39 Airlines That Allow Portable Oxygen Concentrators [Complete List]

39 Airlines That Allow Portable Oxygen Concentrators [Complete List]

If you want to know what airlines allow portable oxygen concentrators, you will want to read this article. We will try to mention every airline and give additional information that will be extremely helpful for your next air travel.

What Airlines Allow Portable Oxygen Concentrators

Most airlines allow the use of portable oxygen concentrators if they meet the requirements provided by the Federal Aviation Administration. To make your traveling life much easier, here's a list to help you identify which airlines allow portable oxygen concentrators on board:

Aegean Airlines

Avianca Airlines

Lufthansa

Aer Lingus

British Airways

Qantas

Air Canada

China Southern Airlines

Ryanair

Air China

Continental Airlines

Singapore Airlines

Air France

Delta

South African Airways

Air Iceland

EasyJet

Southwest

Air New Zealand

Emirates

Sun Country

Air Malta

Frontier

Swiss Air Lines

Air Tahiti Nui

Hawaiian Airlines

Turkish Airlines

Alaska Airlines

Iberia

United Airlines

American Airlines

Japan Airlines

Virgin Atlantic

All Nippon Airways

Jet Blue

Virgin Australia

Allegiant Air

KLM

WestJet Airlines

Aegean Airlines

aegean airlines

Aegean Airlines is the carrier airline of Greece. It is also the largest Greek airline in the world that can cater to many passengers to many destinations. It is a 4-star airline, and many people praise its amenities, staff service, food and beverages, and more.

While it is not a budget airline, you can get your money's worth from their provided resources and utilities.

Aegean Airlines allow the use of portable oxygen concentrators on board. However, you must send a medical form to the designated department. You will also need to indicate the brand name of the POC and its type. After that, they will direct you to sign a declaration form. Here's a list of the portable oxygen concentrators allowed in Aegean Airlines:

  • AirSep Lifestyle
  • AirSep Freestyle
  • Delphi RS-00400 Central Air
  • DeVilbiss iGo
  • Inogen On
  • Inogen One G2
  • International Biophysics LifeChoice
  • Invacare XPO2
  • OxLife Independence
  • Respironics Evergo
  • SeQual Eclipse

You can find out more here.

Aer Lingus

Aer Lingus Airline is the flag carrier of Ireland. They offer cheap flights from the USA to the United Kingdom and its neighboring countries.

Aer Lingus is a reputable airline considered 4-Stars for its high-quality staff service and amenities. They provide semi-low-cost carrier flights that you can use for both international and domestic traveling.

This airline has hybrid business models and operates on two-class flights: business class and economy class.

Additionally, Aer Lingus allows portable oxygen concentrators on board and other medical devices that do not require clearance or medical form to be completed in advance. However, POCs are only allowed for use in their economy cabin and not in the business class. 

You can learn more here

Air Canada

Air Canada boasts a 4-Star ranking, making it the only international network carrier in North America to have received it. They are the flag carrier and the largest airline in Canada. They also provide direct flights to six continents.

Air Canada is usually the preferred airline of passengers due to their excellent experience provisions and customer service. They offer free meals to their passengers.

Like most airlines, Air Canada allows the use of portable oxygen concentrators. However, you must contact the airline 48 hours in advance as you will need to get a pre-flight form that requires your physician's approval.

You can request an early boarding so you can bring your POC on board without having to navigate around other passengers.

You can learn more about their policies here.

Air China

Air China is one of the "Big Three" mainland Chinese airlines and the flag carrier of the People's Republic of China. They are a 3-Star airline mostly known for their quality staff service and onboard products.

Currently, the airline flies to only six destinations in the US, namely Houston, Newark, New York, Los Angeles, Washington, and San Francisco.

Air China allows the use of FAA-approved portable oxygen concentrators, given that they do not contain pressurized oxygen, which can be dangerous on flight.

You will be required first to complete an application form and present medical documents issued by your attending physician within ten days of the flight. This is to certify that you are physically fit to travel and in need of continuous use of a portable oxygen concentrator.

You can learn more here

Air France

Air France airline is the flag carrier of France. Their headquarters is situated in Tremblay-en-France. They are most notably known for being the best airline in Europe, gaining 10th place in the global ranking.

When it comes to catering to people with respiratory difficulties, you can request therapeutic oxygen on board Air France. You will need to reach out to them 48 hours prior to the departure for a fee. However, this feature is not always available in particular airports.

