Traveling by Airplane

A recent ruling by the FAA allows all approved portable oxygen concentrators to be used in airplanes while in flight. This is great news for oxygen users! There are some things you should be aware of before traveling.

Physician Authorization

You must obtain a signed statement from your physician that includes:

Your ability to see/hear alarms and respond appropriately;
When oxygen use is necessary (all or a portion of the trip);
Maximum flow rate corresponding to the pressure in the cabin under normal operating conditions.
 
Some airlines may require that the statement obtained from your physician be printed on his/her official letterhead. This statement needs to be kept with you at all times during your flight. A new statement will not be necessary each time you fly, but the statement should be available during every flight.

Click here for a sample Physicians Authorization

Power While Onboard
You must inform the airline in advance that you will be using a portable oxygen concentrator on board.
Some airlines may equip their aircraft with onboard electrical power. You may have an opportunity to request a seat with a power port which can be used to power your concentrator. However, availability varies by airline, type of aircraft and class of service. You should check with the airline for availability and always plan on having sufficient battery power for the duration of your flight, plus a conservative estimate of unanticipated delays.
Because aircraft use different power port configurations, your Mobile Power Charger includes two DC power adapters—a commonly used cigarette lighter adapter, and a less common four-pin adapter. Since it is difficult to determine which type of power supply your aircraft will have, it's a good idea to keep both adapters available when flying.
Remember, if you have a lengthy layover to find an electrical outlet in the terminal to charge while on the ground. Your concentrator will charge while it is providing oxygen. You may also want to pack a small power strip in your carry on luggage. This will be helpful if power outlets are in short supply (many people are charging phones and laptops while on the ground).

Airplane seating
If you will be using your Inogen One during the flight, you may not sit in an emergency exit row or in a seat that restricts other passengers' access to an emergency exit or aisle of the passenger compartment.
Check with the airline directly and inquire about the specific aircraft you will be flying on for seats with power ports. Remember though, aircraft are occasionally changed before departure.

Before Your Flight
Here are some things to keep in mind the day your flight departs:
Ensure your portable concentrator is clean, in good condition and free from damage or other signs of excessive wear or abuse.
Bring enough fully charged batteries with you to power your portable concentrator for the duration of the flight plus a conservative estimate of unanticipated delays. Contact Diamond to obtain additional Batteries.
CAUTION   Airlines may not be equipped to provide backup oxygen.
Regional/Commuter airlines do not offer onboard electrical power. If your travel plans call for flights on regional airlines, you will need sufficient battery power for the duration of the flight, plus a conservative estimate of unanticipated delays.
Arrive at the airport early. Airport security screening personnel may require extra time to inspect your portable concentrator.
While waiting to board your flight, you may be able to conserve battery power by using the AC Power Supply to power your portable concentrator from an electrical outlet in the airport terminal.
You must inform the airline you will be using your portable concentrator. Have your physician letter with you and ready for inspection if requested.
 
During Your Flight
When you find your seat, locate the power port, if available. If your seat does not have a power port or if you have difficulty plugging in your Mobile Power Charger, ask a flight attendant for assistance.
Some portable concentrators require that the battery is removed when operating when using an aircraft power port.
During taxi, takeoff and landing, stow your portable concentrator under the seat in front of you. Your portable concentrator will fit upright under most airline seats. However, if it doesn't fit you may turn it on its side.
It is not necessary to turn off your portable concentrator  during taxi, takeoff and landing if your physician's written statement requires you receive oxygen during these periods.
When you are traveling with a portable oxygen concentrator and are not planning on using it during the flight, remove the battery from the unit.
 
After Your Flight
Remember to recharge additional batteries you may have used prior to your next flight.
Arrange for the delivery or pick up of your backup oxygen supply.
Have Fun. Enjoy your independence.

Our travel coordinators are here to help! Just call 1-800-977-3002