Personal medical equipment as carry on baggage with Jetstar?

[compact]

I appreciate the discussion.
I have never been challenged taking the Resmed on board as carry on, including on Jetstar. I have been using it for about 5 years.
I had a problem with Malaysian refusing to allow me to use the machine in Business class and also refusing to allow to me take a battery. It was maddening. Their bottom line was that if I was not healthy enough to fly overnight without it I probably shouldn't be flying. I made a formal complaint which was never responded to.
I did get questioned by the flight attendants on a Virgin Australia flight from LAX to SYD (flying Platinum Business). There was a kind of panic and eventually the attendant in charge told me that I should tell the attendant at check-in so that he or she can inform the pilot (he needs to respond as to whether the plane has sufficient battery power to support my use of the CPAP). This was enough to keep me from using the machine on my last overnight flight. Two weeks post-surgery, flying with my doctor's approval, I should have got a letter from him and used the CPAP, in hindsight. Got very exhausted and on the subsequent, connecting, flight ended up needing oxygen when I turned a lovely shade of green. Unnecessary drama.
Thanks for the buying tips, btw. I paid >$200 for my last mask -- will look for it Stateside next time.

 

[David_Smith]

Hi Fellow Travelers

I assume Jetstar has the same rules as Qantas. I wished to carry medical equipment on board.
I wrote to the Dangerous Goods Operations & Compliance Support Manager [email protected] stating the type and operation of the device (a portable ventilator), requesting approval to carry on board (7kg) and received an approval letter to carry the item on board. The carriage of such items is at the discretion of the Captain of the aircraft but approval is granted in this case as it meets the current requirements of the ICAO Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air DOC 9284-AN/905, the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations and the Qantas Group Dangerous Goods Manual Chapter 5, Operator Approval.
The device uses sealed lead acid batteries. No oxygen is carried.

Approval was given for a limited time on all flights. No approval was given for import or export of the item.

The Security CheckPoint glanced at the letter and passed it straight through.

Best of luck.

 

[Sevennought]

Hi mjt57,
I also carry a CPAP machine. Mine is a lightweight model and I carry it in a smallish back pack which I purchased in Berlin. I wrap the machine in bubble wrap, put it in the bottom, then have room for the hose and mask, an iPad, purse, nasal spray, glasses and any required medication. It weighs about 4kg so is easily within the weight (and size) limitations. I only mention that I purchased the back pack in Berlin because it is a really nice looking designer one so I don't look as though I am about to climb Everest.
Cheers,
sevennought

 

[Ric]

ric I ran the Cpap machine from LAX to LHR last night on battery power without the humidifier and there was no issue. The BA seat power was in a difficult position (under the bed) so battery was easier.

Hi Cove,

Thanks for that report.
I had a look at cpap.com a few times and am confused on which item(s) to buy. There are converters, batteries etc. Do I need a converter and/or a battery pack or just the battery? Need an Adapter also?
I was going to go to my Pharmacist to ask but if you can let me know exactly what to buy for a S9, it would save me a trip to the pharmac_.

Cheers,
Ric

 

[cove]

Ric, you need to have the lithium battery and inverter and I have a Tumi adaptor so I can recharge the battery anywhere.
Tumi adaptor gives you multiple plug in choices like US and UK and European power sockets.
Resmed probably have it now so try them as well.

 

[Ric]

Ric, you need to have the lithium battery and inverter and I have a Tumi adaptor so I can recharge the battery anywhere.
Tumi adaptor gives you multiple plug in choices like US and UK and European power sockets.
Resmed probably have it now so try them as well.

Cove, many thanks. I will go through cpap.com and select the items.
cheers,
Ric

 

[mjt57]

Another idea is to get a letter from your GP stating that it is essential that the CPAP is packed in your carry on.

I don't think that there are any problems carrying the machine IN the carry on luggage. But rather, carrying one in its own pack in ADDITION to the carry on luggage.

That's what I'm trying to ascertain.

My next flight is to London with Emirates. I've written to it asking what its policy is on this matter. I'll post the reply here for anyone who may be interested.

 

[medhead]

There were a couple of posts about surprising the FAs, telling the check in people and writing to the qantas DG section. What I'd suggest you should do is get a medical clearance. This is very easy with Qantas, just follow the link to special needs on their webpage. They have a tick and flick form that you submit to get a clearance for your cpap. Then the pilot and everyone is full aware long beforehand.

I'd guess VA have a very similar set up.

Cove, many thanks. I will go through cpap.com and select the items.
cheers,
Ric

There is a resmed produced battery pack for the S9. That's what I got.

 

[Ric]

There is a resmed produced battery pack for the S9. That's what I got.

That's this one right?

CPAP.com - ResMed Power Station II Battery Kit for S9 Machines

Cheers,

 

[medhead]

That's this one right?

CPAP.com - ResMed Power Station II Battery Kit for S9 Machines

Cheers,

Yep. That looks pretty much like the one I've got. Same name. The only annoyance is it can't charge from the 30W travel power pack, or the 90W.

 

[Ric]

Yep. That looks pretty much like the one I've got. Same name. The only annoyance is it can't charge from the 30W travel power pack, or the 90W.

It does says that "Use the standard S9 power supply and cord to charge the battery.", so shouldn't be any problem bringing the standard power supply and cord for charging right?

 

[medhead]

It does says that "Use the standard S9 power supply and cord to charge the battery.", so shouldn't be any problem bringing the standard power supply and cord for charging right?

Yes that's right. The standard one is the 90W.

 

[Ric]

Great! Thanks medhead!!