Portable Oxygen Concentrator FAA Approved: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) generally prohibits the use of personal oxygen units during flights because they contain compressed gas or liquid oxygen, which are defined as hazardous materials.
However, the FAA does allow the onboard use of certain portable oxygen concentrators (POCs).
You can carry and use a portable oxygen concentrator approved by the FAA on board certain flights worldwide at no charge and according to FAA regulations.
FAA approved oxygen concentrator
Current FAA rules allow, but don’t require, airlines to accept portable oxygen concentrators. Some airlines may not accept them or may charge a fee. Please note that because of safety-related space limitations, not all carriers permit the use of oxygen concentrators and/or only accept specific types.
FAA approved oxygen tanks
In addition, portable oxygen concentrator models will be accepted that have a manufacturer’s label stating in red lettering:
“The manufacturer of this Portable Oxygen Concentrator (POC) has determined this device conforms to all applicable FAA acceptance criteria for POC carriage and use onboard aircraft.”
Other appropriately labeled portable oxygen concentrator brands and models may be carried in the cabin with the batteries removed, if they meet our carry-on size and weight requirements, or maybe transported as checked baggage.
You must have an ample supply of fully charged batteries for the full length of your flight and any ground connection time where the portable oxygen concentrator will be used, plus three hours of extra battery time in case of flight delays or other disruptions.
Please note that in-seat electrical power is available on a limited number of aircraft, and there’s no guarantee that the in-seat power will operate or be capable of charging your POC.
Portable oxygen guidelines
Portable oxygen concentrators (POCs) are considered assistive devices and don’t count toward carry-on bag limits whether or not they are used onboard. They must fit underneath the seat or in an overhead compartment. Some seating restrictions may be necessary to comply with certain FAA safety rules.
How to travel with oxygen on a plane?
If you wish to use a POC on board, you must meet the following requirements before boarding the aircraft:
- You must notify us that you’re planning to use a POC onboard the aircraft.
- We suggest that you print the Medical Certificate for POC Use form available on the website.
- Are suggest you print the Medical certificate for POC use form available on the website.
The Medical certificate for POC use must:
- State whether oxygen use is medically necessary for all or a portion of the flight listed on your itinerary.
- Specify the maximum oxygen flow rate in liters per minute corresponding to the pressure in the cabin of the aircraft under normal operating conditions.
- State that the expected total operating time of the portable oxygen concentrator (POC) extends the entire length of the flight plus three hours.
Portable oxygen concentrator batteries
You must make sure that all extra batteries are properly protected from short-circuiting by having recessed battery terminals or by packaging the batteries so they do not contact metal objects, including the terminals of other batteries.
- You must make sure you have ample batteries to power the portable oxygen concentrator for the duration of the flight, any ground connection time where the POC will be used, plus three additional hours to allow for unanticipated delays.
- There is no electrical power available for use on all aircraft.
- In-seat electrical power is available on only a limited number of aircraft, and there’s no guarantee that any available in-seat power will operate.
Portable oxygen concentrator faa approved list
A recent American Medical Association report said more than 30 million Americans have chronic lung disease, and of those, an estimated more than 1 million Americans require home therapy involving breathing medical oxygen.
The FAA previously approved these portable oxygen concentrators for use:
- AirSep FreeStyle
- AirSep LifeStyle
- AirSep Focus
- AirSep FreeStyle 5
- Delphi RS-00400
- DeVilbiss Healthcare iGo
- Inogen One
- Inogen One G2
- Inogen One G3
- Inova Labs LifeChoice
- Inova Labs LifeChoice Activox
- International Biophysics LifeChoice
- Invacare XPO
- Invacare Solo2
- Oxlife Independence Oxygen Concentrator
- Oxus RS-00400
- Precision Medical EasyPulse
- Respironics EverGo
- Respironics Simply Go
- SeQual Eclipse
- SeQual SAROS
The FAA does not allow passengers to bring liquid oxygen or portable oxygen tanks on flights by any means. You can, however, bring your portable oxygen concentrator onboard with you.
Your doctor will give you a prescription that spells out how much oxygen you need per minute and when you need to get it. Some people may need oxygen therapy only when they exercise or sleep. Others may need it all day long.
FAA Approved Oxygen Concentrator
The FAA approved concentrator is an extremely lightweight portable concentrator and doesn’t require refilling it with oxygen.
What portable oxygen concentrators are approved by the FAA?
The Federal Aviation Administration, or FAA, has ruled that all passengers who require oxygen must be allowed to bring FAA-approved portable oxygen concentrators on all U.S. aircraft with more than 19 seats.