Guide to Flying with an Oxygen Concentrator

Guide to Flying with an Oxygen Concentrator

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When traveling by air with the need for oxygen, it’s important to be aware of specific guidelines set by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). While portable oxygen tanks and liquid oxygen are not permitted on airplanes, the FAA does allow the use of portable oxygen concentrators. If you rely on oxygen therapy during flights, ensuring you have an FAA-approved portable oxygen concentrator is essential for a seamless travel experience.

In a continuing effort to educate oxygen users about traveling and flying with oxygen, we’ve created this guide to assist in planning your next flight. By planning well, you can ensure that you can have an enjoyable and successful trip.

Things to Consider Before Your Flight

There are four essential things to help you have a safe and stress-free flight with your oxygen concentrator, without any unnecessary delays: physician involvement, FAA compliance and approval, and battery requirements.

Guide to Flying with an Oxygen Concentrator - Things to Consider Before Your Flight

1. Physician Involvement

Your physician will play a significant role in your pre-flight preparation. Before your scheduled flight, discuss your oxygen needs with your physician. You’ll also need to get a physician’s statement expressing your medical requirement to use oxygen. Although the FAA doesn’t require you to obtain a physician’s statement, many individual air carriers do require this.

2. FAA Compliance

The FAA has a detailed document that outlines the on-flight compliance requirements for using a portable oxygen concentrator. View Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Requirements for the use of Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POC) on board aircraft.

3. FAA Approval

For a complete list of Concentrators that are FAA approved for In-Flight.

Be sure to always double-check with the airline itself for their individual rules and regulations regarding in-flight oxygen concentrator usage.

4. Battery Requirements

One critical point to remember is having enough battery power for your device. The overall principle to follow is this: Never rely on aircraft electrical power to charge your device during a flight.

Airlines and the FAA require you to bring sufficient batteries to power your device for at least 150% of the expected maximum flight duration. For example, if your flight is supposed to be 10 hours long, your batteries should be charged enough to last 15 hours.

Spare rechargeable batteries carried onboard must be individually protected from short circuits by either keeping them in their original package, insulating terminals by taping over the exposed terminals, or by placing each battery in a separate plastic bag. Spare batteries are prohibited from being carried in checked baggage on an aircraft.

Tips for Flying with Oxygen Video

Things to Consider During Your Flight

During your flight, there are some special considerations to keep in mind for your safety and the safety of other passengers:

1. Device Storage

The important thing to remember with storage is that your device should allow other passengers to move around the cabin freely without tripping and falling. The best place to put your concentrator is below the seat in front of you so you can see and hear any potential alarms coming from the device. Also, if you have a long cannula, make sure to place your tubing beneath the chair neatly, so no one trips over it.

Also, the air intake filters on your device must remain free from blockage to prevent overheating and system shutdown. Be sure to leave your device open to the air and don’t place anything on top of it.

Things to Consider During Your Flight - Guide to Flying with Oxygen

2. Device Manual

Carry the user manual for your device with you on your flight in case you need to troubleshoot a problem. Below is a list of manuals for top-rated units that can be downloaded and printed.

View all Manuals for All Concentrators.

3. Cabin Pressure

At cabin pressure, altitudes greater than 8,000–10,000 feet, may prevent your oxygen concentrator from providing sufficient oxygen to meet your needs. Make sure you know how to use the available oxygen masks in case you need to find an alternative solution.

4. Seating Requirements

The FAA prohibits any portable oxygen user from sitting in an exit row; if you notice your seat is in an exit row, please ask your flight attendant if you can change your seating arrangement.

Things to Consider After Your Flight

Once your flight is complete, there are a few more things to keep in mind, especially for your return flight home.

Guide to Flying with an Oxygen Concentrator - Things to Consider After Your Flight

1. Recharge Your Batteries

Before you board your return flight, make sure your batteries are fully charged, so you have maximum power during your flight. Most airport terminals have outlets available in waiting areas, so make sure to plug in your device to a power outlet while waiting for your flight.

2. Keep your Documents in a Safe Place

Keep your physician’s statement, user manual, and any other documentation in a safe place during your trip. You’ll need your documentation for the journey back, so make sure to keep everything organized just in case you need to present it again.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re taking a trip for pleasure or business, making sure you have everything prepared for a safe flight with your portable oxygen concentrator is essential. Following these simple guidelines will help you have a smooth trip with minimal delays.

