Power for CPAP on JetBlue Boston to AMS flight?

Question

I must decide whether or not to bring the CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure machine) on-board or check-in luggage (preferable in the absence of power). The flight leaves Boston at 10 PM, so it would be nice to be able to use the CPAP. The question in my mind: is there power on a specific date /flight so I can use my CPAP?

Answer 1

In general, you should never rely on power being available for a medical device on a commercial flight. Sometimes power may be unavailable on a particular flight, may need to be turned off for various reasons during flight, or may simply not provide enough wattage for what you need. Just because they may have a 110 VAC or 220 VAC plug on the aircraft does not mean that it will provide the same 15-20 Amps that a normal wall plug in a building would. They're not normally going to have 2kW of power available per plug like normal home circuits in the U.S. have.

JetBlue's website states that the power on their aircraft is not available for use by assistive devices (emphasis mine):

Some of our aircraft have in-seat electrical power, but it is not available for ventilators, respirators, CPAP or BiPAP machines.

American Airlines' website also states not to rely on on-board power being available for medical devices:

We recommend you bring any necessary, fully-charged batteries to power your medical devices throughout your flight. Don’t depend on the availability of a power outlet to support your device.

Additionally, if your device produces heat (as some comments here have mentioned some CPAPs do,) it may not be allowed for use in flight. U.S. Federal Aviation Regulations prohibit the use of battery-powered heat-producing devices that haven't been specifically approved for use on the aircraft in flight, due to potential fire risk. These regulations also require that any such device be physically locked out where it cannot be accidentally turned on in flight (e.g. by removing the battery or disconnecting the heating element.)

(Under a section regarding items that can be brought on an aircraft subject to stated restrictions:)

Battery powered heat-producing devices (e.g., battery-operated equipment such as diving lamps and soldering equipment) as checked or carry-on baggage and with the approval of the operator of the aircraft. The heating element, the battery, or other component (e.g., fuse) must be isolated to prevent unintentional activation during transport.

49 CFR 175.10(a)(14) (emphasis mine)

Note that you are allowed to bring your CPAP machine and it should be able to be brought on board with you without counting against your normal carry-on baggage limit. (Though, on smaller regional jets, you may be required to valet check it at the gate instead, but that would not apply to a trans-Atlantic flight.) But just don't count on having external power available to power it during flight.

The U.S. Department of Transportation publishes a pamphlet describing your rights and requirements for bringing medical assistive devices on scheduled airline flights on U.S.-flagged carriers.

Answer 2

Quote from JetBlue (emphasis added):

Portable electronic personal ventilators, respirators, CPAP and bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP) machines may be carried and used on board JetBlue, in accordance with specific FAA guidelines.

Some aircraft have in-seat electrical power, but it is not available for ventilators, respirators, CPAP or BiPAP machines.

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

Source: CPAP machines

Whether this means alternative power is available or not is not clear.