It must produce no more than 8 liters per minute to use the provided equipment without needing a medical certificate. 

They also allow the use of personal portable oxygen concentrators as long as it complies with the FAA. You should also know that their air crafts are not equipped with electrical power outlets, so you must ensure that you have sufficient batteries to cater to the whole flight.

You can continue reading about their policy here

Air Iceland

Air Iceland is the flag carrier airline of Iceland, with its headquarters situated at Keflavik International Airport near Reykjavik. Air Iceland offers low-cost seats that can fly you on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean.

Portable oxygen concentrators are allowed on board. Only one may be carried in addition to your existing carry-on bag allowance. You should also indicate the model of your oxygen concentrator upon booking at least 48 hours before the actual flight.

You are also required to provide a physician's not stating that you need a continuous oxygen supply and you are fit to travel on board. Power outlets are not available on economy seats, and there is no guarantee that you will be able to plug your machine, so it would be best to bring additional batteries.

You can find out more here

Air New Zealand

Air New Zealand is known for its great value flights to New Zealand and other pacific countries and islands. They are the flag carrier airline of New Zealand. Aside from that, they are a 4-Star airline and receive excellent reviews for their onboard staff service, amenities, cleanliness, food, and more.

According to Airline Ratings' top twenty safest airlines for 2022, Air New Zealand bagged first place. In the past 18 months, they stated that Air New Zealand firmly focused on customer safety regarding COVID-19. They have also excelled in a broad safety spectrum and care for their crews.

Using a portable oxygen concentrator is allowed on board this airline. They request that you submit a form to them at least 48 hours if you will be bringing your unit.

You can learn more about their policies here

Air Malta

Air Malta is the flag carrier airline of Malta, and its headquarters is in Luqa. They operate flights in Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East.

Air Malta is a 3-Star airline and provides good service, amenities, food, and seats to its passengers. They also offer accommodation to people with medical needs on their flight. Upon booking, you can request an in-flight oxygen supply if needed. Reach them in advance to see if they can help you with anything.

About portable oxygen concentrators, they mostly allow the use of medical devices onboard as long as they are FAA approved and you were able to complete the necessary process pre-flight.

You can read more about their policies and regulations here

Air Tahiti Nui

Air Tahiti Nui is the flag carrier of French Polynesia. They are a 3-Star airline that provides good quality service to their passengers. The airline offers low-cost longer flights worldwide.

If you need assistance, like the need to bring a portable oxygen concentrator on board, for example, you must call them 48 hours before the departure. 

You can contact them and learn more about their policies here

Alaska Airlines

Alaska airlines airplane

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Alaska Airlines is one of the major airlines in the United States, ranking as the sixth largest airline in North America.

Flying with Alaska Airlines is top-notch, and they are also ranked 8th in Airline Ratings' list of safest airlines to travel with in 2021

The use of portable oxygen concentrators is allowed on board, but they need to identify the model of your POC. In this way, the airline can check if it is FAA approved. Here's a quick list of the portable oxygen concentrators that they allow both on domestic and international flights:

  • AirSep Focus
  • AirSep Freestyle
  • AirSep Freestyle 5
  • AirSep Lifestyle
  • Delphi RS-00400
  • DeVilbiss Healthcare iGo
  • Inogen One
  • Inogen One G2
  • Inogen One G3
  • Inova Labs LifeChoice
  • Inova Labs LifeChoice Activox
  • Invacare SOLO 2
  • Invacare XPO2
  • Oxlife Independence
  • Oxus RS-00400
  • Precision Medical EasyPulse
  • Respironics EverGo
  • Respironics SimplyGo
  • SeQual Eclipse
  • SeQual eQuinox
  • SeQual Oxywel
  • SeQual SAROS
  • VBOX Trooper

You can read more about their policies regarding medical devices here

American Airlines

American airlines airplane

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American Airlines is a large US-based airline and is also considered the largest airline in the world, considering its fleet size, revenue passenger mile, and scheduled passengers carried. Unlike most airlines, they allow one free carry-on to all destinations.

They allow their passengers to bring their portable oxygen concentrators as long as they are FAA-approved. An agent will also assist you and check if your POC is working well.

They will see if you can operate the unit, respond to the alarms, and check the battery life. You are required to bring spare batteries that can provide up to 150% of power to cater to you in the whole flight. 

