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

作者：Walker Jacqueline; Kelly Paul T; Beckert Lutz^*

来源：Respirology, 2010, 15(3): 556-561.

DOI：10.1111/j.1440-1843.2010.01716.x

• commercial airline
• continuous positive airway pressure
• in-flight
• passenger
• obstructive sleep apnoea

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.

• 出版日期2010-4