How To Travel With Oxygen On A Plane (2024)

Traveling with oxygen on a plane can be a challenging experience, especially for those with serious medical conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, there are certain rules that must be followed depending on the device you bring. Some airlines may only allow you to bring a portable oxygen concentrator (POC), which you may need to hire or buy. Some airlines also supply oxygen for a specific purpose.

To travel with oxygen on an airplane, you must determine if you can safely fly, work with the airline to satisfy all their rules, and understand portable oxygen. Compressed gas or liquid oxygen cannot be used on the plane. When making your reservation, inform the airline that you will be using oxygen during the flight. However, the FAA does permit passengers to bring empty personal oxygen cylinders on board or as checked baggage. They must be clearly visible to the passenger.

When booking your flight, notify the airline that you will need oxygen and ask if your portable oxygen concentrator is allowed. Liquid oxygen is never allowed on our planes, but you can bring a liquid oxygen unit as a carry-on or in a checked bag as long as it’s empty. Most airlines allow passengers to use a government-approved portable oxygen machine.

In summary, traveling with oxygen on a plane requires careful planning and understanding of the regulations. Some airlines may require a doctor’s letter to verify the need for the POC, while others may not allow passengers to bring their own portable oxygen cylinders on board.

How do passengers get oxygen on a plane?

Fixed systems use a pressurized cylinder of gaseous oxygen to supply oxygen to passengers, either a dedicated cylinder or the same cylinder used for flight deck occupants. An oxygen manifold runs from the cylinder into the passenger compartment via a single regulator, with attachment ports for connecting masks. A shutoff valve is usually included for isolating the passenger compartment. Portable systems consist of a storage tank, regulator, and masks distributed to passengers when needed.

The emergency oxygen supply must last at least 10 minutes, and provisions must be in place to automatically deploy masks when cabin altitude exceeds a predetermined level, typically 14, 000 feet. Sufficient masks must be provided for at least 10 more passengers than seats in the passenger compartment.

What is the best way to travel with oxygen?

To safely travel with oxygen therapy, ensure to place the oxygen unit upright, secure it with a seat belt, and avoid smoking in the car. Keep windows open to circulate air, and avoid leaving oxygen units in a hot car. Consider using a compressed oxygen tank, a liquid oxygen unit, or a portable oxygen concentrator (POC) to increase oxygen concentration. Some airlines offer in-flight oxygen for a fee, but compressed gas or liquid oxygen cannot be used on the plane.

Inform the airline of your plan to use oxygen during the flight, and bring extra POC batteries and nasal prongs. Keep in mind that the airline’s oxygen system is only available on the plane, not throughout the airport. Arrange for oxygen supplies during layovers and at your destination.

How to fly with oxygen?

The FAA-approved portable oxygen concentrator (POC) is a useful tool for travelers who require oxygen therapy during their flights. However, it is important to note that compressed gas or liquid oxygen cannot be used on the plane. When making a reservation, inform the airline that you will be using oxygen during the flight and bring extra POC batteries and your own nasal prongs. Some airlines offer in-flight oxygen for a fee, but it is not possible to use compressed gas or liquid oxygen on the plane.

Additionally, it is crucial to inform the airline of your plan to use oxygen during the flight and to ensure that the oxygen system is only used on the plane, not throughout the airport. It is also essential to arrange for oxygen supplies during layovers and at your destination.

How do you fly with oxygen?

The FAA-approved portable oxygen concentrator (POC) is a useful tool for travelers who require oxygen therapy during their flights. However, it is important to note that compressed gas or liquid oxygen cannot be used on the plane. When making a reservation, inform the airline that you will be using oxygen during the flight and bring extra POC batteries and your own nasal prongs. Some airlines offer in-flight oxygen for a fee, but it is not possible to use compressed gas or liquid oxygen on the plane.

Additionally, it is crucial to inform the airline of your plan to use oxygen during the flight and to ensure that the oxygen system is only used on the plane, not throughout the airport. It is also essential to arrange for oxygen supplies during layovers and at your destination.

