Flying with Portable Oxygen: Everything You Need to Know

Your Ultimate Guide to Traveling with a Portable Oxygen Concentrator 

Spring break is just around the corner and many people are flying with a Portable Oxygen Concentrator (POC) for the first time.  We know how hard it is to find accurate information and want to relieve some of the stress of preparing for vacations during these upcoming travel months. 

We have gathered all you need to know about traveling with a POC to answer all your questions about flying with your oxygen. 

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HOW CAN I SAFELY FLY WITH OXYGEN | The only oxygen equipment allowed on an airplane is the (POC).  Oxygen tanks are prohibited on all airlines for safety reasons.  If you need oxygen while on a flight, you must take a POC with you, and you must let your airline know ahead of time. They may require a doctor's letter to verify the need for the POC on the plane.

POCs approved by the Federal Aviation Association (FAA) can be purchased or rented through an oxygen supplier.

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WHERE DO I GO TO PURCHASE A POC? | DME FINDERS offers FAA-Approved pulse and continuous flow POCs for purchase or 30-day rental, for approved customers.  Each POC comes with (1) carrying case, (1) nasal cannula, (1) home and/or car charger, and a user guide.

You can find FAA-Aproved POCs at DME Finders's Respiratory Store.  Most POCs average 8 pounds in weight and vary in battery life. DME Finders is a reliable source for POCs and our respiratory representative is dedicated to helping you select the right solution for your needs to stay active with a safe and convenient portable oxygen concentrator.

Examples of Portable Oxygen Concentrators Battery Life

On Flow Setting 2	Inogen One G3	Inogen One G4	Inogen One G5
Single Battery Duration	up to 4.5 hours	up to 2.7 hours	up to 4.9 hours
Double Battery Duration	up to 9.6 hours	up to 4.5 hours	up to 10.3 hours

Rhythm Portable Oxygen Concentrator	Single Battery Duration
On Flow Setting 1	5 hours
On Flow Setting 2	4 hours
On Flow Setting 3	3 hours
On Flow Setting 4	2 hours 14 minutes
On Flow Setting 5	1 hour 50 minutes

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HOW DO I GET APPROVAL TO FLY WITH MY POC? | Advanced planning is key when

flying with a POC. Most airlines require you to complete an oxygen physician's statement form to board and fly on their airline.   In most cases, you must provide 48-72 hours advance notice and submit the Oxygen Physician's Statement before travel.

Airlines	Weblinks
Air Canada	Air Canada Physician’s Statement
American Airlines	American Airlines Physician’s Statement
Alaskan Airlines	Alaskan Oxygen Physician’s Statement
Delta Airlines	Delta Physician’s Statement
Frontier Airlines	Frontier Oxygen Physician’s Statement
Hawaiian Airlines	Hawaiian Oxygen Physician’s Statement
Southwest Airlines	Southwest Airlines’ website
Spirit Airlines	Spirit Airlines website
United Airlines	United Airlines’ website
Virgin Airlines	Virgin Oxygen Physician’s Statement

HOW DO I KNOW THAT MY POC IS FAA-APPROVED? | DME FINDERS only supplies our customers with FAA-Approved POCs.   For a list of FAA-Approved devices, check out the FAA website.

HERE IS A HELPFUL CHECKLIST YOU CAN USE WHEN PLANNING TO FLY WITH YOUR POC: 

• Portable Oxygen Concentrator 

• Power cords

• Battery

• Extended Battery (if required)

• Nasal Cannulas 

• Completed Physician’s Consent Form sent to the Airlines at least 48 hours before travel

• Label from Medical Supply Store indicating that the POC is FAA-Approved 

CAR TRAVEL WITH OXYGEN | Taking a road trip with oxygen?  Here are some helpful tips to safely drive with your oxygen tank:

• Place the oxygen unit upright. Put it on the floor or the seat beside you. Secure the unit with a seat belt.

• Don't smoke or let anyone else smoke in the car.

• Keep the windows open at least a crack so air can circulate. 

• Don't leave oxygen units in a hot car.

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