Tips for Flying with Supplement Oxygen and Portable Oxygen Concentrators

Updated: Dec 5, 2023
Published: August 28, 2019

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Scott joined American Medical Sales and Rentals in 2008 as a Web Manager and Content Writer. He is a writer and designer. He is extensively trained on oxygen therapy products from leading manufacturers such as Inogen, Respironics, Chart, Invacare, ResMed and more.

Scott works closely with respiratory therapists and oxygen specialists to educate the community about oxygen therapy products, COPD, asthma and lung diseases. He writes weekly columns and is passionate about educating the community on oxygen therapy and respiratory issues.

About Scott Ridl:

Scott joined American Medical Sales and Rentals in 2008 as a Web Manager and Content Writer. He is a writer and designer. He is extensively trained on oxygen therapy products from leading manufacturers such as Inogen, Respironics, Chart, Invacare, ResMed and more. Scott works closely with respiratory therapists and oxygen specialists to educate the community about oxygen therapy products, COPD, asthma and lung diseases. He writes weekly columns and is passionate about educating the community on oxygen therapy and respiratory issues.

90 thoughts on “Guide to Flying with an Oxygen Concentrator

    • Thank you for your comment, Carlton. We have found that every airline differs and their policies can change frequently. To ensure you have no hold-ups or mishaps the day of your trip, we suggest always contacting your airline directly and inquiring with them. Additionally, be sure to indicate wether or not you will be using or simply transporting an oxygen concentrator.

      • Not true for all airlines, British airways for example requires it to be aisle seat for ring main therapeutic oxygen

      • Aircraft oxygen is for emergency situations for all the passengers. It is not provided to specific individuals. If someone is prescribed supplemental medical oxygen, they need to arrange their oxygen in order to travel.

        • I justt broke my portable concentrator and can’t breathe without it. Can you tell me what to do, This is his wife typing. He gone to the emergency room. He can’t breathe at all without it. What should I do?

          • I’m sorry to hear about the situation you’re facing. If your husband relies on a portable oxygen concentrator to breathe and his device is broken, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical assistance. During this stressful time, it’s important to stay calm and supportive for your husband. Encourage him to focus on his breathing and follow the guidance of the medical professionals caring for him.

            We’d like to highlight here that having a backup source of oxygen, such as an oxygen tank, at home is incredibly important, especially for individuals who rely on oxygen therapy for their respiratory needs. Please have a backup oxygen source available at all time for him. It provides reliability, emergency preparedness, peace of mind, flexibility for travel, and continuity of care, ultimately enhancing quality of life and safety for those requiring oxygen therapy.

    • Delta just assigned me an aisle seat after I completed their form regarding my need for 24/7 supplemental oxygen and my POC.

      • That’s great to hear that Delta Airlines has assigned you an aisle seat after you provided them with the necessary information about your need for 24/7 supplemental oxygen and your portable oxygen concentrator (POC). Assigning an aisle seat can provide you with easier access to the aisle, which can be helpful during flights, especially if you need to move around or access your oxygen equipment.

        • Yes, all oxygen concentrators require a prescription for purchase. Our Oxygen Specialist would be happy to help you out with your prescription requirements with our partnership with Quick MD. Please give us a call at (866) 993-8067.

    • Thank you for your comment, Bobbie. As we mention in the blog, you will want to reach out to your airline directly and inquire what is needed to utilize an oxygen concentrator during flight. Your doctor, who prescribed you oxygen therapy, should be able to provide you with any forms required for the airline.

    • If you go online and search by airline, some have their own forms. Also most of the manufacturers have a form you can download. American Airlines requires their own form. Alaska Airlines says any form signed by the doctor is OK. We always travel with a copy of the RX that got us the unit in the first place and any other forms we can get our hands on. When we pull out all that paper, most of the time, they take a quick glance and hand it back.

      If you can’t find something online, call the airline you will be using. They are almost always helpful.

      Side note: On our last American Airline flight we had to show the gate attendant the battery charge amount before we were allowed to board.

  1. Also, TSA has a program that they will assist you and your POC through the security screening. You just need to call them a few days in advance to arrange it.

    • Thanks, this is all very helpful. I’m flying with my Mom and her POC to Arizona at Thanksgiving, and trying to get everything in order!

      • We are glad to hear it, Kris! Let us know if you have any other questions we can answer or turn into blogs posts/articles!

  2. When changing from depleted battery to fully charged one make sure your settings on the concentrator remain the same, you may have to reset it to your needs. Failure to do so may result in a quickly depleted battery, this is true of some pulse/continuous flow machines. In the cramped environment of an aircraft this is not the easiest task to do.