You can find out more here

All Nippon Airways

All Nippon Airways is an airline from Japan with its headquarters situated in Shiodome City Center in Shiodome, Minato, Tokyo. They have local and international flights and over 20,000 employees as of March 2016. 

Suppose you wish to bring your portable oxygen concentrator on board. In that case, you will be required to notify the ANA Disability Desk regarding your unit's product name, size, model, battery type, manufacturer, etc. They will also require you to submit a medical information form first.

You can find out more about their policy here

Allegiant Air

Allegiant air airplane

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Allegiant Air is a low-cost American airline that operates charter and scheduled flights. It is currently the 14th largest commercial airline in all of North America. This airline is a certified 3-Star, providing low-cost tickets yet good quality services, cabin comfort, and amenities.

They allow the use of portable oxygen concentrators on board and other medical devices that you may require with the advice of your physician. Call the airline in advance when booking and inform them about your situation and your needs during the trip.

You can learn more about their policies here

Avianca Airlines

Avianca Airlines has been the flag carrier airline of Colombia since December 5, 1919. It is a 3-Star airline that provides good service from cabin and ground staff.

Passengers are allowed to travel with their portable oxygen concentrators that meet the criteria and requirements set by the FAA with no approval from the airline needed. However, oxygen tanks and other devices that contain pressurized air are prohibited.

You can find out more here

British Airways

British Airways airlines is the flag carrier of the United Kingdom. Their headquarters are located in London, England. This is also considered the second largest UK-based carrier airline.

British Airlines is a 4-Star airline known for its outstanding amenities, food, beverages, and overall staff service. It even ranked as the 20th best airline in the world according to Business Insider

Like many airlines, you will be required to notify them early about bringing a portable oxygen concentrator onboard. You must complete a pre-flight form containing a physician's statement and submit it to them.

You can learn more about it here

China Southern Airlines

China Southern Airlines is the largest airline operating in China. It is a 4-star airline and provides good quality service, and its headquarters is located in Baiyun District, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province. 

Passengers can bring their portable oxygen concentrators on board, given that they are FAA-approved. Other than that, there are many cases where China Southern Airlines prohibits flying with them.

You can learn more about their health guide here

Continental Airlines

Continental Airlines is a major American airline founded in 1934 before merging with United Airlines.

They allow the use of portable oxygen concentrators on board without extra fee as long as the unit complies with the FAA required regulations. They also ask you to inform them 48 hours before processing all necessary actions regarding your situation.

You can learn more about their policies here

Delta Air

Delta Air Airplane

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Delta is another one of the major airlines in the United States. It is also among the oldest in the world, with its headquarters situated in Atlanta, Georgia. 

Delta is also considered among the best airlines in the world as they provide high-quality services and travel experiences to their customers. In addition to that, they also have flight entertainment, comfortable seating, an easy check-in process, and more. 

Know that there are available power outlets on board, but you should still provide extra batteries that can power up your unit for up to 150%.

Find out more about their protocols on medical devices here.

EasyJet

EasyJet is a British multinational airline. Although it is relatively costly, it is still a popular airline in Europe. They are a 4-star airline that provides comfortable cabin seats and excellent staff service.

EasyJet is mainly known for its point-to-point flight times. When it comes to medical devices, they allow passengers to bring portable oxygen concentrators on board. However, they should not exceed a weight of 5kg and 25cm in diameter. 

However, you still need to undergo the necessary procedures to make this happen. Be sure to reach out to them a few days prior to the departure.

You can read more about their policies and regulations here.

Emirates

The United Arab Emirates currently has two flag carrier airlines, and one of those is Emirates. The government of Dubai's Investment Corporation of Dubai owns this airline and is based in Garhoud, Dubai.

Emirates is one of the world's best and most luxurious airlines and is considered a 4-Star airline. If you book a flight as a first-class passenger, you can experience their exclusive lounge and a dining experience similar to a five-star restaurant. 

You can travel with your portable oxygen concentrator on Emirates, but you need to notify them in advance. They will also direct you to fill out a pre-flight form that requires your physician's statement for them to let you use your POC.

You can read more here

Frontier Airlines

Frontier airlines airplane

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Frontier Airlines is one of the major American airlines that provide low-cost flights. Its headquarters is located in Denver, Colorado. They operate flights to more than 100 destinations within the United States and 30 international destinations.

