Traveling by air with medical equipment can seem complicated, but flying with a portable oxygen concentrator (POC) is generally permitted, provided specific aviation and airline rules are followed. Only certain devices, known as Portable Oxygen Concentrators, are allowed for in-flight use, while traditional forms of oxygen storage are prohibited. A POC is an electronic device that filters and concentrates oxygen from the surrounding air, offering a continuous supply as long as a power source is available, unlike oxygen tanks that store compressed gas or liquid oxygen. Successfully navigating the process requires adherence to regulations set by both the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the individual air carrier.
Understanding Approved Oxygen Devices
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) permits the use of certain Portable Oxygen Concentrators on commercial flights because they generate oxygen instead of storing it under pressure. This operational difference significantly reduces the fire and explosion hazards associated with stored oxygen cylinders at high altitudes. Compressed gas or liquid oxygen tanks are classified as hazardous materials and are therefore not allowed in either carry-on or checked baggage.
POCs work by drawing in ambient air, removing nitrogen and other gases, and delivering concentrated, medical-grade oxygen to the user. This process ensures an unlimited supply of oxygen, provided the device has a power source. For a POC to be used on a flight, it must be on the FAA’s official list of approved medical portable electronic devices (M-PEDs). The device should have a manufacturer’s label that clearly indicates it meets these FAA requirements for in-flight use.
Although the FAA sets the standards, each airline maintains a list of the specific models they permit on their aircraft, which usually align with the federal guidelines. Common examples of approved POC brands include the Inogen One, Sequal Eclipse, and Airsep Lifestyle. Confirming your specific model’s acceptance with the airline is necessary, even if it is generally FAA-compliant.
Essential Pre-Flight Planning and Documentation
Successful air travel with a POC depends on administrative steps completed before arriving at the airport. Nearly all airlines require passengers to notify them in advance, typically at least 48 hours before the scheduled flight, that a POC will be used. This notification allows the airline to verify the device’s approval status and prepare the necessary accommodation.
The most important documentation is the Physician’s Statement, which may be a Medical Certificate or an airline-specific form. This form must be completed and signed by a licensed physician to verify the medical necessity of the POC for the flight duration. The statement confirms the passenger’s ability to complete the flight safely without requiring extraordinary medical assistance. It also specifies the maximum oxygen flow rate required by the patient, accounting for the lower cabin air pressure.
Passengers must carry this completed original form or written statement with them at all times during travel to present to airline representatives upon request. Separately, travelers must inform Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers about the device before the security screening process begins. The POC will undergo inspection, which may include X-ray screening or a manual check, and carrying the doctor’s note can help expedite this process.
Rules for Using Portable Oxygen Onboard
Once the pre-flight requirements are satisfied, operational rules govern the use of the POC inside the aircraft cabin. The foremost regulation concerns power supply, as most commercial aircraft do not guarantee the availability of in-seat power outlets. Passengers are required to carry a sufficient supply of fully charged batteries to power the POC for 150% of the expected flight time, including all anticipated ground time and potential delays.
Lithium-ion batteries used in POCs must comply with specific safety regulations, including a limit of 160 Watt-hours (Wh) per battery, with many airlines prohibiting larger batteries that exceed this threshold. All spare batteries must be transported in carry-on baggage and are strictly prohibited in checked luggage due to fire risk. To prevent short circuits, spare batteries must be individually protected, typically by being placed in a protective case or having their terminals covered.
The device must be stowed correctly during the flight, typically under the seat in front of the passenger to prevent blocking the aisle or an exit row. While the POC can be used during the flight, it must be turned off during specific phases, such as taxiing, takeoff, and landing, unless the physician’s statement explicitly requires continuous use. Passengers are responsible for ensuring their device is functioning properly and for responding to any alerts.