Roberta Aguirre
If you have a lung condition or require oxygen support, it is important to plan ahead when travelling by air. The air on a plane contains less oxygen than the air we normally breathe, which can lead to lower levels of oxygen in the blood. This may make you feel unwell or even harm your health during or after your flight. To ensure your safety, you should consult your healthcare provider and determine if your oxygen flow needs to be adjusted during the flight. Your doctor may recommend a High-Altitude Simulation Test (HAST) or a hypoxic challenge test, also known as a fit-to-fly test, to assess your oxygen needs. If you require oxygen support, you must bring a portable oxygen concentrator (POC) and inform your airline in advance. Additionally, you should carry a prescription or a letter signed by your doctor explaining your need for oxygen.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Oxygen equipment allowed on an airplane | Portable oxygen concentrator (POC) |
| POC features | Runs on a battery pack, rechargeable, can be plugged into a wall outlet or car cigarette lighter |
| POC usage | Must inform the airline in advance, may require a doctor's letter, carry prescription at all times |
| Battery requirements | FAA regulations: enough battery for 150% of flight time, carry extra battery packs, recharge during layovers |
| Airline policies | May vary, some may not provide oxygen service, check with the airline |
| International travel | Give as much notice as possible, ensure the right electrical adapter |
| Security and airport navigation | Allow extra time, ask for assistance, keep POC with you at all times |
| Oxygen for cruises | Inform cruise company in advance, provide health history and prescription, work with supplier on oxygen units |
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What You'll Learn
- Portable oxygen concentrators (POCs) are allowed on planes, but personal oxygen cylinders are not
- Notify your airline in advance if you need to use oxygen during your flight
- Ensure you have the correct electrical adapter for your POC when travelling abroad
- Carry your oxygen prescription with you at all times during travel
- Plan for layovers and ask for assistance when travelling with oxygen
Portable oxygen concentrators (POCs) are allowed on planes, but personal oxygen cylinders are not
If you require oxygen during a flight, you must inform your airline ahead of time. You will need to use a Portable Oxygen Concentrator (POC) as only these are allowed on planes. POCs are battery-powered devices that can be recharged, plugged into a wall outlet, or connected to the power supply in a car. They can be purchased or rented from oxygen suppliers or specialist websites.
Passengers are not allowed to carry their own oxygen supply, including compressed oxygen, liquid oxygen, or personal oxygen cylinders, in checked or carry-on baggage, or on their person. This is because these are considered hazardous materials by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Airlines are permitted to carry a passenger's oxygen cylinder in the aircraft cabin, but the passenger cannot use it due to the extensive safety requirements.
When travelling with a POC, it is important to carry a prescription or letter signed by your doctor that outlines your need for oxygen, your required flow rate, the length of time oxygen is needed, and your medical condition. This is for your safety and helps to ensure you will have access to oxygen during your flight. It is also recommended to check with your airline about any specific battery requirements and to allow extra time for check-in and security screening.
Additionally, consider booking a flight without layovers to minimise the complications of moving from gate to gate. If a connecting flight is necessary, request assistance from the airline to facilitate your movement through the airport and reduce the risk of becoming winded and requiring more oxygen.
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Notify your airline in advance if you need to use oxygen during your flight
If you need to use oxygen during your flight, you must notify your airline in advance. Airlines are not required to provide oxygen service and many do not. Therefore, it is important to make the necessary arrangements ahead of time.
The only oxygen equipment allowed on an airplane is a portable oxygen concentrator (POC). These devices run on battery packs, can be recharged, and can be plugged into a wall outlet or the cigarette lighter in a car. POCs can be rented or purchased from various oxygen suppliers, and several makes and models are available. It is important to choose a POC that delivers enough oxygen to keep your saturation at 90% or greater at rest and during activity. If you do not own a POC, you may rent one for travel through your oxygen supplier or websites such as OxygenToGo.
When choosing a POC, it is important to ensure it meets the FAA acceptance criteria for POCs used onboard aircraft. Additionally, check your airline's website for a list of accepted manufacturers and brands. You should also carry a prescription or letter signed by your doctor regarding your need for oxygen. This will help ensure that you will always have a record of your need for in-flight oxygen, your required flow rate, and the length of time oxygen will be needed.
When booking your flight, allow extra time for check-in and moving through security and the airport. You may also want to ask for a wheelchair assist to help you move more efficiently through the TSA check. If you require oxygen therapy, it is necessary to have an FAA-compliant POC, and you should carry several extra battery packs to account for unexpected events. FAA regulations require enough battery time to cover 150% of the flight time. You should also ask for a seat with a power port, just in case, and carry an extra three-way plug for recharging your POC in the airport.
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Ensure you have the correct electrical adapter for your POC when travelling abroad
If you are travelling with a Portable Oxygen Concentrator (POC), it is important to ensure you have the correct electrical adapter. This will enable you to recharge your POC in the airport and on the plane, if necessary.
A travel adapter changes the size and shape of the plug so that it fits into various electrical outlets across the world. The voltage in different countries varies, so it is important to check whether you need a travel converter as well as an adapter. A travel converter changes the voltage of electricity flowing from the socket into your device. If the voltage in your home country is roughly the same as the voltage in the country you will be travelling to, then you won’t need a converter.
