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United Airlines CPAP policy

Posted by Captin Cannuck on May 22, 2006 at 17:27:32:

I am writing this for the benefit of those who travel with CPAP on aircraft. It is not as easy as we might think. I have just returned from my trip to California from Tokyo. I flew United both ways (UA 838 to S.F on May 15/06, and UA 837 return May 21/06).

I had a lot of trouble with United Airlines. On the way to California, I requested to be seated near an electrical outlet. They turned down my request because I did not give enough advance notice. I could understand that, so I told them "no problem". On the return flight I called them one day in advance, as they had instructed me. I spent about one hour on hold talking to different Customer Service people, and trying to explain what a "Cee..Pee..Ayy..Pee" machine was, and why I needed it. They took down all the specs of my CPAP machine, and after being on hold for one hour and listening to an endless barrage of musak, the medical affairs department finally handed down their verdict. They said they did not have approval for my CPAP, and that they would have to refuse my request. I was really surprised that they were unfamiliar with CPAP, and was also surprised that they would not accomodate my request, given the advance notice. What difference would it make to them if I sat near the electrical outlet?

It was a long and uncomfortable flight. I had to make sure that I did not fall asleep, which was really hard. By the time I got to Tokyo, I was a basketcase. I had to buy an airport hotel, because I was so exhausted.

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