How to Travel With Oxygen On A Plane (Tips to Fly With US Airlines) - Requirements, Guidelines for Flying With Oxygen on Planes
As air travel becomes progressively more common, travel opportunities and chances have increased for people with severe medical conditions. Among these are respiratory and lung disease passengers who need supplemental oxygen as they travel through the air.
Commercial air carriers and airlines have policies regarding in-flight and onboard oxygen that vary significantly. The differences lead to a great deal of confusion for passengers.
This article dives deep into traveling with oxygen, including the preparation and requirements of various airlines regarding in-flight oxygen.
How to Prepare for Air Travel With Supplemental Oxygen
A medical emergency while in the air is not a situation anyone wants to be in. For people with chronic respiratory or lung disease, flying can put them at serious risk since they may not be able to receive enough oxygen while high up.
Even people who do not use supplemental oxygen regularly may need it while flying due to the lower oxygen levels inside the pressurized cabin. So, you can probably assume how essential inflight oxygen is by now.
If you are a passenger with a severe need for supplemental oxygen while flying, here are the steps you need to take!
Step 1: Consult Your Doctor
People with respiratory conditions or at risk of low oxygen levels should consult a clinician or doctor before the planned departure date. Here are some notable things that you need to talk to them about:
- Determine if you genuinely need supplemental oxygen during your flight several weeks to months before the departure schedule. In general, airlines do not offer medical oxygen. Instead, they allow passengers to bring portable oxygen concentrators with them.
- Learn about the oxygen requirements you will need during air travel and layovers. Talk with your doctor and discuss the arrangements to supply oxygen for each vital part of your air trip.
- Ask for the proper documentation from your physician. Some airlines require a doctor's letter with their name and contact information, your medical condition, air travel approval, verification for your need for in-flight oxygen, and information specifying the oxygen flow rate and volume, as well as the duration of use.
- Ready your POC units. Ensure that they are battery-operated. Also, bring extra supplies like batteries, masks, and nasal cannulas. Ready copies of your medication prescriptions in case you need them. Some airlines have medical reviewers that need to see your doctor's letter or document.
Step 2: Acquire Oxygen Appropriate For Air Travel
The Federal Aviation Administration, or the FAA, does not permit passengers to carry liquid oxygen, oxygen tanks, or oxygen cylinders aboard a commercial aircraft. Instead, most oxygen therapy patients can bring FAA approved battery-powered portable oxygen concentrators. Airlines in the US are now required to allow the use of these oxygen devices throughout the flight.
If you do not own a POC unit, you can get one for short-term rental from an oxygen supplier or a company offering oxygen service.
Step 3: Choose An Airline
If you are traveling with oxygen, you should pick an airline that will best accommodate your needs. In search of an airline for your trip, ask questions such as 'what airlines allow portable oxygen concentrators?' or 'which airlines provide portable oxygen concentrators for international travel?'.
Seeking out the answer to these questions can help you choose an airline. Oxygen policies, regulations, and charges are different for each air carrier. You must obtain the most updated information about their requirements to ensure that your needs are met.
Step 4: Make Arrangements
After choosing an airline, make sure that you prepare the necessary reservations and arrangements in advance. If you have questions about inflight oxygen, call the airline to clarify and verify the information. For extra measure, confirm your inflight oxygen arrangements ahead of time and be sure to arrive at the airport early.
Step 5: Take The Needed Precautions
Before the plane leaves the ground, ensure that you take the following precautions:
- The portable oxygen concentrator unit is working correctly.
- The flow rate meter of the device is set to the proper liter flow per minute.
- You bring enough batteries to last you through the flight.
- You have easy access to all your medications, including the inhalers.
FAA Requirements When Traveling With Oxygen
Today, airlines allow passengers needing supplemental oxygen to bring POC devices onboard a plane if the model satisfies and meets the specific acceptance criteria set by the FAA. You must wonder, what does the FAA require for travel with an oxygen concentrator portable?
Rather than continuing the testing of portable O2 concentrators on a case-by-case basis like before, the FAA now has established an acceptance criteria for POCs to allow them for onboard use.
Current FAA rules permit, but do not require, airlines to accept portable oxygen concentrator. Some airlines may charge for them. Also, note that airlines are not required to allow them.