They are a trusted airline and certified by the FAA. They also allow passengers to bring portable oxygen concentrators on board that the FAA approves.

You can find out more about their policies here.

Hawaiian Airlines

Hawaiian Airlines airplane

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Hawaiian Airlines is the largest airline that operates commercial flights with destinations to and from the State of Hawaii. It is also the 10th largest airline in all of the United States. They are based in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Hawaiian Airlines is a 3-star airline that provides good staff service. They provide complimentary meals on board, but you are always welcome to bring your meals.

You are allowed to bring your portable oxygen concentrator on board but be sure to notify them 48 hours prior. They also require you to present a physician's statement regarding your medical condition.

Learn more about it here.

Iberia

Iberia airline is the flag carrier of the country of Spain and was founded in 1927. They are allied with American Airlines, Avianca, Qantas, and British Airways.

Iberia is a low-cost airline and does not offer first-class seats. The highest cost ticket that you can buy from them is in business class.

They allow the use of respiratory devices like portable oxygen concentrators on board. To avoid issues, you should prepare the requirements and documentation to prove that your POC is approved for aircraft use by the FAA. 

You can learn more here

Japan Airlines

Japan Airlines, also known as JAL, is an international airline and the flag carrier of Japan. It is the second largest airline as of 2021, and its headquarters is in Shinagawa, Tokyo.

The airline allows portable oxygen concentrators on board, but they will need to confirm your case through a prescribed medical certificate.

You can find out more about their policies here

Jet Blue

Jetblue Airline Airplane

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JetBlue is one of the major airlines in America and the seventh largest airline in North America. Its headquarters is situated on Long Island in New York City. They are a 3-star airline and provide good quality staff service and onboard products.

JetBlue is named one of the safest low-cost airlines to fly with for 2022. They also allow passengers to bring a portable oxygen concentrator onboard, but compressed tanks and liquid oxygen is prohibited. 

You can read more about it here

KLM

KLM is the Dutch flag carrier airline of the Netherlands. Their headquarters is situated in Amstelveen, and their hub is near the Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. KLM is also a member of the SkyTeam airline alliance like Air France, China Airlines, and more.

KLM allows people to bring their supplemental oxygen, such as portable oxygen concentrators, but they require you to notify them 48 hours before the flight.

You can read more of their policies here

Lufthansa

Lufthansa airline is the flag carrier of Germany. It is the second largest airline in Europe in terms of number of passengers. One of the best things about this airline is that they are one of the five founding members of Star Alliance, the world's currently largest airline alliance formed in 1997.

Lufthansa accepts using assistive devices on their flights, such as CPAP machines and portable oxygen concentrators. They will first check if the unit is FAA approved and other processes to ensure your safety onboard.

You can find out more here

Qantas

Qantas airlines are the flag carrier airline of Australia. It is also their largest airline that operates international flights. Qantas is the world's third oldest airline that still works today, founded in November 1920. They are a 4-star airline known for high-quality service and amenities.

Qantas allows passengers to bring their portable oxygen concentrators in flight, but you will need a physician to sign the travel clearance form. This is to certify that you are fit for traveling and in need of a continuous oxygen supply.

You can read more about it here.

Ryanair

Ryanair is an Irish ultra-low-cost carrier that was founded in 1984. Their headquarters is located in Swords, Dublin, Ireland.

When it comes to medical equipment carriage, they allow them as long as you can present a doctor's letter that confirms your existing medical condition.

You can read more about their policies and regulations here

Singapore Airlines

Singapore Airlines is the flag carrier airline of Singapore, and its hub is located at Singapore Changi Airport. They are a 5-star airline and achieved a unique mark for their quality achievement in airline excellence.

This airline is a top choice if you want a luxurious flight experience. Even their economy class seats are more comfortable than other airlines.

FAA-approved portable oxygen concentrators are allowed to be carried on board without the need for approval. However, know that there is no available power supply inflight, so ensure to bring good batteries to power up your unit for the entirety of the flight.

You can read more about it here

South African Airways

South African Airways airline is the flag carrier airline of South Africa. It was founded in 1934, and its headquarters are located in Airways Park at O.R. Tambo International Airport situated in Johannesburg. They are currently serving ten destinations in Africa.

They allow the use of portable oxygen concentrators on board, but you should have two additional batteries to power up your device.

