Disability Assistance

Passengers travelling with electronic medical devices

For electronic medical devices to be used inflight, these must have a manufacturer label stating that it complies with applicable FAA requirements for portable electronic medical devices or be checked and approved in advance by Cathay Pacific Airways. This requirement is to ensure that the electronic medical device when used inflight will not interfere with the safety and operation of our aircraft.

Please note that despite Cathay Pacific Airways’ approval of a device, the airline cannot be held responsible for any subsequent breakdown or operational failure of any medical equipment owned, supplied and used by passengers on its aircraft.

To ensure your safety and comfort for the duration of the flight, please note the following:

1. Advance notice
   • Please inform us in advance if you wish to use any electronic medical equipment in flight.
   • For Ventilator, respirator, CPAP machine and POC (Portable Oxygen Concentrator) we require advance notice up to 48 hours before the scheduled departure time of your intended flight.
   • For any device without a manufacturer label stating that it complies with applicable FAA requirements for portable electronic medical devices, up to 2 weeks advance notice may be required. (Note: Only FAA approved devices will be accepted for flights to or from the US)

2. Medical clearance
   Medical clearance may be required for passengers who use certain medical devices as we need to ensure that you are fit to fly. Please contact your local Reservations office for more details.

3. Power supply for electronic medical devices
   • The Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) portable dry battery or gel-type battery packs are the best power supply for your electronic medical devices on board our aircraft. Spare batteries will not be supplied by Cathay Pacific. Please bring an adequate number of fully charged and properly packaged batteries for the entire journey (150% of the expected maximum flight duration). Please contact our local Reservations office for information about your expected flight time. The extra batteries carried onboard must be packed in accordance with safety regulations [Positive Terminal and Negative Terminal of the battery must not be in contact and should be stored in separate plastic bag(s)].
   • Cathay Pacific's aircraft power supply is 115Volts at 400 Hertz. However, most medical devices are designed to operate on AC power with voltages from 110 volts to 250 volts and only at 50 or 60 hertz frequency. Medical devices that use motors do not work on a wide range of frequencies. Using the machine on another frequency may damage the power pack attached to the machine. Please confirm with the OEM whether your device can be used with a power supply of 115Volts at 400 Hertz. Cathay Pacific will not be responsible for damages or injuries caused by using the aircraft power supply to operate your device on board.
   • Depending on the availability of aircraft power supply, adaptors may be required and must be supplied by the passenger. Adaptors will not be supplied by Cathay Pacific. You may contact our local Reservations office regarding the correct type of adaptor.
   NOTE1: Aircraft power for medical devices cannot be guaranteed and could be interrupted inflight. Therefore, all life supporting medical devices must be self powered using their own batteries.
   NOTE2: Approved POC devices must be self powered using gel or dry battery. These devices are not allowed to be plugged into aircraft’s power supply at any time.
   NOTE3: Medical devices and battery pack(s) must never be charged using the aircraft power supply.
   



4. Restrictions on electronic medical devices

   1. Restriction on use during certain phases of flight
      • The use of electronic medical devices meeting FAA requirements are allowed, during all phases of flight, provided that the devices are properly stowed.
      • All other approved electronic medical devices may only be used on board from 15 minutes after take-off until the seat belt sign is switched on in preparation for landing. They have to be stowed for take-off, taxiing and landing.
      • As with all electronic devices carried on board an aircraft the operating captain has the right to request that any device be turned off if he/she believes it is affecting the aircraft systems. If such a request is made, the device must be turned off immediately.
   2. Prohibited devices
      Due to the risk of airborne spread of infections, the following devices are not allowed to be operated on board any Cathay Pacific flights:
      • Nebulisers (open-circuit type)
      • Personal Humidifiers

5. Advance check in
   Please check in at least one hour before the scheduled departure time of your intended flight.