delayed, would they provide a replacement? (I doubt it).

I'd approach Air France again with the same question and see if you come up with a different answer. It's quite possible the person you talked to last time didn't have any clue what he/she was talking about. If you manage to get an answer you like, be sure to get it in writing!

Finally, if the question boils down to nothing more than how many items you can carry on board, then I recommend that you keep your priorities straight: carry the cpap and check the rest.

If it leaves from the USA you can carry it on and it is not counted as carry on.

The battery issue is a whole other animal.

Thank you all! I'll bring a copy of the Rx just for yucks.