Airline policies for passengers with obstructive sleep apnoea who require in-flight continuous positive airways pressure

Abstract

Background and objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the current policies of Australian and New Zealand airlines on the use of in-flight CPAP by passengers with OSA.

Methods: A survey was conducted of 53 commercial airlines servicing international routes. Information was obtained from airline call centres and websites. The policies, approval schemes and costs associated with in-flight use of CPAP were documented for individual airlines.

Results: Of the 53 airlines contacted, 28 (53%) were able to support passengers requiring in-flight CPAP. All these airlines required passengers to bring their own machines, and allowed the use of battery-operated machines. Six airlines (21%) allowed passengers to plug their machines into the aircraft power supply. The majority of airlines (19, 68%) did not charge passengers for the use of CPAP, while 9 (32%) were unsure of their charging policies. Many airlines only permitted certain models of CPAP machine or battery types.

Conclusions: Many airlines are unaware of CPAP. Those who are, have relatively consistent policies concerning the use of in-flight CPAP.