Tips for Flying with a Portable Oxygen Concentrator on Delta Airlines

Tips for Flying with a Portable Oxygen Concentrator on Delta Airlines

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Most big airlines want to accommodate everyone to the best of their abilities, from those in wheelchairs to oxygen therapy patients. Since all of our portable oxygen concentrators are already approved by the Federal Aviation Administration, they are authorized to be taken onboard a commercial flight going to or coming from the United States. These approved portable oxygen concentrators have been found to deliver oxygen to their prescribed user efficiently and are safe to bring on board a plane.

One major airline that welcomes those with FAA-approved portable oxygen concentrators is Delta Airlines. However, even though the FAA approves a portable oxygen concentrator, it doesn’t mean every airline has to allow it on board their flights. Their regulations and requirements for bringing them along vary from airline to airline. Until October 1st, 2009, Delta offered in-flight compressed oxygen to oxygen therapy patients.

One thing they have in common is that you must always tell them that you must bring a portable oxygen concentrator with you on your flight. If you’re flying with Delta, you will need to inform them of this information when you purchase your ticket. One great thing is your portable oxygen unit and an accessory bag used to bring along the things you need will be independent of your carry-on limit.

Be sure to check the list and visit Delta’s website for any more details before booking your flight.

Here is a list of the portable oxygen concentrators that are approved by Delta Airlines:

  • AirSep FreeStyle
  • AirSep FreeStyle 5
  • AirSep Focus
  • Belluscrua X-Plora
  • CAIRE FreeStyle Comfort
  • Devilbiss iGO
  • Devilbiss iGO2
  • Drive Oxus
  • Inogen One G2
  • Inogen One G3
  • Inogen One G4
  • Inogen One G5
  • LifeChoice Activox
  • Invacare Platinum Mobile
  • Invacare SOLO2
  • Invacare XPO2
  • Precision Medical EasyPulse
  • Precision Medical EasyPulse 3
  • Oxlife Independence
  • Oxlife Freedom
  • Rhythm Healthcare P2
  • ResMed Mobi
  • Respironics EverGo
  • Respironics SimplyGo
  • Respironics SimplyGo Mini
  • SeQual Eclipse 3
  • SeQual Eclipse 5
  • SeQual eQuinox
  • Zen-O
  • Zen-O Lite

If you intend on bringing them to use when you’ve gotten to your destination, you can bring them with you on your flight with Delta, as long as they are empty and completely free of pressure, and the batteries are packed separately from the tanks. The tanks and battery will be counted as part of your carry-on limit. If they contain liquid or compressed oxygen, you cannot bring them aboard the flight. View the Delta Portable Concentrator Physician’s Statement Form.

Flying on United Airlines with a Portable Oxygen Concentrator

Updated: May 15, 2023
Published: May 16, 2014

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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.

20 thoughts on “Tips for Flying with a Portable Oxygen Concentrator on Delta Airlines

    • Thank you for your comment, Keith. We suggest contacting Delta Airlines directly and asking them what is required to bring and/or use an oxygen concentrator on board the aircraft. Each airline has their own regulations and requirements; we find it’s safest to contact them directly to avoid any mishaps or delays on the day of your trip! You can contact Delta Airline’s Special Needs department at 800-221-1212.

  1. I need the form to take an Inogen G3 contractor onboard a Delta flight October 26 2017, plus where do I get the sticker for this unit.

    • Thank you for your message, Dean. For the most accurate and up-to-date documentation for air travel with an oxygen concentrator, we suggest contacting your specific airline directly. Each airline’s requirements can differ. For more tips regarding traveling with a portable oxygen concentrator click here: Oxygen Travel Tips

  2. I was wondering if you got the fax from my doctor letting you know the liters I use. No one got back to me, but the women that called me was nasty enough to tell me they wouldn.t let me on the plane if I didn,t have a cert. Would someone get back to me . Thank you Nancy Beam

  3. If you cannot bring small personal oxygen tanks on a flight for your use, can they be packed in your luggage to use upon your arrival at your destination?