You can find out more here

Southwest

Soutwest airlines

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Southwest Airlines is among the major airlines of the United States. It is the world's largest low-cost carrier, with its headquarters located in Dallas, Texas. They currently operate flights with over 121 destinations nationwide and in 10 countries.

They also allow supplemental oxygen on board. You can bring your portable oxygen concentrator as long as it is FAA approved and complete the form requiring a doctor's letter.

You can find more about it here

Sun Country

Suncountry airlines airplane

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Sun Country Airlines is another ultra-low-cost American airline and is the eleventh largest in the United States. It received a 3-star rating, which is still considered remarkable for its product services.

Sun Country Airlines allows the use of portable oxygen concentrators on board. You must complete their form and present the necessary documents to prove your medical condition.

You can learn more about it here.

Swiss Air Lines

Swiss International Air Lines is the flag carrier of Switzerland. It operates flights in Europe, South America, North America, Asia, and Africa. Its hub is located in Zurich Airport, and Geneva Airport is its focus city.

Upon booking, you can always request extra oxygen during the flight, and they will assist you. If you are planning on bringing your portable oxygen concentrator, you can fill out a form first before you can be approved.

Read more about it here.  

Turkish Airlines

Turkish Airlines is the flag carrier of the country of Turkey. As of 2019, they are operating flights to over 315 destinations across Europe, Asia, America, and Africa. This makes it the world's largest mainline carrier.

Turkish Airlines consider the different conditions of their passengers, and they allow the use of portable oxygen concentrators as long as they are FAA approved. Here's a quick list of their approved and preferred POCs.

  • AirSep LifeStyle
  • AirSep Focus
  • AirSep FreeStyle 5
  • Delphi RS-00400
  • DeVilbiss iGo
  • Inogen One
  • Inogen One G2
  • Inogen One G3
  • Inova Labs LifeChoice
  • Inova Labs LifeChoice Activox
  • International Biophysics LifeChoice
  • Invacare XPO2
  • Invacare Solo 2
  • OxLife Independence
  • Oxus RS-00400
  • Precision Medical EasyPulse
  • Respironics EverGo
  • Respironics SimplyGo
  • SeQual Eclipse
  • SeQual SAROS

You can learn more about it here

United Airlines

United airlines airplane

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United Airlines is among the major American airlines, and its headquarters is located at Willis Tower in Chicago, Illinois. They operate flights both for domestic and international destinations.

United Airlines allow their passengers to bring portable oxygen concentrators on board, given that the FAA approves it. You will need to notify them 48 hours early so they can process everything you need before the flight.

You can read more here

Virgin Atlantic

Virgin Atlantic airlines is a British airline with its headquarters situated in Crawley, England. It has an excellent global reputation and was recognized in 2019 by Skytrax with the World's Best Premium Class seats and World's Best Premium Economy Class awards.

Virgin Atlantic also allows passengers to rent a portable oxygen concentrator with OxygenToGo for a much easier process. You can also bring your POCs on board if the FAA approves.

You can learn more about their provisions here

Virgin Australia

Virgin Australia is the trading name for Virgin Australia Airlines. It is currently the largest airline that uses the Virgin brand. It is a 4-star airline that provides high-quality services to its passengers. 

They allow the use of portable oxygen concentrators during the flight as long as it complies with the regulations set by the FAA.

You can read more here


WestJet Airlines

WestJet Airlines is the second largest Canadian airline behind Air Canada. Its headquarters are in Calgary, Alberta, where the Calgary International Airport is situated.

They currently operate an average of over 777 flights daily and carry more than 66,000 passengers. 

They allow the use of portable oxygen concentrators on board only when required. You will have to notify them 48 hours in advance.

You can learn more about it here.

List of Flight-Approved Portable Oxygen Concentrators

There are many portable oxygen concentrators that you can bring for your air travel and some that you cannot. To ensure that you can bring your existing POC, here's a list of the flight-approved portable oxygen concentrators: 

Tips for Flying With Portable Oxygen Concentrators

In this section, we will tackle some tips that you can do to have a better and more efficient in-flight travel with your portable oxygen concentrator. 

