What should you do if an airline loses your CPAP machine in Europe?
Let us guess—you just flew into Europe, only to realize at baggage claim that the airline lost your luggage, along with your CPAP machine. You shouldn’t be surprised; unfortunately, it happens a lot. Whether you are a tourist or on a business trip, finding yourself without your CPAP equipment can turn a dream trip into a nightmare faster than you can say "apnea."
While you may be entitled to financial compensation from the airline eventually, that won’t solve your immediate need for sleep therapy tonight, nor will it answer the desperate "Where is my CPAP?" question. In this article, we will explain exactly what you should do to get a replacement CPAP machine in Europe immediately.
Should you find yourself at a European airport without your stationary or travel CPAP machine, don’t panic. You can get a replacement fast. There is no need to order a new one from your home country (like the US or Canada), as international shipping and customs clearance will take far too long.
According to the US Bureau of Transportation, millions of passengers fly every day. Among this number are countless passengers traveling to Europe with CPAP machines. Mishandled baggage is a frustrating, but common, reality.
Your sleep apnea won’t wait for a delayed baggage claim, and neither should you!
After the initial frustration of having your CPAP lost by British Airways, Emirates, Delta, or any other major airline, you need to act swiftly. Depending on the European country you are in, local options will vary significantly. Some countries require a local prescription to buy a CPAP in-store, while others may not even have physical CPAP shops readily available to tourists.
Your best and fastest option is to order a replacement online. At CPAPeuropa, we can ship a brand-new CPAP machine to your hotel, Airbnb, or temporary residence with Express 1-Day Priority Shipping anywhere in the EU.
We are fully stocked with the new AirSense 11
Get it delivered to your European address in 1 to 3 days!
How to handle the airline and your therapy
The moment you discover your luggage is missing, you should first file a formal report with the airline at the airport's lost baggage desk. Keep all your reference numbers. Next, secure your replacement CPAP ASAP.
Once you purchase a replacement device from us, keep the invoice! Many travel insurance policies or airline compensation claims will reimburse you for out-of-pocket medical equipment expenses incurred due to their negligence. You get your new CPAP, your sleep apnea stays under control, and you can apply for compensation for your lost luggage later.
Looking for something smaller? Get a Travel CPAP
Advice for safe traveling with your CPAP equipment
Prevention is always the best cure. Before even purchasing your ticket to Europe, read the CPAP policy of the specific airline you will be flying with.
Golden Rule: Never check your CPAP machine. Always bring it on board as carry-on luggage. Because a CPAP is classified as a medical device, the vast majority of airlines allow you to carry it on board in addition to your standard carry-on allowance, completely free of charge.
Make sure to contact the airline at least two weeks prior to your flight. Tell them you will be bringing a Sleep Apnea machine and may even need to use it in-flight (especially for transatlantic flights or long hauls from Asia or South America).
IMPORTANT: Policies vary between different airlines. Always visit the carrier’s website and read their official policy regarding respiratory equipment.
Airlines with specific policies regarding flying with a CPAP machine:
- Air France
- Air New Zealand
- American Airlines
- Asiana Airlines
- Austrian Airlines
- Bangkok Airways
- Cathay Pacific
- Delta Airlines
- Emirates
- JetBlue
- Qatar Airways
- Singapore Airlines
- Swiss International Air Lines
- United Airlines
- Virgin Atlantic
- Alaska Airlines
- Southwest Airlines
- Hawaiian Airlines