    • That is correct, Mona, oxygen tanks are not approved for air travel. As per your question regarding packaging them in your luggage, you will need to inquire with your individual airline regarding what is approved.

  4. We are taking a cruise in July with Princess Cruise Lines. They booked our flights with you airline for us. I am on oxygen and will be needing to fly with an approved O2 concentrator. My supply company has the approved concentrator a approved for flying. I have used one before. I have not flown with your airline and I need to know how I can get the form I need to have filled out by my physician. Could you please send me one out in the mail? I do not have a printer. Thanks

    • Thank you for reaching out. Each airline and cruise line has different requirements. We recommend that you reach out to your travel agent or call the airline/cruise line customer service center directly.

  5. MY DOCTOR’S OFFICE AND ALVERNO, DROPPED THE BALL! THE PAPERWORK FOR MY DOCTOR ORDERED POC WAS NOT SUBMITTED UNTIL LAST WEEK AND MY FLIGHT IS SCHEDULED FOR 5/24/2018. WILL I BE ALLOWED TO BRING 2 CONCENTRATORS ONBOARD? ONE IS FOR OVERNIGHT USE IN THE HOTEL…IT’S ON WHEELS. THE OTHER ONE IS BATTERY OPERATED, PORTABLE AND EASY TO CARY.

    • Since we are not an airline I can not answer that for you. I strongly suggest following up with your airline to make sure they have received your paperwork and that everything is in order for your flight.

  6. I need to print out a form for the use of my own oxygen InogenG4 on my flight to Boston
    on June 1 Flight 607.

  7. I fly frequently … usually Delta. Do I have to submit a new, separate form for each time I travel or is it possible to get a “blanket” authorization?

    • My experience with delta is that The approval lasts a year but with each new flight in the year I e-mail the department listed in their on-line information and tell them my additional flights. They e-mail me an approval for that flight. The blog above doesn’t mention Delta, as well as others requires 150 % of flight time is needed in battery time. 8 hr flight, 12 he battery time needed. And it was checked at the check in desk. With the POC, I was not allowed to do an electronic check in 24 hrs in advance.

      • Thank you for sharing your experience with Delta. It’s good to know that you have been able to get approval for each additional flight within the year by emailing the relevant department.

        Regarding the battery time requirement, you are correct that many airlines, including Delta, require that the battery time of the portable oxygen concentrator (POC) should be 150% of the duration of the flight. This is to ensure that there is enough battery backup in case of any delays or unexpected circumstances.

        It’s also important to note that some airlines may have specific requirements or restrictions for using POCs on board, such as the type or model of the POC, or the need for a physician’s statement or medical clearance. It’s always best to check with the airline directly for their specific requirements and to ensure a smooth and hassle-free travel experience.

  8. If you require a portable oxygen concentrator when flying with Delta, be sure to read this article for some helpful tips. The Oxygen Concentrator Store offers some great advice, including how to get pre-approval from Delta and what to expect when going through security.

  9. Delta requires clearance to travel w a POC from their compliance contractor, Oxygen2Go. There are minimum requirements for batteries (150% of flight time in battery capacity) and some flight crews will ask you to not plug into an AC outlet during flight to charge or maintain battery life.
    Delta will deny boarding if the Oxygen2Go clearance is not pre-approved and entered in your reservation.
    *** FWIW, Oxygen2Go are poor to terrible to deal with. It is far easier to use their email/fax process to secure clearance than dealing w them on the phone or troubleshooting from the airport.

    TSA is also an unknown variable when traveling w a POC. I travel frequently and have encountered some very good TSA folks but just as many who are uneducated on how to process a customer w a POC to the discourteously unprofessional. They CAN NOT require you to come off O2 to go through screening. You are protected by ADA and are entitled to be treated professionally and receive a pat down or private screening regardless of what a TSA employee says. Always request a supervisor rather than allowing yourself to be bullied by TSA.

    In my experience I always have to check in at the ticket counter prior to going to the gate. If you are unable to check in online, this is why…don’t sweat not being able to check in electronically. Do allow some additional time for the extra check in step at the airport.

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