Pre-Flight Reminders

Before the actual day of your flight arrives, there are many things that you should do to ensure your safety and convenience. These include booking a flight, checking in with your physician, and such. Here are more detailed reminders for your pre-flight preparation:

  1. Check with yourself if you can see or hear the alarms your portable oxygen concentrator does in case of any action it requires. You should also check if all alarms, controls, and buttons are working correctly. If there is visible damage, malfunction, or any component that needs replacement, it would be best to sort this out before your flight.
  2. Research the maximum flow rate that you will need that corresponds to the cabin pressure of your boarding plane under normal conditions. This will enable you to determine the right setting for your portable oxygen concentrator. Knowing this will also help you estimate the hours your machine will most likely last based on the recommended setting level. You should also look if your chosen airline allows portable oxygen for flights. 
  3. Check in with your physician to see if you are fit for airline travel. Some people experiencing chronic respiratory problems have difficulty during flights due to the limited amount of oxygen at a higher altitude.
  4. Reach out to the airline and ask if they have an outlet available onboard. Some airlines have access to an electrical outlet from all seats, but it would still be better to check with them first. If that's not the case, you can ask them for the best seats where you can immediately access an outlet, especially if your flight is long. You have a limited battery for your portable oxygen concentrator.
  5. Aircraft may have different power port configurations. If your portable oxygen concentrator has two DC power adapters or anything else, you can be safer in bringing them both when flying. In this way, you can ensure that at least one of your adapters will fit the one the aircraft provides. You can also ask the airline upon inquiring regarding this issue.
  6. Remember when booking your ticket that you should not sit in the emergency exit row while traveling with a portable oxygen concentrator. This is due to the possibility that you might restrict other people's access to the exit or the aisle of the passenger compartment. 
  7. Make sure your portable oxygen concentrator is FAA approved and compliant with the requirements provided by the Federal Aviation Administration. 
  8. Prepare your additional batteries in advance. Even if you could confirm that the aircraft has outlets, you could not rely solely on that because you never know what may happen to it, considering the age of most planes. The FAA also requires users to have extra batteries to power the device for at least 150% of the flight's duration. For example, if you have a flight that lasts 10 hours, you should have a battery for at least 15 hours.

Additionally, you must protect extra rechargeable batteries from short circuits. You can keep them separately on their original package, tape over the exposed terminals, or put them individually on plastic bags. Know that such batteries are not allowed to be carried in checked baggage. 

Reminders Before the Flight

Let's suppose that today is finally the day of your flight. Here are some tips and reminders to keep in mind to have a peaceful and less stressful traveling:

  1. Make sure your portable oxygen concentrator is clean and free of any damage that will be an inconvenience during the flight. Assuming that you have already checked your machine, checking it one last time before going to the airport and boarding the aircraft would still be helpful.
  2. Check your spare batteries and ensure they are accessible during the flight. Do not place them in your checked-in bags because you wouldn't be able to use them on board. They may also acquire damage if you are not handling them yourself. 
  3. Bring the spare batteries fully charged and more than enough to cover the whole duration of your flight. It would be best to aim not to use the onboard outlets even if your seat only has access to use it in an emergency. 
  4. Arrive at the airport several hours early from your actual flight. Airport screening lasts long under normal conditions, so what more if you have a portable oxygen concentrator? Security will also inspect your POC first before you can board the plane. 
  5. Conserve your portable oxygen concentrator's energy by connecting it to a power outlet in the airport terminal while waiting for your flight. This will be extremely helpful, giving you enough battery power even if you have several hours to spare before taking off. 
  6. Inform the airline that you will bring a portable oxygen concentrator on board so they can assist you related to your machine. Bring a physician letter and expect an inspection pre-boarding. 

Reminders During the Flight

After checking your to-do list before the flight, here are the tips to remember during the actual flight:

  1. Locate the available ports upon reaching your seat. This is the first thing to do, especially if you specifically requested a seat with access to a power outlet. If there are no visible outlets nearby, you can always ask a flight attendant so that they can assist you. Inform them that you have a portable oxygen concentrator to be sure. 
  2. See if your portable oxygen concentrator is required to remove the battery from the machine when using an aircraft power port. Some POCs have this feature, and you can find the information in its user manual.
  3. Store your portable oxygen concentrator under your seat. This is the best place to put your POC safely for the whole duration of the flight. Some units can stand upright on their own, while some will need additional support to remain standing. Make sure that the buttons are still accessible, and you will be able to hear the alarms from your machine.