The FAA criteria and requirements are:
- The POC model should be legally marketed in the US following the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) requirements, as stated in Title 21 of the Code of Federal Regulations or the 21 CFR.
- The POC model should not give off radio frequency emissions that can hinder or interfere with the plane's systems.
- The POC model should not generate or create compressed gas.
- The POC model should not include any hazardous materials, except as provided for 49 CFR, part 175, §175.10 for batteries utilized to power PEDs. Also, it should not require the approval of the aircraft operator for carriage, as is the case for some larger batteries.
- The POC model must have a required POC labeling. All models that meet the acceptance criteria and are not previously approved in SFAR 106 must have a label with the statement: "The manufacturer of this POC has determined this device conforms to all applicable FAA acceptance criteria for POC carriage and use on board aircraft" in red lettering.
How to Fly With Oxygen on American Airlines
Flying and traveling with a portable oxygen concentrator can be quite a scary experience — one that can leave you irritable and anxious before and while on board the plane. Several oxygen patients tend to travel on a bus or train instead. One such thing that causes much anxiety is the portable oxygen policy of each airline.
American Airlines makes an effort to accommodate passengers with special medical needs on board. Like most airlines, they do not allow a liquid or compressed oxygen tank on the plane. If you're flying with American Airlines with your POC, you should take note of a few things.
You need a doctor to fill out the physician consent form. The doctor must also contact the airline no less than 48 hours before the scheduled flight to inform them that the form is filled out.
An agent will assist you when you check in at the airline's gate. It would be better to request early boarding to ensure that you can bring your POC unit on board without needing to navigate around many passengers.
American Airlines Approved the Following Portable Oxygen Concentrators
Below is the approved American airlines portable oxygen concentrator list. The following have met the criteria set by the FAA for onboard usage. The airline also accepts any POC model with a manufacturer label claiming that it meets and satisfies the FAA acceptance criteria to be used onboard.
- AirSep Freestyle
- AirSep Freestyle 5
- AirSep Focus
- Delphi Medical Systems RS-00400
- Devilbiss Healthcare iGO
- Inogen One
- Inogen One G2
- Inogen One G3
- Inogen One G4
- LifeChoice Activox
- Inova Labs Lifechoice
- Inova Labs Lifechoice Activox
- International Biophysics Lifechoice
- Invacare SOLO2
- Invacare XPO2
- Precision Medical Easy Pulse
- Oxlife Independence
- Oxus RS-0400 Evo
- Respironics EverGo
- Respironics SimplyGo
- SeQual Eclipse, Models 1, 2, and 3
- SeQual Eclipse 3
- SeQual eQuinox – Model 4000
- SeQual Saros
- VBOX Trooper
American Airlines Requirements and Reminders When Flying With Portable Oxygen Concentrators
Here are the requirements set by American Airlines regarding portable oxygen concentrators.
1. Check-in
Ensure that you check in at the airline's gate in advance. It is so that the agent there can confirm that the POC model is approved for air travel and to test that you can use the POC properly and respond to its alarms. The agent will also explain the phases of the flight when the POC unit is most operable.
2. Battery Requirements
You must ensure that the batteries are fully charged enough to supply power to your device for no less than 150% of the flight time. Bring enough batteries as well for extra measure. Take unexpected delays into close consideration.
3. During The Flight
Your POC unit must fit underneath the plane seat in front of you. It would be best if you didn't sit next to the emergency exit, bulkhead, or any plane seat that blocks another person's aisle. You may also use your POC while moving about in the plane if the sign 'fasten seatbelt' is not illuminated.
How to Fly With Oxygen on United Airlines
You can bring and use FAA-approved POCs on your flight with United Airlines worldwide at no charge. When connecting to or from another airline, including codeshare flights not under United Airlines, you are responsible for making independent arrangements with them.
If you need to use a POC during air travel, give the airlines a minimum of 48 hours advance notice. The accessibility desk at the customer center of the airline will help you determine whether the device you have is FAA approved.
POCs are medical assistive devices that do not count toward carry-on bag limits whether you will use them or not on board. They must fit on the overhead compartment or underneath the seat.
United Airlines Approved the Following Portable Oxygen Concentrators
Here is the United Airlines portable oxygen concentrator list. If they meet the weight and carry-on size requirements, you can carry other appropriately labeled POC units and brands in the cabin with their batteries removed. It may also be transported as checked luggage.
