Flying Int'l 1st/Business class w/CPAP. Mask or No Mask?

[Passepartout]

I know rules might change, but this will be my first post-Covid Int'l Business class on American. I'd like to use my CPAP to get better sleep. Is it possible with the masking rules? The airline's website is about useless on this and I don't feel like waiting on hold til the cows come home.

Jim

 

[Luanne]

Try reaching out to the airline on social media. I found that I was able to get pretty quick replies. I used Facebook.

 

[simpsontruckdriver]

Twitter is also a great way to get in touch with customer service for most companies. That's all I use it for!

TS

 

[dioxide45]

Twitter is also a great way to get in touch with customer service for most companies. That's all I use it for!

TS

Don't try to pull that on us, we know you also use Twitter to get into arguments with random strangers...

 

[Passepartout]

Twitter is also a great way to get in touch with customer service for most companies. That's all I use it for!

Thanks Tom. I don't do twitter, but will have the CPAP with me in the cabin and play it by ear if onboard they'll let me use it.

 

[simpsontruckdriver]

Let's see, I use Twitter for contacting companies' customer service, also use it to get driving conditions on Florida interstates as well as any states I may be in. Like a year ago in winter, I looked at the 511 of a state in winter, their DOT posted high winds and blowing snow, so I parked my semi. Now, I strictly drive in Florida (as well as keeping my FL/NC/WA/CA health insurance license and appointments), so I can hear of any accidents and shut-downs. And occasionally discuss something with a local news reporter.

TS

 

[kwelty]

I don't see how they could deny you the use a medical device.

 

[Passepartout]

I don't see how they could deny you the use a medical device.

I understand your argument. In April 2020, I went into a big city hospital to replace a pacemaker and leads that had become infected after only 4-5 months. They were holding an entire hospital building for the expected onslaught of Covid patients. I literally was the ONLY patient on an entire floor! But because I hadn't been tested for Covid (remember, testing was in it's infancy), they were concerned that the exhaust from my CPAP would be spewing Covid all over their hospital! So I had to make due with O2 for 6 days post op.

Jim

 

[davidvel]

I know rules might change, but this will be my first post-Covid Int'l Business class on American. I'd like to use my CPAP to get better sleep. Is it possible with the masking rules? The airline's website is about useless on this and I don't feel like waiting on hold til the cows come home.

Jim

I'm sure everyone around you that wants to sleep will be voting yes!

 

[1Kflyerguy]

You should check with the airline in advance. Some, perhaps all airlines want to approve the use of a CPAP in advance. Here is United's page for example:

https://www.united.com/ual/en/us/fly/travel/special-needs/disabilities/customer-ventilators.html

That been the rule with United way before covid, i think they are concerned with the motor / pump in the machine interfering with the plane somehow.

 

[Quiet Pine]

...my first post-Covid Int'l Business class on American. I'd like to use my CPAP to get better sleep...

Thank you for this thread! We'll fly Biz Class to Paris and DH wants to take a portable oxygen machine. We have no idea of the rules, and telephone hold time is long. Also, we're unsure about American because they're canceling flights. And thanks to 1Kflyerguy for the United link. Informative!

 

[1Kflyerguy]

Thank you for this thread! We'll fly Biz Class to Paris and DH wants to take a portable oxygen machine. We have no idea of the rules, and telephone hold time is long. Also, we're unsure about American because they're canceling flights. And thanks to 1Kflyerguy for the United link. Informative!

Here is a similar page for American:

Mobility and medical devices − Travel information − American Airlines

www.aa.com

 

[Passepartout]

Here is a similar page for American:

Thanks. I had found that, but it wasn't real specific as regards CPAP, but I just looked over my machine and found the 'FAA Certified' notation on it. And the notation on the website said onboard power was available for medical devices, so no problem.

 

[Quiet Pine]

Here is a similar page for American

Thanks, much appreciated.

 

[rapmarks]

My son made a big mistake last night. Left for trip to Greece, through London, with nine year old son. Apparently European airports accept vaccination proof except for England, which requires recent Covid test. Anyhow, hopefully flying to Germany tonight, then to Greece to join my daughter in law who is on archeological dig.