    Take the time to label your batteries, I just bought some stickers 1 to 4 so if there is a problem battery you can identify it.

    Travel safe folks.

  3. Does anyone know what the requirements may be for international travel such as coming back from the Middle East ir North Africa ?

  4. On my last flight The plane flew higher than my POC was able to help me. I spoke to the stewardess and she brought me a portable oxygen tank which I used until the plan came down in altitude.

      • We are flying to Philadelphia then on to England via British Airways.
        I do not need O2 on the plane as I must wear oxygen at night only.
        As it is medically indicated, do I have to pay a cost to transport it, like luggage.

        • Oxygen concentrators are considered medical devices and can be carried onboard without being counted as luggage. However, we strongly recommend you clarify that with your airlines and complete any necessary paperwork if required.

    • Thank you for your comment, Kathleen. If Delta has indicated that you can not use an oxygen concentrator on board, you must abide by the individual airlines request. We can not speak to Delta’s rules and regulations; you will need to inquire directly with them.

      • Before I fly my airline approve POC will have the batteries fully charged. Can I check the charger underneath or does it need to be with the POC on board the aircraft?

        • It depends that whether you should check the charger or not. If you are sure that the batteries can support at least 1.5 times the duration of the flight, then it’s OK to check in the charger.
          However, we recommend keeping the charger with the unit. It is helpful in situations such as delays, charging the unit during layovers, etc.

    • The 110 outlets on my American flights would not support the amps needed by my GCE Zen-O, bring extra batteries do not assume the 110 power will support your concentrator…

  5. Flew on American and British Air recently..business class with 110 outlets available. Have a Sequal 5 and outlets would not run concentrator, but would run battery charger. Any explanation why?
    Thanks

    • Thank you for your comment, Jerry. If you are experiencing your machine charging but not actually running this is because the outlet available does not have enough power to power your machine at the current setting. If you asses your user manual you can find the voltage requirements for running your unit. It is also important to note that most airlines will have a lower amount of power or voltage available on board the aircraft. It is always imperative to contact your airline directly, well before your trip, and indicate you will need to use an oxygen concentrator on board; be sure to indicate if it needs to be physically used or merely travel with you.

      • Depending on your flow setting and the power output of the airplane, a portable concentrator might not work/charge on DC power. This happens on some units with high oxygen settings. However, you can use DC power to charge the battery as it’ll require less power. If you have two batteries, you can charge one using an external charger and use one on the unit.

    • Thank you for your comment, Susan. We suggest contacting your individual airline directly as each airline has their own set of rules and regulations regarding medical equipment on board. When you call be sure to indicate if you will need to use the machine during flight or if you are merely carrying it onboard.

  6. Five flights (three different airlines) with my POC. I have never been told that I could not sit in an aisle seat.
    The best advice is talk to the individual airline, they all have different rules and approaches. One additional item, FAA rules do not apply to foreign airlines. On British Airways, I was told that I would not be permitted to use the larger Simply Go large battery (the 8 hour one) (even though it is FAA approved) so I bought four additional 4 hour batteries. At check in and on the plane no one ever looked at the batteries? To date the only airline to inspect my POC batteries prior to boarding was American Airlines.
    As this excellent article suggests…do your home work and talk to the airline prior to travel!

  7. Great advice. I will try the battery charger on the plane instead of the regular cord going from the machine. Tried checking into​ the airplane cord but don’t understand where it would plug in. The plug looks different. Where would you plug it in? Thanks. I appreciate your assistance. We fly a lot. So far none of the outlets seem to work.

    • We only recommend using the cords that have come with your oxygen concentrator. Which unit do you have and what cords are you looking to use?

  8. I fly with a POC at 4 liters oxygen for 2 hour flights from Portland Oregon to San Diego with no problem , my oxygen saturation stays at 97%, I am going to fly soon from Portland to New York 6 hours flight and then on to London 8 hour flight.My question is do the longer flights pressurize the flight cabin higher than
    10,000 feet. Feeling very nervous about this . 2 nd question are the POC design to run for 10 hours with proper batteries without overheating? When they overheat inflight they shut off immediately this can be scary and life threatening . Any advicr

    • Most airlines pressurize their cabins at cruising altitude to somewhere between 6,000 and 8,000 feet above sea level.
      Becuase the battery is a lithium-ion battery there is always a chance that it may overheat if it sits somewhere where it gets too hot. The machine itself should not overheat. Airlines and the FAA require you to bring sufficient batteries to power your device for at least 150% of the expected maximum flight duration. For example, if your flight is supposed to be 10 hours long, your batteries should be charged enough to last 15 hours. So even if you do have a battery that overheats you should have enough backup to switch it out while your other battery cools off.