Make sure that your POC will not be an obstacle for other passengers to move around the cabin. If you have a long nasal cannula, place the tubing under the chair so no one will trip over it. Keep in mind that the intake filters should remain blockage free to keep them from overheating and shutting down the system. Leave some open air for your device, and do not put any object above it. 

  1. You do not have to turn off your portable oxygen concentrator during take-off and landing if your physician provided you with a written note that requires you to have a medical oxygen supply during these periods. You could present them to the flight attendants if they ask you to turn off your device. 
  2. Remove the battery from the machine if you are not planning to use your portable oxygen concentrator. This will conserve its power that you can use for your destination.
  3. Inform a flight attendant about your situation. Even if you have a portable oxygen concentrator, it is still possible that it may malfunction in altitudes as high as 8,000 to 10,000 feet. Ask around how you can use the available oxygen masks as an alternative solution. 

Reminders After the Flight

After getting off a successful air journey, here are some reminders that you can do related to your portable oxygen concentrator:

  1. Recharge your used battery while waiting if you have the next flight. Even if you have an extra battery that is still enough to power your portable oxygen concentrator for a few hours, it is still best to have a spare. You can do this from the power outlets available at the airport terminal. 
  2. Arrange a pickup or delivery of your backup oxygen supply devices if you need one.
  3. Keep your documents safe and secure. Your portable oxygen concentrator's user manual, documentation, and your physician's statement should be in a secured bag during the trip. Be organized as much as possible, so you will know where to get certain things in case the security officers and flight attendants request to see any of your documents. 

FAQs About Using Portable Oxygen Concentrators On Planes

You have probably wondered even once whether or not are portable oxygen concentrators allowed on airplanes, and the answer is yes. Right now, we will answer the questions regarding the flight itself and other preparations that you can do to ensure that you will have sufficient oxygen supply in the sky. 

How to know if my portable oxygen concentrator is FAA-approved?

You can know if your portable oxygen concentrator is FAA approved by looking at the user manual provided with the unit. It is usually specified in the machine's operating altitude or if it meets the criteria and requirements provided by the FAA. If you cannot find anything on the user manual related to that, you can always check the FAA website to see which POCs are approved. Lastly, you can directly search about the airlines that allow oxygen on board on which units they prefer you use during flights.  

Where can I buy FAA-approved portable oxygen concentrators?

If you already have your prescription, there are many online stores where you can get an FAA-approved portable oxygen concentrator. However, Sprylyfe is the best place to get your portable oxygen concentrator for traveling with our various discounts, promos, and packages that you can take advantage of.

If you are not yet sure as to which unit to get, you can always reach out, and we will help you find the best POCs that will suit your oxygen therapy needs and lifestyle. 

Do airlines have available portable oxygen concentrators for lease to passengers?

To know if airlines offer portable oxygen concentrators for lease for the passengers, it would be best to call them at least 48hours prior to your flight. You can rent POCs at a much lower price if they do not have anything available. Do not rely on the airline when it comes to the provision of supplemental oxygen. Always make sure that you have access to oxygen if you have an existing respiratory problem before your flight. 

Which airlines provide inflight oxygen?

Most airlines provide inflight oxygen but are not specifically for oxygen therapy. Usually, you can only use them in case of an emergency or during major turbulence. If you have a respiratory problem, it is recommended to provide a separate oxygen supply from an FAA-approved portable oxygen concentrator POC during the flight. 

Can I bring an oxygen concentrator to my checked luggage?

Technically, you can bring an oxygen concentrator in your checked luggage, but it is not recommended. This is due to the fact that you cannot control how they will handle your baggage throughout the air travel. It would be best to bring it on your carry-on, or a carrying case explicitly provided for the unit. 

Can I bring a portable oxygen concentrator for international travel?

Yes. You can bring your portable oxygen concentrators for international travel, considering that it is FAA approved. Still, you should make sure that it complies with the criteria provided by the FAA. International travels will take more extended hours, so having extra batteries power up your unit for a couple of hours is ideal. 

Bring Your Portable Oxygen Concentrators To The Sky!

Now that you know what airlines allow portable oxygen concentrators on board, you can now make an informed decision for your next travel. Flying with oxygen concentrators should be fun, and you do not have to feel limited anymore, even if you have an existing respiratory problem.

If you need help in choosing a portable oxygen concentrator that works in high altitude, feel free to call us at (800) 314-8225.
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