Are you travelling on an Aircraft and want to know what to do about your CPAP machine?
We have contacted various airlines around the world to see their policies around:
- Using CPAP in flight – do I need permission? Can I use a battery and use of aircraft power
- Carrying your CPAP equipment but not using it during a flight.
As a general rule, we found the airlines wanted to know if you were carrying the device and intending to use it. If you require power on the flight, we very strongly recommend contacting the airlines beforehand. The general consensus was that power is available, thought it isn’t necessarily as reliable as your “normal power”. It may also take some organising to get you in the right seat and having the appropriate adaptors.
Batteries, including the Medistrom 24 Lite, are able to be used during flights, but again letting the airline know that you will be using and carrying it is advisable.
You may read that you will need 150% of battery life (for example 15 hrs of battery for a 10 hour flight.) It appears the policies are written in conjunction with Portable Oxygen Concentrators, which are devices that are used all the time as opposed to your CPAP device which is just when you sleep.
It is important that before travelling you are aware of your airline’s policies around bringing your CPAP machine on board.
We have consulted with a number of airlines to find out their rules and restrictions and have compiled the relevant information and forms below.
Tiger AirWays
CPAP machines can be taken aboard Tiger AirWays flights free of charge and it will not be part of your carry-on baggage allowance.
In order to do this however, you will need to complete the Personal Medical Equipment Form located on their website at least five days prior to travel. Once this has been completed you will need to email it to: priorityassistance@tigerair.com.au
For more information Click Here
Virgin
Virgin have advised that if you do not wish to use your CPAP machine on board the plane, you may bring it on board as part of your checked or carry on baggage allowance.
If you wish to use your CPAP machine during the flight, Virgin recommend you contact their Guest Contact Centre on 13 67 89 and ask to be put through to their Priority Assistance Team for further assistance.
Virgin also advise in regards to bringing non-rechargeable batteries with 2g – 8g lithium metal content onboard that is usually used for medical device like CPAP may be check in or carried on. For further information regarding batteries on board Click Here.
Emirates
CPAP/PAP devices are permitted on board Emirates flights for use during your flight and do not count towards your carry-on baggage limit. It is however, not to exceed exceed the size or weight for approved stowage of cabin baggage.
If you are flying with Emirates, you do not need to receive prior approval and Emirates no longer require notification or a medical verification for you to use your CPAP device in the aircraft cabin. Just be sure to let them know when you book your flight or at the airport.
If you bring your CPAP machine on board an Emirates aircraft as carry-on baggage but do not intend to use it, the batteries must be removed and packaged separately, unless the device contains at least two effective protective features to prevent accidental operation during transport.
AirCanada
When travelling with AirCanada, no medical approval is required if you are travelling with a CPAP or BPAP machine that is required to treat Sleep Apnoea only. You will however, need to contact Air Canada Reservations if you plan on bringing your device on board with you (even if you do not intend to use it).
Air New Zealand
According to Air New Zealand, if you wish to use your CPAP device during your flight, it must meet the following requirements;
- It must be an Air New Zealand approved model or meet FAA approval and have a manufacturer’s label that indicates it meets those requirements
- The device must be able to be stowed in the cabin in a way that meets safety and security regulations. Maximum combined dimensions are: maximum weight of 7kg (15lbs) and maximum total dimensions (length + width + height) of 115cm (45″)
You are also required to provide the airline with a minimum of 48 hours notice if you wish to use your device on board and check in 1 hour prior to general check in. You must also complete this form to travel with your CPAP device.
Qantas
If you are flying with Qantas and wish to bring your CPAP machine with you, a Travel Clearance Form must be filled out and faxed to +61 (2) 9490 183.
Along with this, your CPAP equipment must also be authorised as safe for use on Qantas aircrafts. Further information on Qantas authorised medical equipment can be obtained from the medical support equipment list.
It is worth noting that while CPAP machines require Qantas clearance, it does not require clearance from a medical practitioner. It will be subjected to an inspection and therefore must be available a few hours before departure and approved for use on-board.
We hope you have found this information useful. As always, we are here to help with any questions.
Safe Travels!
The perfect setup for aircraft travel
Thanks for checking this, I have two flights lined up with the Airlines in July. This has helped greatly.
Our pleasure Susanne. Enjoy your holiday!
Could you check with Jetstar and Singapore Airlines as to their policies.
Michael,
See below:
Singapore
https://www.singaporeair.com/en_UK/au/travel-info/special-assistance/medical-information/
Jetstar
Electric CPAP machines cannot be used on board any Jetstar flights
Battery operated CPAP machines can be used on board as long as you get medical clearance first
You can bring your electric or battery CPAP machine as carry-on baggage without medical clearance so long as: you don’t use it on board, it’s within size and weight restrictions and complies with our dangerous goods requirements.
Flying with emirates from Melbourne to milano can I bring my cpap machine on board plus a carry on and from genoa to dublin flying with Ryanair also can a
I bring my cpap machine plus a carry on
Vincent, best to contact the airlines direct. They all have their own policies
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Thankyou Andrew. We are planning a long haul flight within the next 12 months. This gives me time to get organized.
Thankyou for your web site. All useful info.
Glad you find it useful Eric. Hope the trip goes well!
I have just travelled from Melbourne to Sydney on Qantas. I was stopped at the boarding gate and told that my CPAP machine counts as one of the two bags allowed for carry on and as I had three bags (normal carry on, handbag + CPAP) that I had one bag more than I was allowed. Eventually after kicking up a fuss I was told I could take it on board. The same flight attendant then made a point of telling me again on board the flight that qantas have updated their policies recently and essential medical equipment will only be allowed on as one of the two maximum allowed bags. I cannot find this “updated” policy anywhere on the Qantas website. I’ll be on my return flight next week and hope I don’t face the same issue. Has anyone else heard of this new policy?
Clare, thanks for the update. You will get more of a response in our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2217875275197228/
Can you check with Jetstar for carrying cpap machine
Can’t find info
Thanks Irene
Hi Irene, Agreed, their site is a bit tricky. I saw this response in a trip advisor review: “Your CPAP machine will be included as part of your carry-on baggage allowance unless is approved by us for use in flight. However you are welcome to check-in your CPAP machine free of charge and we encourage you ask our check-in staff to add a fragile tag to your device.”
Can you check with Rex Airlines?
Michelle, I found this page: https://www.rex.com.au/FlightInfo/DangerousGoods.aspx
Always best to call the airline to double check.
Can you use a Fisher and Paykal SleepStyle on Philippine Airlines plane in Business class?
Check with the airline on what powering options are available. I think with these you can only use the standard power cord so you’d need to be able to plug that into something.
Hi . I’m flying on Sat with Garuda airlines on an international flight. I want to carry the CPAP in its case & again in my carry on luggage, purely for protection purposes & prevent it from being damaged.
I have no intention of using it onboard & can’t find any requirements for what I’m looking for on their website .
Can anyone get clarification on this?
Hi Vic, I’m about to fly Garuda as well and can’t find clear direction. Are you able to share your experience?
Thank you for this information. I’m travelling long haul in 2025 and want to be clear that I can use my BIPAP to sleep. I will check with my sleep specialist for prescription and the need to use my machine, and the airline when I book my flights to make sure I’m seated where there is access to power. (I cannot get a BIPAP that is battery powered!)
I’m very glad that I have time to get organised!