Converters are generally used with older appliances that have a very narrow voltage tolerance, such as hair dryers and curling irons. Modern "electronic" devices that use chips, circuits and electronic motors require a travel transformer. Dual voltage devices such as newer model hair dryers, electric razors and toothbrushes do not require a converter or transformer. Multi-voltage devices such as laptop computers, cell phones, tablets, cameras and battery chargers also do not require either.
If you are unsure, check the specifications on your appliance to make certain that your converter can handle the watts your device needs. Small personal electronic devices use low watts ranging up to 25W or 50W. Items with heating elements such as hair dryers and coffee makers might require a high watt setting in the range of 1000W to 2000W.
Adapters are essential when travelling abroad to keep your gadgets charged. You can purchase universal adapters or basic ones. It is recommended to test your adapter, cable, and device before you go to ensure they work together.
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Carry your oxygen prescription with you at all times during travel
If you need to use oxygen during your flight, you must carry a portable oxygen concentrator (POC) with you. POCs are the only oxygen equipment allowed on airplanes. These devices run on battery packs and can be recharged, plugged into a wall socket, or connected to the cigarette lighter in a car.
Before you fly, you should work with your healthcare provider to confirm that it is safe for you to fly and determine if your oxygen flow needs to increase during the flight. Your doctor may recommend a High-Altitude Simulations Test (HAST) to determine a prescription for flying. This test involves adjusting the level of oxygen in a breathing apparatus to mimic being at 8,000 feet, which is the same atmospheric pressure as a commercial airplane cabin.
Once you have your prescription, make sure to carry it with you at all times during your travel. Keep it easily accessible so that you can show it to the flight attendant if needed. It is also a good idea to contact the airline in advance to find out if they require any additional paperwork from your doctor. Each airline has its own rules about flying with oxygen, and failure to comply may result in denied boarding.
When booking your flight, consider choosing a window seat as most airline cabin crews will ask you to sit by the window to avoid the tubing being a hazard to other passengers. Also, look for flights with long layovers, as this will give you more time to recharge your POC batteries. If you have a long layover, you may even be able to negotiate with the airline to carry fewer batteries.
By planning ahead and carrying your oxygen prescription with you at all times, you can ensure a safe and comfortable journey to your destination.
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Plan for layovers and ask for assistance when travelling with oxygen
Planning for layovers and seeking assistance when travelling with oxygen are crucial for a seamless journey. Here are some detailed instructions to guide you through the process:
Planning for Layovers:
- Choose flights with longer layovers: Opt for flights that offer longer layovers between connections. This provides extra time to recharge your oxygen equipment and ensures you don't miss your next flight due to unexpected delays.
- Recharge your equipment: Utilize the time during layovers to recharge your portable oxygen concentrator (POC). Airports usually have power outlets available, and carrying an extra three-way plug can be helpful for recharging.
- Carry extra battery packs: Always bring several extra battery packs for your POC to ensure you have sufficient power to last through your entire journey, including unexpected delays.
- Plan ahead for battery usage: Be mindful that you may need to conserve battery power when you're on the ground and during activities like using the restroom. Adjust your oxygen settings accordingly to make the most of your battery life.
Seeking Assistance:
- Request special assistance: When booking your flight, inform the airline that you'll be travelling with oxygen and inquire about any special assistance services they provide. Many airlines have dedicated teams to assist travellers with special needs.
- Ask for a wheelchair: Consider requesting a wheelchair assist, especially if you're not using oxygen constantly. This can help you navigate through the airport and TSA checkpoints more efficiently.
- Communicate your needs: At the airport, introduce yourself to the check-in crew and verify your oxygen requirements. You may also request an empty seat next to you to store your equipment if the flight isn't full.
- Board early: Arrive early at the gate and request early boarding. This will give you more time to get settled and ensure your oxygen equipment is ready for use during the flight.
- Consult your healthcare provider: Before your trip, work with your doctor or healthcare provider to confirm it is safe for you to fly and determine if any adjustments to your oxygen flow are needed during flight.
By planning for layovers and proactively seeking assistance, you can ensure a smoother and safer travel experience when travelling with oxygen.
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Frequently asked questions
Passengers are not allowed to carry their own oxygen (compressed or liquid) in checked baggage, carry-on baggage, or on their person. The only oxygen equipment allowed on an airplane is a portable oxygen concentrator (POC).
A POC is a portable oxygen concentrator. These devices run on a battery pack and can be recharged, plugged into a wall socket, or a cigarette lighter in a car. They are lightweight and can be carried using a strap or placed in a backpack.
Yes, you must inform the airline ahead of time if you need to use a POC. They may require a doctor's letter to verify the need for the POC on the plane.
You can bring your own POC or rent one for travel through your oxygen supplier or websites such as OxygenToGo.
It is recommended to carry your prescription with you at all times during travel and make sure it is accessible so that you can show it to the flight attendant if needed. You should also allow extra time to make your way through security and the airport and ask for assistance whenever needed.
