The main reason portable oxygen concentrators exist is to allow oxygen therapy patients to be able to travel anywhere in the world while receiving the oxygen therapy they need. All of our portable models have been approved by the Federal Aviation Administration for use onboard any commercial flight, with a starting or endpoint in the United States.
This doesn’t mean that every airline has to accept the oxygen concentrator on its flights, and they have to be approved for travel by the airline itself. One such airline that does accept the most portable oxygen concentrators is Virgin Airlines.
Just like with any airline, there are a few steps you will need to take before you can come on board with your portable oxygen concentrator. First, you will need to call Virgin’s customer service desk to book your flight, and before booking, you will need to tell them that you need to use your portable oxygen concentrator during the flight.
Virgin Atlantic does in fact provide in-flight oxygen, but the times during the flight when you can use it, as well as the dosages, are limited. They online provide 2 and 4 LPM of continuous flow in the economy or premium economy cabins. In the upper-class cabin, they will not provide it during take-off or landing, and for long haul flights going to Sydney, you would need to stop in Hong Kong for a refill if you are using 4 LPM of oxygen.
Using a portable oxygen concentrator is much more convenient. Once you’ve cleared the use of your particular model, you can have your doctor fill out the medical form provided by the airline, stating that you need to use it, and what dosage and for how long during the flight. They will also specify exactly how much battery life you need to have when you board your flight.
Here is a list of the portable oxygen concentrators that are approved by Virgin 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
This isn’t always the same, because it depends on how long your flight is going to be if you have any layovers, and how long and at which setting you will be using your portable oxygen concentrator during the flight. This is important because you don’t want to run out of battery life if there is some sort of delay. It’s very important to be prepared for the worst! You will need to make sure every battery you bring with you has been charged to 100%, because you will not have access to cabin power outlets.
If you must fly with Virgin Airlines, and they have not approved your particular portable oxygen concentrator model, you can find out which ones are approved by the customer service department, and rent one that is approved, that will meet your oxygen therapy needs.
You can also conveniently add as many batteries as you are required to have to your rental package, for a minimal extra fee. You shouldn’t have to settle. One great thing about your portable oxygen concentrator and accessories is they won’t be counted as part of your carry-on limit.
You will also need to have your doctor fill out a physician’s statement, which is a form that can be found here: Virgin Airlines Portable Oxygen Physician’s Statement.
Updated: May 3, 2023
Published: May 28, 2014
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.
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Scott Ridlhttps://www.oxygenconcentratorstore.com/blog/author/scott/
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Scott Ridlhttps://www.oxygenconcentratorstore.com/blog/author/scott/
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Scott Ridlhttps://www.oxygenconcentratorstore.com/blog/author/scott/
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Scott Ridlhttps://www.oxygenconcentratorstore.com/blog/author/scott/
