Ventilators, Respirators and CPAP Machines - Customer Provided

Portable electronic personal ventilators, respirators, and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines may be carried and used on board Continental and Continental Micronesia flights if it can be verified by a manufacturers’ label or otherwise that it meets applicable FAA requirements.

A forty-eight (48) hour minimum advance notification to reservations (1-800-228-2744) is required for customers using a ventilator, respirator or CPAP machine onboard. Reservations will ensure the device you are planning to use is on the list of current, approved devices and will provide guidance on the number of batteries you will need for your flight. Customers can help by providing Continental at the time of booking information from the manufacturer about the device meeting FAA regulations.

Some seating restrictions may be necessary to comply with certain FAA safety rules.

Please note that aircraft in-seat electrical power is available on a limited number of aircraft, and there is no guarantee that the in-seat power will be operative. Flights operated by Continental Express and Continental Connection will have no in-seat power. Therefore, customers must have an ample supply of fully charged batteries plus 3 hours of extra battery time for the flight. Continental also recommends that customers travel with backup manually-operated supplies in case of failure of electronic equipment or unforeseen delays.

Ventilators, respirators and CPAP machines are considered assistive devices. They must be stowed and used in the passenger cabin consistent with applicable TSA, FAA and other regulations governing carry-on luggage.