Flying
Flying With Supplemental Oxygen
We’ve designed this webpage to be a resource for patients. We do not guarantee that all the information is up to date. We also do not assert that we are the authority on traveling with portable oxygen concentrators.
The data on this page was last updated April 2, 2025.
Please note that this page is still undergoing updates.
What You Need to Know When Flying With Oxygen
Only POCs meeting FAA Regulations Allowed
You can only use an Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approved portable oxygen concentrator (POC) on an airplane. No other form of supplemental oxygen is allowed. While there is a list of POCs on the FAA’s website, it is an outdated list that was last updated in February 2021. The FAA no longer “approves” POCs. They have issued guidance as to what constitutes a POC that is allowed on a plane, leaving it to the manufacturers to say their POC is FAA approved. All POCs listed on our comparison chart are currently manufactured POCs meeting FAA requirements. Click here to see the FAA’s list of previously approved POCs and the criteria for new POCs to meet FAA regulations.
Newer POCs Must Be Labeled
POCs not on the FAA’s list that meet the FAA requirements must have a sticker in red with:
“The manufacturer of this POC has determined this device conforms to all applicable FAA acceptance criteria for POC carriage and use on board aircraft.”
Flying Requirements – Planning Ahead
The FAA requires that you have 150% battery for your flight time. This means if you have a 4 hour flight, you need to have at least 6 hours of batteries with you. This is so you don’t run out of batteries if there’s a delay.
All extra batteries must be individually contained to avoid contacts that could start a fire.
All batteries must be carried on. They cannot be checked.
Lithium-ion Battery Regulations
Based on the watt hours (Wh) the regulations state:
- 0-100 watt hours – There is no limit to the number of batteries.
- 101-160 watt hours – Only three batteries are allowed, with the airline’s permission. One attached to the POC and two extras.
- Batteries over 160 watt hours are not allowed.
Current Issues with POC Double Batteries
For about a year now there have been scattered reports of airlines questioning the watt hours of double batteries. More recently passengers with “FAA approved” POCs have run into issues and have been denied entry onto planes with these batteries. There are two double batteries that are in question and one triple battery that is between 101 -160 watt hours.
While the FAA and TSA have guidance on lithium-ion batteries for some specific devices, to date there is no specific guidance on POC “double” batteries. Running On Air is working on getting clear guidance so oxygen users won’t be surprised at the gate and denied entry onto planes.
Caire Sequal Eclipse
The most affected POC is Caire’s Sequel Eclipse. This POC, in its various versions, has been listed as FAA approved. There is only one battery for the Eclipse 5 and it is listed as having two 98.9 Wh batteries in the same casing. Caire says the double battery, or power cartridge, contains two electrically isolated battery packs with isolated safety circuitry, thus complying with FAA regulations. However, some airlines are saying these batteries are 197.8 Wh. Unfortunately, this double battery is the only one available for the Eclipse.
Inogen G5, Rove 6 and OxyGo Next
Similarly, the Inogen G5 and Rove 6, and OxyGo Next are also affected, however, it is just their largest battery. Their double, or extended, battery is presented in the same format as the Eclipse, as two 92.2 Wh. Some airlines are saying these batteries are really 184.4 Wh. The single batteries are fine as they are under 100 Wh.
Rhythm S3, S4 & Arya Mini
Rhythm S3 and S4, and Arya Mini also have an issue with their largest battery in that you can only bring three of them with the carrier’s permission. Their largest battery is over 101 and under 160 Wh.
Specific Airlines
While the FAA has their regulations, airlines can make their own policies on what’s required, including prior approval and documentation. While we are providing the links to various airlines’ oxygen policies, it is important to note that as of April 11, 2025, none of their pages specifically say they don’t allow the double battery, even though some, like Delta, have a no double battery policy. We strongly suggest you check with the airline EVERY time you fly, as their policies may change.
Alaska
American
Requires at least 48 hour notice that you will be using a POC, but does not require a form. You can call them at 1-800-237-7976 to let them know you’ll be using a POC. (updated 6/30/25)
https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/special-assistance/mobility-and-medical-devices.jsp
Delta
Delta requires approval of POC use through OxygenToGo. (Link https://oxygentogo.com/) As of early July 2025, Delta has reversed their no double battery policy and now allows the Inogen G5, Rove 6 and OxyGo Next double batteries. (updated 9/3/25) https://www.delta.com/us/en/accessible-travel-services/assistive-devices-medication
Frontier
https://www.flyfrontier.com/travel/travel-info/special-services/
Hawaiian
JetBlue
https://www.jetblue.com/help/medical-devices#oxygen
Spirit
https://customersupport.spirit.com/en-us/category/article/KA-01165
Southwest
https://support.southwest.com/helpcenter/s/article/I-am-flying-with-a-portable-oxygen-concentrator
United
https://www.united.com/en/us/fly/travel/accessibility-and-assistance/oxygen.html
Links to More Information
FAA lithium-ion battery guidelines https://www.faa.gov/hazmat/packsafe/lithium-batteries
The FAA frequently asked questions and guidance on some batteries and battery operated mobility devices. https://www.faa.gov/hazmat/packsafe/resources/airline-passengers-batteries
Make sure to include enough batteries to get you from home, through the airport on both ends of your flight, and to your destination. Using a wheelchair through the airports could help you save battery power.