      • I need oxygen only when flying or traveling to high altitudes. I’m going to purchase a portable oxygen machine since I have previously just rented. Do all machines work worldwide and have auto-sending for the correct electrical system?

        • Hello Nancy, all the portable oxygen concentrators come with a universal power adapter that allows the unit to charge internationally. However, not all brands out in the market provide this. Our Oxygen Specialists are knowledgeable and can help you with international travel-related concentrator requirements. Please give us a call at (877) 644-4581.

    • Hello Sherri,

      Which POC do you use to provide you with 4 liters per minute? As far as I know the max any continuous flow POC can provide is 3L/ min. Do you use your POC in continuous mode or pulse mode?

  9. I was notified by Aer Lingus that they do not permit the use of a POC in Business Class. Transporting the unit is allowed which is what we were doing.

    • Each airline may have different requirements. this is why we advise you to make sure you call and talk with your airline to make sure you get the most up-to-date and accurate information.

  10. I have the Inogen G3, and the specs say it will operate to 10,000 feet. Most commercial airline flights are above 30,000 feet. Does this mean my unit won’t work on these flights?

    • As a general rule of thumb cabin pressure at cruising altitude is usually between 6,000 and 8,000 ft. If you have concerns about this you can contact your airline to be sure. The Inogen G3 is FAA approved for air travel and therefore you should not have any issues.

  11. We just took our first flights with POC for my husband. We flew on United Airlines and he was able to sit in an aisle seat. No one checked the POC at check in (but we had to go to the desk, not able to check in online in advance). We called the airline in advance to advise them of the type of POC and had the form that the MD had completed (no one looked at it) . All went smoothly – we were very pleased.

  12. The plug in (110) electrical system on most airlines is only able to run the unit, but will NOT run the unit and charge the battery at the same time. The electrical circuit will blow out on the airline plug. I learned this the hard way. First and business class will have 110 plugs so you do not need to use your battery. They do, however require you to have 1.5 times your flight time in batteries, regardless.

  13. Does anyone happen to know if TSA will allow portable tanks through to the gate? That is, I’d like to use a tank until I get on the plane and then switch to portable. Can I get through security with a tank AND an “extra” person who can take the tank for return home (since it can’t go on the plane.)
    Does this make sense? Thanks!

    • I would contact the airline that you are flying on to see can be done. Each airline and situation is different.

  14. I have a Philips EverFlo concentrator. I need to take it to Brazil on American Airlines. I can pack it as luggage with padding, etc. but not sure if even that is allowed as luggage in an airplane.

    • It should not be an issue to put this on the plane. We always recommend calling your airline directly and speaking with them. They can provide you with the correct answer and provide any necessary paperwork you may need to take a medical device with you.

  15. I need to take my oxygen concentrator with me on a flight. I do NOT need to use the concentrated on the flight. I only use the concentrator at night. Should I check it at the gate or can I carry it on and put it up front where strollers and wheelchairs might be kept?

    • Hello.
      You can check it or bring it as a carry-on. By checking it I would just ensure it is properly packed in your luggage so it doesn’t get damaged but you will be fine with checking it in your luggage.

  16. Flew from Dallas, Texas to Seattle, Wa. in January via Alaska Airlines. Power at the seats couldn’t recharge batteries at altitude and was running out quickly! Fortunately, my son knew one of the flight attendants, told her of the problem, and after checking with the POC and Pilot, I was invited to the galley where we plugged into 110 Volts. So I was invited to sit in the flight attendant seat for the rest of the trip! God is good!

  17. No es un comentario: Sr. Scott, es una consulta: Conozco por uso, los concentradores INOGEN3 y Freetyle, lejos de cualquier interés comercial, cuál considera ud. es mejor o más adecuado de acuerdo a la indicación de mi médico neomólogo? El Inogen 3 es muy pesado pero muy práctico, el freestyle pesa menos pero su batería es de menor duración, por cual equipo se inclinaría Ud’. ?. Gracias por su respuesta

    • Nuestro especialista en oxígeno estará encantado de ayudarle con sus necesidades. Llámenos al 1-877-644-4581.

  18. Has anyone ever used an Eclipse 5 at a max setting of 9 while flying? Can I use two POCs together at the same time while flying to get enough oxygen?

