Flying with a Portable Concentrator on Southwest Airlines

Tips for Flying with a Portable Oxygen Concentrator on Southwest

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Southwest Airlines is one of the most popular airlines, and like all other airlines, they have its own set of rules and requirements for using and bringing a portable oxygen concentrator on board one of their flights. They also have a list of FAA-approved portable oxygen units they will allow on a flight.

Approved portable oxygen concentrators have been found by the Federal Aviation Administration to be safe for use on an airplane, as per the cabin pressure and the machine’s operational levels, as well as battery usage and other workings of the unit. These FAA-approved POCs allow you to leave the country while using oxygen therapy. You don’t need to miss out on that family vacation to Hawaii because you need to use prescribed oxygen. The FAA approves all of American Medical’s available portable oxygen concentrators.

Here is a list of the portable oxygen concentrators that are approved by Southwest 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 have a different portable oxygen concentrator, but you won’t need to use it during the flight (the flight is very short and you won’t need your dosage during that time of the day), you might be able to bring it onboard and stow it in the cabin without being used. You will need to call and check with the airline before booking your flight, to see if it is allowed on board without being used.

If you do indeed use one of the approved POCs on your flight, you will have to meet the following Southwest Airline requirements:

You will need to have the official manufacturer’s label attached to the POC, stating that it is approved by the FAA.

With the batteries, you will need to make sure your POC is in battery operating mode because you will not have access to any outlets on board the flight. You are also required to bring with you 150% of the battery life you will actually need for using your oxygen therapy for the duration of the flight. This is to make sure you have plenty of battery life in case there are delays.

You will also need to bring a letter from your doctor, with the physician’s official letterhead. The letter has to state that you know how to operate your portable oxygen concentrator, and you know what to do and how to recognize any beeps or alarms. It will also need to specify during which phases of the flight you will be using your portable oxygen concentrator, such as during the taxi ride, take off, cruise or landing). The third and last thing the letter must state is the maximum flow rate corresponding to the pressure in the cabin under normal operating conditions, pressurized to an altitude of 8,000 feet.

You will need to contact Southwest Airlines to book your flight and set up reservations for you and your portable oxygen concentrator. Visit their website for contact info and more details: Southwest.com

You will also need to have your doctor fill out a physician’s statement. Click here to visit Southwest Airlines Portable Oxygen Concentrator Guidelines.

Tips for Flying with a Portable Oxygen Concentrator on Southwest

Updated: June 4, 2023
Published: June 19, 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.

12 thoughts on “Tips for Flying with a Portable Oxygen Concentrator on Southwest

  1. Can I fly with a Respironics Simply Go but do not have to use it on the flight. Do I have to fill out some type of form or who do I call to check about this? Thanks!

    • The Respironic’s SimplyGo is FAA approved for air travel. In order to completely comply with all of your individual airlines guidelines (as they do vary airline to airline) you’ll want to give them a call directly and inquire with them what is required for you to bring and utilize an oxygen concentrator on board the airline. It is important you contact them before your trip as some airlines require a Doctor’s note or other paperwork that may be difficult to complete last-minute.

  2. I live in the Raleigh, NC area and I want to fly to & from Providence. I use oxygen but only at night. I will not be using the machine on board nor in the airport. I would be flying Southwest. What would be the procedure to do this. I have an approved oxygen machine. Thanking you in advance for your help.

    • You can check you home concentrator on a plane. I would, however, caution you that it may not be handled with care. If you need oxygen for night time use only, they make a machine called the SimplyFlo that also has a travel suitcase for travel. You can also rent a SimplyGo from us. This will ensure that your device will arrive safely and since it is considered a medical device so it will not count as one of your carry-on items.

      • Can you tell me how big the simply go suitcase is. I need to know if my home unit will fit in it.

        • The dimensions of the SimplyGo portable oxygen concentrator’s carrying case are approximately 11.5 inches in height, 10 inches in width, and 6 inches in depth. Please note that these measurements are approximate and may vary slightly. Our Oxygen Specialists would be happy to understand your requirements and advise the way forward. Please give us a call at (877) 644-4581.

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