CPAP machine - Updated 250308

**MarkJan** · 23-03-2008, 21:18

Has anybody flown with Virgin and used a CPAP machine and if so, any problems?

**florida4sun** · 23-03-2008, 21:30

We flew using a ventilator which would have similar concerns. The main thing is power supply as the planes will have none. We took 4 backup batteries each with about 4 hours supply, this gave us 20 hours in total. Virgin also supplied oxygen which is very wise for any respiratory ailment at altitude. You do need to let them know in advance. You will need a doctors note saying it is ok to fly.
Worked well for us, we had so much stuff that they put us in first class and gave us two spare seats

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by MarkJan
Has anybody flown with Virgin and used a CPAP machine and if so, any problems?
[/quote]

23-03-2008, 21:30

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by MarkJan
Has anybody flown with Virgin and used a CPAP machine and if so, any problems?
[/quote]

You would have to speak to Special Assistance and ask if you can use it[msnsmile2]

**blott** · 23-03-2008, 21:41

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Mach 2
You would have to speak to Special Assistance and ask if you can use it[msnsmile2][/quote]It's not so much askng if you can use it as it's life dependant equipment, it's whether it's logistically possible to use it on a flight if required or whether the person concerned can stay awake the whole time and not need to use it for the duration of the flight.

My uncle's runs on mains electricity with just battery for back up so that could be a problem?

It should definitely go in hand luggage as imagine if it got lost with your luggage? [msnoo]

**florida4sun** · 23-03-2008, 21:53

They cannot prevent you from using it unless a doctor says your not fit to fly. Special assistance is just that, special assistance for those who need it, they were totally clueless about Alex's ventilator (as expected) but were helpful with our requests.

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Mach 2
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by MarkJan
Has anybody flown with Virgin and used a CPAP machine and if so, any problems?
[/quote]

You would have to speak to Special Assistance and ask if you can use it[msnsmile2]
[/quote]

23-03-2008, 22:43

Sorry I obviously posted in a hurry and did not explain properly - I meant exactly what both blott and florida4sun have pointed out.

When I said ask if you can use it I meant from the point if it is possible to use it on board an aircraft[msnsmile]

Also from the point about power, there are power points on aircraft but I am not sure if its possible to use them for medical equipment.

**MarkJan** · 23-03-2008, 23:01

Thanks for the info, Virgin special assistance department is closed until Tuesday, I'll ring then. Hopefully, we'll also get bumped up Martin. No battery backup available, power point only.

**florida4sun** · 23-03-2008, 23:43

They will not have an outlet powerful enough to run the machine. even the 12v outlets only have a tiny ampage

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by MarkJan
Thanks for the info, Virgin special assistance department is closed until Tuesday, I'll ring then. Hopefully, we'll also get bumped up Martin. No battery backup available, power point only.
[/quote]

**MarkJan** · 24-03-2008, 02:29

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by florida4sun
They will not have an outlet powerful enough to run the machine. even the 12v outlets only have a tiny ampage[/quote]Are there no laptop power points on board some Virgin flights? If so, they must be capable of running 240v