- AirSep Freestyle
- AirSep Freestyle 5
- AirSep Focus
- AirSep Lifestyle
- Delphi Central Air
- Devilbiss iGO
- Inogen One
- Inogen One G2
- Inogen One G3
- Inova Labs LifeChoice Activox
- International Biophysics Lifechoice
- Invacare SOLO2
- Invacare XPO2
- Precision Medical Easy Pulse
- Oxlife Independence
- Respironics EverGo
- Respironics SimplyGo
- Respironics SimplyGo Mini
- SeQual Eclipse
- SeQual SAROS
- SeQual eQuinox
- VBOX Trooper
United Airlines Requirements and Reminders When Flying With Portable Oxygen Concentrators
If you wish to travel with oxygen on a United Airlines flight, you must adhere to the following requirements before boarding the plane:
1. Travel Requirements
If you need to use your POC onboard, you must inform United Airlines ahead of time or as you are making your reservations. Reach out to the United Customer Contact Center at least 2 days before your scheduled flight to ensure they know all the necessary information and can help you meet their travel requirements.
If you don't meet their requirements, you will not be allowed to use the POC during the flight.
2. Prepare a Medical Certificate
You need to present a signed medical certificate for POC use. The airline has a medical certificate for POC available on its website. The certificate must:
- State whether the POC is medically necessary for the entire or a portion of the flight.
- Include the maximum oxygen flow rate in liters per minute corresponding to the pressure in the cabin under normal operating conditions.
- State that the POC unit's expected total duration (operating time) extends the entire flight time, plus three additional hours.
- Be with you at all times and provided upon request of the personnel at any time during the flight.
3. During the Flight
You need an ample supply of extra batteries to cover the entire flight duration and ground connection time where the portable oxygen concentrator unit will be used. Additionally, prepare at least 3 hours of extra battery time in case of delays or disruptions.
Note that the in-seat electrical power is only available to a limited number of planes; even then, there is no actual guarantee that it can charge your POC.
How to Fly With Oxygen on Delta Airlines
Another major airline that welcomes FAA approved portable oxygen concentrators pocs is Delta Airlines. Until October 1, 2009, Delta offered inflight compressed oxygen to passengers undergoing oxygen therapy. They no longer do so but they allow the use of approved POCs as long as you provide 48-hour advance notice.
If you're flying with Delta Airlines, you will need to notify them of your need to bring a POC on board when you purchase your ticket. Fortunately, your POC unit and the accessory bag that carries the needed stuff will not count against your carry-on limit.
Delta Airlines Approved the Following Portable Oxygen Concentrators
Here is an approved delta airlines portable oxygen concentrator list for those traveling with Delta.
- AirSep Freestyle
- AirSep Freestyle 5
- AirSep Focus
- AirSep Lifestyle (modified
- Caire Freestyle Comfort
- Delphi RS-00400
- Devilbiss iGO
- Inogen One
- Inogen One G2
- Inogen One G3
- Inogen One G4
- Inova Labs Lifechoice Activox
- Invacare SOLO2
- Invacare XPO2
- Precision Medical Easy Pulse
- Precision Medical Easy Pulse 3
- Oxlife Independence
- Oxus RS-00400
- Resmed AirCurve 10V Auto
- Respironics EverGo
- Respironics SimplyGo
- Respironics SimplyGo Mini
- SeQual Eclipse (1 and 2 models)
- SeQual Eclipse (3 and 5 models)
- SeQual eQuinox
- SeQual SAROS
- VBox Trooper
Delta Airlines Requirements and Reminders When Flying With Portable Oxygen Concentrators
Here are a few requirements you need to know about if you are planning to fly with Delta:
1. Travel Requirements
It would be best to verify that your FAA-approved POC will have the required 150% battery life for the flight duration. Also, at least 48 hours before you board the plane, complete the POC Approval and Battery Approval Request form and email or fax it to OxygenToGo.
You will receive confirmation from them when they receive your form. Contact them if you do not receive a confirmation within 24 hours. Failing to submit the form 48 hours prior will cause delays or refusal to board.
2. Battery Requirements
The POC unit is not counted towards the carry-on limit. The battery must be removed and packed separately when not in use.
