Ventilators and International Travel
More people with disabilities who travel with a ventilator are discovering the joys of travel and international experiences. These tips and resources are designed to help with advance planning and success.
In this Tipsheet:
Air Travel
As of May 13, 2009, the Air Carrier Access Act requires all US airlines operating flights on aircraft with 19 or more seats to allow passengers to bring aboard and operate a ventilator, respirator, CPAP machine, or an FAA-approved Portable Oxygen Concentrator (POC), unless the device does not meet FAA requirements for medical portable electronic devices and does not display a manufacturer’s label that indicates the device meets those FAA requirements or the device cannot be stowed and used in the passenger cabin consistent with TSA, FAA, and PHMSA regulations. The law also applies to foreign carriers operating flights to or from the US, on aircraft with 19 or more seats.
If a passenger wishes to use an approved respiratory assistive device (and complies with the notice and advance check-in requirements, amongst other things), both US and foreign carriers must permit the passenger to operate the device during all phases of flight. In addition, carriers must make reasonable accommodations for passengers with respiratory assistive devices including providing information during the reservation process, assisting with boarding the aircraft, and placing the passenger next to an electrical outlet where available. Read the Department of Transportation’s final ruling on amendments to the Air Carrier Access Act, effective May 13, 2009.
Specifics on Planning for a Flight
Portable Oxygen Concentrator (POC) manufacturers are knowledgeable regarding aviation requirements for POCs and POCs are in common use on air carriers. However, this is not the case for other respiratory assistive devices (ventilators, respirators and CPAP machines). For devices that have not been tested by the manufacturer to meet the emission levels in the Radio Technical Committee for Aeronautics (RTCA) standard, air carriers may need to perform case-by-case testing of a particular device to determine if the device can be operated safely on the aircraft.
When making a reservation, contact the airline early to notify them that you will be traveling with a ventilator and be prepared to provide the ventilator’s name and model number, complete specifications, and the manufacturer’s name, address, telephone number, and website. For detailed information and tips on air travel with a ventilator, see Tips on Flying with a Ventilator in the US, an online booklet compiled by the International Pompe Association, and Air Travel and Ventilator Users, by Judith Fischer, an article featured in Ventilator Assisted Living, Fall 2003, Vol. 17, No. 3.
Note that medicine, medical devices, regulations and laws are subject to change. Confirmation of all information from other sources, especially from authorities, air carriers and one’s physician, is strongly recommended.
Airport Security Screening Procedures
Respiratory-related equipment and devices are permitted through the screening checkpoint at US airports once they have undergone screening. Any respiratory equipment that cannot be cleared during the inspection process will not be permitted beyond the screening checkpoint.
For passengers who use a ventilator:
- Inform the Security Officer if your respiratory-related equipment cannot be safely disconnected.
- Only you can disconnect yourself to allow for your equipment to be X-rayed.
- Check with your doctor prior to coming to the checkpoint to ensure disconnection can be done safely.
- If your doctor has indicated that you cannot be disconnected or if you are concerned, ask the Security Officer for an alternate inspection process while you remain connected to your ventilator.
- All equipment will either undergo X-ray screening (only disconnected equipment) or physical inspection, and explosive trace detection inspection.
For detailed information on the security screening process and passengers who use supplemental oxygen, CPAP machines and other respiratory-related equipment, see TSA: Travelers with Disabilities and Medical Conditions.
Additional Tips on Traveling with a Ventilator
- Know your ventilator settings and operation. Know your ventilator settings and how to do basic setup and problem-solving. Ventilator connections can become loose, circuit breakers can pop out, and knobs can be turned during handling.
- Know how to explain the adjustment and operation of your ventilator. Security officers or airline personnel may request detailed information about its operation and use, especially in countries where the equipment may not be as common or familiar.
- Do not allow yourself to be separated from your ventilator. Ventilators and other medical equipment and supplies do not count toward the limit on carry-on items. However, if your ventilator does not fit under the seat, you may be asked to pay for a second seat. (TIP: Ask a flight attendant if there is an empty seat, or someone who doesn't need/wouldn't mind sharing their foot space.)
- Carry a letter from your doctor explaining your medical need for the device. When traveling internationally you may want to have this document translated into the destination country language.
- Carry a spare. If possible, bring a spare ventilator and a few replacement parts, such as spare tubing, especially if you are going to a country where equipment is less available or you are planning a long trip abroad. Consider assembling a travel kit of useful things such as small tools, extension cords, a surge-protected power bar, and a "cheater" plug which enables you to put a three-pronged plug into a two-hole outlet. You might also include gaffer or masking tape, string, and safety pins.
All airlines are required to have a Complaints Resolution Officer (CRO) immediately available – even if only by phone – to resolve disagreements that may arise between the carrier and passengers.
Electrical Adaptors
When traveling internationally, you may need electrical converters/adaptors for respiratory equipment. The power platform in the USA, Canada and Mexico is 110-220V (Volts), 60 Hz (Hertz). In foreign countries it is 220-240V, 50 Hz. Find out more information about adaptors by visiting NCDE’s Power Wheelchairs and Other Electrical Devices for International Travel resource on this subject.
Success Stories
“My first trip with a ventilator (which I use at night) was to Barbados. This was in 1966, long before workers worried about their backs and years before policies and procedures for handling people with disabilities were written…That first trip was amazing. The soft tropical air, warm turquoise sea, local people, and relaxed way of life just whetted my appetite for more. I was hooked on travel, in spite of a wheelchair, ventilator, extra luggage, and personal support needs. The world was mine, just waiting to be explored.” Read more by activist and author Audrey King about the rewards of international travel and tips on traveling with a ventilator.
Ventilator Users in the Air: Traveling to Japan, an interview with Adolf Ratzka and Audrey King, two long-time ventilator users, who traveled to Japan to participate in symposia sponsored by the Japanese Ventilator Users Network (JVUN).
For more information and to connect with other ventilator users, contact:
International Ventilator Users Network (IVUN)
An affiliate of Post-Polio Health International (PHI)
4207 Lindell Boulevard, #110
Saint Louis, MO 63108-2930 USA
Tel: (314) 534-0475 Fax: (314) 534-5070
Email: info@ventusers.org
The International Ventilator Users Network's mission is to enhance the lives and independence of home ventilator users and polio survivors through education, advocacy, research and networking.
Related Resources
Oxygen and International Travel
Air Travel Tips for People with Disabilities
Personal Assistants on International Exchange Programs
Packing for Easier Travel with a Mobility Disability
Although efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, MIUSA/NCDE cannot be held liable for inaccuracy, misinterpretation or complaints arising from these listings. Mention of an organization, company, service or resource should not be construed as an endorsement by MIUSA/NCDE. Please advise NCDE of any inaccuracies you may find.
