The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) issued a final ruling on May 13, 2009 addressing the use of a CPAP and POC. Section 382.133 of the final "Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability in Air Travel" generally requires air carriers conducting passenger service to permit a person with a disability to use an FAA-approved CPAP or POC. The medical units must display a manufacturer's label indicating the device meets FAA requirements.
The medical device must meet FAA requirements for medical portable electronic devices (M-PEDs). This requires labeling that confirms the device does not exceed certain levels of radio frequency interference, that it does not contain hazardous materials, and that it meets FAA-designated safety requirements. As of the ruling date, few CPAP machines carried such labeling. Passengers with disabilities should check with the equipment manufacturer to be sure a CPAP unit meets the radio frequency interference levels and the FAA safety regulations.
Air carriers are not required to provide plug ins for CPAP machines, or to provide additional room such as adjacent seating for the machines during use. Most airlines don't consider a CPAP or other medical unit as the single piece of permitted carry-on baggage, but this can vary, especially on smaller regional airlines.
