Flying on American Airlines with a Portable Oxygen Concentrator

 

 

Flying with a portable oxygen concentrator can sometimes be a scary experience that leaves you anxious and irritable when you finally board your flight. That is not how you want to start off your trip! Liberty Medical understands this and wants you to know that your time is valuable. We’ve taken all the guesswork and tiresome research out of flying with a POC by giving you all the information you will ever need to prepare for and have a safe flight.

The Federal Aviation Administration (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 on-board with you. Check out the FAA’s list of approved POC machines so you can make a purchase or rent one with Liberty Medical that fully complies with this list. Each airline is different. Each have their own unique set of guidelines and requirements for bringing your POC on their flight.

Flying with American Airlines? Here’s everything you need to know!

 

American Airlines’ Portable Oxygen Policy

 

• When reserving your flight, you must notify Reservations about your POC device 48 hours in advance.
• You do not need a pre-flight form.
• Make sure your batteries are fully charged and can supply power to your POC for no less than 150% of the listed flight time. So, for example, if your flight is four hours long, you will need six hours of battery life. Make sure when calculating how much battery life you will need for your flight that you also account for layovers. If possible, reserve a direct flight to avoid additional layover delays.
• If you’d like to look at their guidelines further, visit their medical devices page here.

 

When you check in at an American Airlines gate, an agent will help get you all squared away and ready to board your flight. Make sure to request an early boarding (if you aren’t guaranteed one already) to ensure you can easily bring your POC on the flight without having to navigate around many other passengers. Ask the agent any questions you may have before your hop on the plane.

Flying with your portable oxygen concentrator doesn’t have to be a hassle! Always follow the POC guidelines listed by your airline to have the safest and most comfortable flight possible. For more information on airline POC policies, browse our travel oxygen blog, where you can find the policies of all popular airlines so that you’re always in-the-know. Or check out our comprehensive article that will tell you everything about POC pre-flight preparation, operation and maintenance during your flight, post-flight reminders, and TSA procedures. We’ve got you taken care of.

Remember, our technical support team is available 24/7 to help you in any way they can! Call us at 1-800-375-6060. www.traveloxygen.com

Have a safe and enjoyable flight while you travel!