3. Seating
Patients with POC should not sit on bulkhead rows, near exit rows, or on seats blocking aisle access.
How to Fly With Oxygen on Hawaiian Airlines
Hawaiian Airlines have their passengers' health and safety in the front of their minds, which is why they have their own set of requirements and rules for bringing POC units aboard.
Like most airlines, you need to notify them that you must bring your POC unit with you 48 hours before your flight. You will need to be transparent with all the details they are asking, including the POC unit you are bringing, its battery life, and your required oxygen dosage.
Arrive early, at least an hour or two, to check in properly. Mainly so the airline can check the physician's statement and doctor's official letterhead. They will also need to check your ability to travel and if you know how to use the POC unit properly.
Hawaiian Airlines Approved the Following Portable Oxygen Concentrators
Check below to know if your POC unit is included in the Hawaiian airlines portable oxygen concentrator list. If it's not on the approved POC list, it must have an FAA label certifying that it is safe for in-flight use.
- AirSep Freestyle
- AirSep Freestyle 5
- AirSep Focus
- AirSep Lifestyle
- Delphi RS-00400
- Devilbiss iGO
- Inogen One
- Inogen One G2
- Inogen One G3
- Inova Labs LifeChoice
- Inova Labs LifeChoice Activox
- International Biophysics LifeChoice
- Invacare SOLO2
- Invacare XPO2
- Precision Medical Easy Pulse
- Oxlife Independence
- Oxus RS-00400
- Respironics EverGo
- Respironics SimplyGo
- SeQual Eclipse
- SeQual Oxywell (model 4000)
- SeQual eQuinox (model 4000)
- VBox Trooper
Hawaiian Airlines Requirements and Reminders When Flying With Portable Oxygen Concentrators
Here are the guidelines you need to remember before and during your scheduled flight with Hawaiian Airlines:
1. Travel Requirements
You must give them 48-hour advance notice if you want to use your portable oxygen concentrator onboard. Call their Reservations Department at 800-367-5320 to notify the airline properly.
2. Battery Life
You must fully charge the batteries so they can power your device and let it run optimally. It needs to have a battery life of 150% for the flight time. Passengers cannot plug the concentrator device onboard.
3. During the Flight
As mentioned, you need to arrive at least an hour early. Mobile, website, and kiosk check-ins are not allowed for those traveling with portable concentrators since an airport agent must thoroughly check a few things first.
How to Fly With Oxygen on Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines recommends that passengers traveling with oxygen need to notify them two days before the flight. It is to help the airline prepare correctly for the oxygen passenger's needs.
When booking a flight through the airline's website, you may add disability options to the booking and request assistance. For flights that are already booked, you can opt to manage your reservations and include the disability details after.
The airline's additional policies regarding traveling with oxygen may be read on their official website.
Southwest Airlines Approved the Following Portable Oxygen Concentrators
Refer to this southwest airlines portable oxygen concentrator list to know if your POC model is approved for use during the travel.
- AirSep Focus
- AirSep Lifestyle
- Delphi RS-00400
- Devilbiss iGO
- Inogen One
- Inogen One G2
- Inogen One G3
- Inova Labs LifeChoice
- Inova Labs LifeChoice Activox
- International Biophysics LifeChoice
- Invacare SOLO2
- Invacare XPO2
- Precision Medical Easy Pulse
- Oxlife Independence
- Oxus RS-00400
- Respironics EverGo
- Respironics SimplyGo
- SeQual Eclipse
- SeQual Oxywell (model 4000)
- SeQual eQuinox (model 4000)
- SeQual SAROS
- VBox Trooper
Southwest Airlines Requirements and Reminders When Flying With Portable Oxygen Concentrators
Read to learn about the reminders set by Southwest Airlines for traveling with portable concentrator units.
1. Travel Requirements
Make sure that your portable oxygen is suitable for traveling. It needs to be battery-operated. The FAA also requires those bringing POC units to have batteries that cover no less than 150% of the flight. Carry extra batteries in case of emergency or delays.
2. Make Reservations
You can tell the airline in advance that you'll be traveling with a portable oxygen concentrator through booking. You can add it when you are booking your flight. Go to the Special Assistance Link of their website and click on the 'Passenger & Payment Info' (desktop) or 'Passenger' (mobile) screen.