How do you arrange oxygen on a plane?

If you are using oxygen on a plane, the airline will require a Fit to Fly Certificate or Medical Information Form (MEDIF) to prove your health enough to fly. You must complete the form yourself and have your doctor sign it. Each airline has its own form, which can be found on their website. The form should include your route, flight date, booking reference, who you are traveling with, your oxygen needs, the type of medical equipment you are using, and the batteries used by the equipment.

Do you need a prescription to fly with an oxygen concentrator?

Traveling by plane requires notifying the airline of your oxygen needs and obtaining a medical release from your doctor. A prescription listing the flow rate and amount of oxygen you use is also required. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has approved several models of portable oxygen concentrators that can be brought on an airplane. If you use a portable oxygen concentrator, you must be able to respond to any alarms on the device.

Ensure to bring enough batteries to power your device before, during, and after your flight, and extra batteries in case of travel delays. Plug your portable oxygen concentrator into an electrical outlet when possible to save battery power.

On an airplane, you cannot take your own oxygen tanks. However, you can pack empty oxygen tanks in your checked luggage and have them filled at your destination. If you have a long layover, you can arrange for your oxygen supplier to bring oxygen to the airport.

When traveling by cruise ship, notify the line about your oxygen needs and bring a medical release from your doctor. You can take your own oxygen tanks or concentrator on a cruise ship or arrange for a supplier to deliver oxygen before it leaves the dock. If you plan to leave the ship for sightseeing, you may want an oxygen supplier to bring a tank for you to use while onshore. If you need to have a supplier deliver oxygen for your cruise, it is best to leave from and return to the same city.

Can you put a portable oxygen concentrator in checked luggage?

Pack your portable oxygen concentrator machine or supplemental batteries with you on the plane, even if not intended for use. Always carry it with you, including charger cords, adapters, tubing, and adequate battery supply for the duration of your scheduled flight, including potential layovers or delays. Some airlines require a certain amount of battery capability, so pack at least 150 percent of your travel time. For example, if your flight is 4 hours long, ensure a battery life of at least 6 hours.

Confirm your reservation and keep all necessary paperwork with you at all times. Many airlines have their own paperwork requirements, so check with your airline about specific policies. A physician’s signed statement on a standard form, doctor’s letterhead, or an airline-approved form with the necessary information is likely required.

Can I take my own oxygen on a plane?

Portable oxygen concentrators (POCs) are the only permitted type of oxygen equipment on aircraft. In the event that an individual requires oxygen during a flight, it is their responsibility to ensure that they have sufficient supplies with them and to inform the airline accordingly. In some cases, a letter from a physician may be required to verify the necessity of the oxygen equipment. In the event that one does not possess a portable oxygen concentrator (POC), it is possible to rent one for travel through an oxygen supplier or via websites such as OxygenToGo.

How to carry an oxygen concentrator in flight?

To ensure easy carrying of your portable oxygen concentrator, consider purchasing a bag or strap designed for easy carrying. Bring extra batteries for potential delays and ensure a power port on the airplane. Inogen has launched enhancements to its RMA process, aiming to improve customer experience and expedite warranty and out-of-warranty repairs. Since 2001, each generation of Inogen POCs has been more powerful and efficient, scaling alongside the growing adoption of POCs and creating potential cash revenue. The Inogen® Rove 6™ has an expected service life of up to 8 years, potentially extending the life of a device fleet.

What form do I need to take oxygen on a plane?

In order to obtain oxygen at the airport, it is advisable to consult with a medical practitioner and present a completed and printed copy of the onboard medical oxygen request form.

Can people with oxygen fly on planes?

Portable oxygen concentrators (POCs) are the only permitted type of oxygen equipment on aircraft. In the event that an individual requires oxygen during a flight, it is their responsibility to ensure that they have sufficient supplies with them and to inform the airline accordingly. In some cases, a letter from a physician may be required to verify the necessity of the oxygen equipment. In the event that one does not possess a portable oxygen concentrator (POC), it is possible to rent one for travel through an oxygen supplier or via websites such as OxygenToGo.