  19. Typically while flying have you noticed that you need to set the POC to a higher setting (than the usual one while on ground) to maintain the same oxygen saturation? How much higher?

  20. I was just tested for flying and found a pulse machine wasn’t gonna cut it, So we tested with a constant flow of oxygen from a tank (key word tank) and found that a flow of 2 liters would work,, but now i find out the portable units i wanted to use have an operating range only up to 13000 feet. Airlines fly way beyond that and anything beyond 13000 feet the units efficiency decreases and will not give me what i need, unlike a compressed gas cylinder which will deliver what ever its set at no matter elevation,

    • Caire Eclipse 5 can operate at up to 13,123 feet and can supply 2 LPM on continuous flow. Our Oxygen Specialist would be happy to help you out with your requirements. Please give us a call at (877) 644-4581.

    • Retired airline pilot here: You are confusing CABIN ALTITUDE with Aircraft FLIGHT ALTITUDE. We fly routinely more than 30,000 feet above sea level but the cabin altitude remains at or below 8,000 feet due to the aircraft pressurization system. So if your POC is rated up to 13,000 feet it will be just fine because the cabin is below 13,000 feet PRESSURE altitude. Don’t worry about what actual altitude the aircraft is flying at.

      • Thank you for the clarification, and you are absolutely correct. I appreciate you pointing out the distinction between cabin altitude and flight altitude. The cabin of a commercial aircraft is indeed pressurized to a lower altitude to ensure the comfort and safety of passengers and crew, typically around 6,000 to 8,000 feet above sea level, even when the aircraft is flying at much higher altitudes.
        All FAA approved portable oxygen concentrators can be safely used in flight cabins.

  21. March 7th my wife and myself were going on a 11 day cruise out of FL.for our 64th wedding ann. When we arrived at the airport {OKC Rogers} at 3AM and at 4 AM the agent came out and as we were 1st in line she ask the brand etc. Told here it was an Inygen one G5 and i was on 24/7′ She told we I had 2 have a scrip from the DR’ I had called the airline {United} before the flight and was not told this, We has purchased 1st class seats on the plane and we are out our $$$$ what do you suggest.

    • Hello Larry, that’s a bummer.
      That should not have been the case since you informed the airline earlier and Inogen One G5 is FAA-approved.

  22. In 2018 I flew American and United to DC from Hawai’i with a portable concentrator and 14 spare batteries in order to cover the 150% battery requirement. Both airlines required that I sit in a middle seat. I surely hope that’s changed, because it was horribly uncomfortable. Judging from comments above it seems that’s no longer true. Can anyone confirm?

  23. above comment from Larry Ketcham, We had paid for our first class tickets in advance. As of today we have not received our money. United Airline agent told us that Inogen one G5 was not approved on United. Also needed a note from the Dr. (at 4:00AM) plane departed at 5:14.

  24. I am planning a trip to Belgium in July for my son’s wedding. I am needing continuous flow above 6 L at present. I am not aware of a portable concentrator that is continuous flow or above 5 L. Does that mean I can’t make the trip?

    • Hello Cindy, portable oxygen concentrators can go up to 3 liters per minute on continuous flow. However, they can supply up to a setting of 9 on pulse dose. Our Oxygen Specialists would be happy to understand your requirements and advise. Please give us a call at 888-909-1477.

  25. Historically, during the climb out, my Q2 went from about 95-96 to 89, then recovered and stabilized at 93-94 on flights from 2-5 hours. I took my POC on board if I was going to a destination of 4000 feet or more (I got tested for my altitude tolerance). Returning from London, I used the restroom 5 hours into a 7.5-hour flight. My O2 dropped to 80. I hooked up my POC and slowly recovered. I now take my POC on all flights regardless of destination.

    • It’s good to hear that you are proactive in managing your oxygen levels during flights. It’s not uncommon for individuals with respiratory conditions to experience fluctuations in oxygen saturation during air travel, especially during ascent and descent. The cabin pressure and reduced oxygen levels at higher altitudes can affect oxygen saturation levels in some individuals.

      Bringing your portable oxygen concentrator (POC) on board and using it as needed is a sensible approach to ensure adequate oxygen supply during the flight.

      Remember to follow all safety guidelines and consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice based on your specific medical condition and travel plans.