You may also add it to your existing booking. Go to their website, manage your reservations and click on 'Special Assistance' (desktop) under the passenger name or select the pencil icon that is located next to the passenger name, then click 'Special Assistance' (mobile).
3. Before The Flight
You are required to arrive no less than 45 minutes before the scheduled departure. If you want to preboard, look for a customer service agent before boarding.
Prior to boarding, the airline will need to verify the model, phases of flight during which the passenger intends to use the POC, and the number and packaging of the batteries.
4. During the Flight
Under the FAA safety regulations, a passenger with a portable oxygen concentrator must sit near the window. Also, consistent with the FAA safety regulations, a POC model must fit underneath the seat.
How to Fly With Oxygen on Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines also has its own requirements and guidelines for using portable oxygen concentrators. These requirements mainly exist because the airline wants to ensure your flight goes as smoothly as possible.
Safety and meeting all your needs, including oxygen needs, are the top priority of Alaska Airlines. Here are things you need to consider when flying with Alaska Airlines.
Mainly, you need to read the guidelines set by the airlines from their official website. Doing this allows you to prepare thoroughly for your flight. You must meet all their travel requirements to ensure you can board the plane without any delay or issues.
Reach out to the airline before your scheduled flight to inform them that you are traveling with a portable concentrator. Doing so allows them to prepare everything beforehand to ensure you have the best travel experience they could offer.
Alaska Airline Approved the Following Portable Oxygen Concentrators
Here is an up-to-date Alaska Airlines portable oxygen concentrator list. They accept the following devices on both domestic and international flights:
- AirSep Freestyle
- AirSep Freestyle 5
- AirSep Focus
- AirSep Lifestyle
- Delphi RS-00400
- Devilbiss iGO
- Inogen One
- Inogen One G2
- Inogen One G3
- Inova Labs LifeChoice
- Inova Labs LifeChoice Activox
- Invacare SOLO2
- Invacare XPO2
- Precision Medical Easy Pulse
- Oxlife Independence
- Oxus RS-00400
- Respironics EverGo
- Respironics SimplyGo
- SeQual Eclipse
- SeQual Oxywell
- SeQual eQuinox
- SeQual SAROS
- VBOX Trooper
Alaska Airlines Requirements and Reminders When Flying With Portable Oxygen Concentrators
Alaska Airlines has a set of requirements for in-flight portable oxygen concentrators. Here are the notable reminders you need to know before you start packing your POC device:
1. Travel Requirements
It is highly recommended to contact and reach out to the airline to provide advance notice that you will be bringing and using a portable oxygen concentrator. Once your travel plans are finalized and confirmed, call the airline's accessible services line at 1-800-503-0101, so they can note that you are traveling with a POC.
You are required to bring your own POC unit. You also should know how to use it since the airline does not provide instructions.
2. Battery Requirements
Bring an ample supply of batteries to power your device. It should be no less than 150% of the flight duration and ground connection time. Electrical outlets or power ports are not available in some planes.
3. During the Flight
As advised by the FAA safety regulations, you may use your portable concentrator during all phases of the trip as long as it is stowed and hidden under the seat in front of you. You need to monitor your portable oxygen concentrator at all the time so as not to miss any warning features.
How to Fly With Oxygen on Frontier Airline
You don't need to let your respiratory condition and oxygen needs get in the way of traveling and exploring. It doesn't have to prevent you from crossing the country to meet family or visit places! Some airlines allow portable concentrator models for onboard use!
Frontier Airlines is one such airline that permits various portable concentrator models onboard their aircraft! Like the previously mentioned airlines, Frontier also has its guidelines for using travel oxygen.
Passengers must meet all the requirements to board the plane without much worry. The most notable thing to remember is that your portable oxygen concentrator must meet all the criteria of the FAA, and it must be battery-powered.
Frontier Airline Approved the Following Portable Oxygen Concentrators
The approved frontier airlines portable oxygen concentrator list includes multiple models and brands.
