Taking a flight with a CPAP
Just a general question:
I was refused boarding at the gate on a short flight in Europe due to my CPAP machine (it had already passed security). The ground crew said I needed a certificate? I’ve travelled with the machine 30+ times and never had a problem.
I even suggested putting it in my hand luggage.
Has anybody else encountered this issue?
Paul
Hi Lori,
They actually stopped me from boarding, I took another flight a day later.
Yes, very frustrating. As I mentioned, previous flights and since the ‘event’, I haven’t had any issues. Airport security were also at a loss. They told me 1000s of CPAPs go through each week.
This seemed to be a specific issue with the ground-staff at the gate.
What aggravated the situation was that the whole ‘medical’ discussion was carried out at the gate in front of other passengers. At one stage the staff member announced that I should leave the airport and find a registered doctor to fill out appropriate paperwork, which embarrassingly could have been construed as a number of concerns by others.
All in all, a humiliating, frustrating and degrading experience.
PaulWow. I really hope you reported the incident so it doesn't happen again to you or anyone else. They took an entire day off your trip and embarrassed you in front of other passengers. That's not right. - Lori (Team Member)
Hi Paul (
). I have not heard of anyone being asked to provide a certificate. A CPAP is a medical device and it should say so on your machine. Have you called the airline since then to get some clarification? What did you do with your machine? Were you at least allowed to send it to the cargo area of the plane? I hope someone chimes in here with better input and that you get an explanation or apology from the airline. How maddening. - Lori (Team Member)