  26. I recently have been prescribed oxygen. I have a inhome oxygen tank and also an InOnogenOne portable concentrator. Flying in Business Class back from London to Dallas last month, I checked my oxygen mid-flight which had dropped to 83. I pulled my Onogen One portable concentrator from my carry-on case which was in the overhead ben. I tried to connect it to an outlet on plane in Flagship Business but could not figure out how. I was so very scared. MY concentrator had shown 150% when I boarded my flight in London. When I retrieved my portable concentrator from overhead compartment, it showed only a 45% fill level. I used my concentrator sparingly and prayed I would make it okay to Dallas as did not know how to charge my portable.

    I did have permission to carry onboard my portable concentrator showing 150% with American Airlines. However, flying at 34,000 feet obviously degrades the
    battery power and oxygen. Even if I had spare batteries…they would also degrade at a high attitude flying overseas. WHAT SHOULD I DO???? I am flying back to London for Christmas??????

    • It sounds like you had a concerning experience with your portable oxygen concentrator during your recent flight. Here are some steps and considerations to help ensure a more comfortable and safe journey on your upcoming flight to London:

      1. Communication with Airline: As you mentioned, it’s crucial to inform your airline in advance about your need for supplemental oxygen during the flight. Make sure you have proper documentation, such as a letter from your doctor, detailing your oxygen requirements. Airlines have specific guidelines for the use of portable oxygen concentrators on board, and it’s important to follow their procedures.

      2. Battery Life and Power: Before your flight, fully charge your portable oxygen concentrator and any spare batteries you plan to bring. Check the manufacturer’s specifications for estimated battery life at different settings. Keep in mind that battery performance may vary at higher altitudes, so it’s essential to have extra batteries or a way to recharge during the flight. Carry both AC and DC chargers in your flight.

      3. Airline Policies: Different airlines may have different policies regarding the use of portable oxygen concentrators on board. Some airlines provide power outlets in their premium cabins, which can be used to plug in and power your concentrator. It’s advisable to contact the airline in advance to understand their specific policies and facilities available on your flight.

      4. Charging Options: If your flight offers power outlets, you can use them to charge your portable oxygen concentrator during the flight. Make sure you have the appropriate adapter or charger for the power outlets on the plane.

      5. In-Flight Assistance: Speak with the flight attendants when you board the plane to inform them about your oxygen needs. They can provide guidance on using your portable oxygen concentrator and help you locate power outlets if available.

      6. Monitoring Oxygen Levels: It’s a good practice to periodically check your oxygen saturation levels during the flight using a pulse oximeter. If you notice your oxygen levels dropping, use your portable concentrator as needed and inform the flight attendants if assistance is required.

      Remember that each airline and flight may have different conditions and amenities, so it’s important to plan ahead, communicate with the airline, and be prepared with sufficient battery power and charging options for your portable oxygen concentrator.

  27. I was just given O for home use and intend to secure a POC to visit family in Germany leaving from Boston. I don’t get the rationale vis a vis the cabin pressure vs how much O you need. The flight is 7-8 hrs. at 45000’. Could someone explain the logistics for me as: How does 45,000’ equate to 8,000’ cabin pressure. I’ve never used O before but can’t travel without it. I’m 79 and confused.

    • Commercial airplanes are pressurized to maintain a cabin altitude that’s comfortable and safe for passengers. Although the aircraft may be flying at a high altitude, the cabin altitude is typically maintained at a level equivalent to being at around 6,000 to 8,000 feet above sea level. This cabin pressurization is necessary to ensure passengers can breathe comfortably, as the air at cruising altitudes is too thin to provide sufficient oxygen. Passengers on supplemental oxygen typically use oxygen at a setting or two higher than the prescribed to make up for the change in air pressure.
      For a flight 7 to 8 hours long, it is required by FAA to have battery backup for 12 hours. That is 1.5 times the duration of the flight.
      We can quickly answer all your questions over a phone call. Please reach us at 888-909-1477. We are open seven days a week.

  28. As of 2019 the Hawaiian Airlines site states a physician note is no longer required. It also states that if a POC will not be used during flights, it is considered carry-on with the unit OFF and the battery removed. In this scenario it will not be treated as additional carry-on. I have read several different sites pertaining to taking my unit through TSA. What I understand is if not using my POC to fly, I just put my POC in a tray with the battery removed like any other luggage. Can anyone confirm if this is true – getting my POC through TSA?

    • When passing through TSA security, you’ll typically need to remove your POC from its carrying case and place it in a bin for screening. The batteries may also need to be removed and screened separately. TSA agents are generally familiar with the procedures for medical devices like POCs.

      However, we suggest to inform your airline in advance about your intention to bring a POC on board. This allows them to provide you with the latest guidelines and ensure a smooth process.

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