- AirSep Freestyle
- AirSep Freestyle 5
- AirSep Focus
- AirSep Lifestyle
- Delphi RS-00400
- Devilbiss iGO
- Inogen One
- Inogen One G2
- Inogen One G3
- Inova Labs LifeChoice
- Inova Labs LifeChoice Activox
- Invacare SOLO2
- Invacare XPO2
- Precision Medical Easy Pulse
- Oxlife Independence
- Oxus RS-00400
- Respironics EverGo
- Respironics SimplyGo
- SeQual Eclipse
- SeQual Oxywell
- SeQual eQuinox
- VBOX Trooper
Frontier Airlines Requirements and Reminders When Flying With Portable Oxygen Concentrators
Here are things you need to know about if you travel with portable concentrator units on a Frontier Airlines flight.
1. Travel Requirements
Before traveling, the passenger with the concentrator must fill out and complete the Portable Oxygen Medical Authorization Form 30881 or acquire a medical statement from their doctor addressing the points in the airline's Medical Authorization Form.
If you need assistance with booking a flight or have a special services request, you can call them at 801-401-9004.
2. Check In
A portable oxygen concentrator is a medical assistive device that has the task of delivering oxygen to patients in need of supplemental oxygen. Assistive devices like this do not count against the limit on the number of carry-on baggage pieces. It can be carried on the plane or checked in without charge. You may use it during the flight, or it can be transported as checked luggage.
3. Battery Requirements
Bringing sufficient and extra batteries is a must in traveling with a portable oxygen concentrator. For your safety, you must ensure that the concentrator will not run out of power, hence the extras.
FAQs About Traveling With Oxygen on a Plane
Can you bring oxygen on a plane?
The only oxygen equipment or device a patient can bring onboard a plane is an FAA-approved portable oxygen concentrator. You cannot carry liquid oxygen or oxygen tanks on a commercial aircraft. If you are taking a portable concentrator abroad, you must inform the airline ahead of time.
Can you take portable oxygen on a plane?
Yes. You can bring in a portable oxygen concentrator aboard a plane if you alert the airline and meet all their requirements and reminders.
Each airline and carrier has its own set of requirements for approving oxygen concentrator units. Though typically, they require a doctor’s letter to verify that the patient is indeed in need of supplemental oxygen on the plane.
Can you fly with an oxygen tank on Southwest?
The Federation Aviation Administration, or FAA, does not permit passengers to bring oxygen tanks, portable or not, on flights and aboard planes. These oxygen equipment are not exactly safe to fly with.
An oxygen patient, fortunately, can bring a portable oxygen concentrator unit. These medical devices are compliant with the FAA requirements.
What is the best portable oxygen concentrator for air travel?
Arguably, the best portable oxygen concentrator in the market for air travel is CAIRE Freestyle Comfort. They are most appropriate for travel due to their long battery life and lightweight design, making them easy to carry and move around. It also has low operating noise, only 39 decibels, that would not disturb your flight neighbors.
Learn more about the best portable oxygen concentrators for high altitude here.
Where to buy a portable oxygen concentrator for air travel?
You can buy yours from a reputable retailer that sell portable oxygen concentrators like Sprylyfe. If you’re looking for the best seller with good feedback, responsive customer service, and offers the best deals, you can visit our website at SpryLyfe.com. We offer the FAA-approved concentrator units that are perfectly suitable for air travel!
Can an oxygen concentrator be checked in baggage?
You may place your portable oxygen concentrator units on your checked baggage or luggage. Though, it is not exactly recommended. You cannot control what happens to your luggage at airports or while flying. These devices are fragile and expensive, so keeping them with you while traveling might be best.
Which airlines provide inflight oxygen?
In general, airlines do not offer inflight oxygen. Instead, they allow passengers to bring their portable oxygen concentrators. However, only a few airlines provide them, typically via a specialized 'tank in a bag' system. British Airways is one such airline.
Travel The Skies With An FAA-Approved Portable Oxygen Concentrator
Traveling with oxygen is now made easier thanks to the development of portable oxygen concentrators. These devices can run on a battery pack, plugged into a wall, used on cruise lines or cruise ships, and be taken on airplanes!
If you plan to air travel, read the guidelines set by your airline of choice, especially concerning portable oxygen concentrators. You must take extra precautions to research and understand airline policies to avoid issues and delays.
Looking for an affordable and good-quality portable oxygen concentrator approved for air travel? Visit SpryLyfe now and enjoy the best deals at a discounted price!
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