Bringing a CPAP machine through security at Frankfurt Airport?

My wife and I are going to Germany later this year. She has to use a CPAP machine. We've never had any trouble flying domestically with it here in the US Is there anything special to do with it when going through security in Frankfurt for our flight back to the US or should it be as easy as it is here in the States? We're on Delta Airlines, if that matters at all.

My dad (I'm 14) has one and he had to take it to Germany 2 years ago so unless things changed I think you should be fine.

Call your airline.
Google
flying internationally with a cpap machine

Plenty of sites pop up to help you.

The procedure will most likely be the same as in the US.

Take the machine out of the carry on bag and put it into a bin of its own when it goes through the x-ray machine.

There are no doubt thousands of CPAP users that go through any airport's security screening. It is not a new thing for them.

She has to use a CPAP machine.
You have investigated the electrical requirements and have brought with you whatever it is you need to be able to use it with European electrical system?
It is not an issue for customs purposes to have the machine.

There are electrical issues in using it.

Delta Airlines and all the other Airlines are not any country's Customs service.
If it is in your carry on stuff you present it to the security officer and they will do whatever they feel they need to do to check it.
This is not some unusual thing they have never seen before. It is allowed on planes as part of your carry on in Europe just like in the USA.

German electrical system is 230 V 50 Hz. The standard plug has two round pins not two blades like in USA. Up to you to bring the appropriate plug adapter and voltage transformer. It will depend on the specific requirements of your machine.
Depending if you are going other countries you may need additional adapters for the standard outlets/plugs you may encounter in your hotel.

At the customs inspection they too may want to examine it. EXPECT some extra health questions.

Continuous positive airway pressure machine. In German "kontinuierlicher positiver Atemwegsdruck". As you need one you have some medical issue. Depending what that issue is it may be something that the Immigration/Health officials will not let you pass.
Suggest a brief medical note from your doctor explaining your situation and need for this device.
This is a thing available in Europe to those that need one.

Past security to board the plane is not the same thing as past the Customs Officer to enter the country. YOUR HEALTH condition is also part of the process.

I know someone who travels all the time with one. He's never had any trouble.

Add Comment