Traveling with Oxygen Equipment: Tips and Airline Regulations

Posted on 24 November, 2025

Flying can be stressful for anyone, but for travelers who rely on supplemental oxygen, the experience can be a little more complicated. With a doctor’s note, appropriate label, and verifying FAA approval, you will be on your way to your destination in no time! Planning ahead, understanding airline rules, and ensuring your equipment meets regulatory standards can make your journey from the car to the airline seat much smoother. 

How Often Do Rules Change for Airline POCs?

Airline Portable Oxygen Concentrator (POC) safety rules do not change frequently, but recent changes have focused on lithium battery limits. Specifically: Lithium-ion batteries up to 100 watt-hours (Wh) are allowed in your carry-on, but larger spare batteries (101-160 Wh) require airline approval and must be in your carry-on, not checked luggage. Spare batteries over 160 Wh are forbidden. Major rule changes, like the shift from case-by-case approval to a final rule on acceptance criteria in 2016, are rare. However, airlines can implement their own specific requirements, so it's essential to check with the airline before traveling. 

Here’s a practical guide to traveling with oxygen equipment, including current airline restrictions, helpful tips, and important questions to ask before you board:

Why Advance Planning Is Critical

Unlike common travel accessories, oxygen equipment is treated differently by airlines and regulators. Compressed oxygen cylinders and liquid oxygen are not allowed on commercial flights because they are classified as hazardous materials. Instead, most airlines permit only FAA-approved Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POCs), as outlined by the Federal Aviation Administration.

Under U.S. law (14 CFR Part 382), airlines are required to accommodate passengers with disabilities. But that doesn’t mean they supply oxygen, so you’ll likely need to bring and operate your own device. Carrying bags or cases specifically designed for your POC can protect your device and make the airport logistics more efficient.

What’s Allowed: Key Airline Regulations (as of December 2025)

Here’s a breakdown of what you should know:

Instead of approving POCs on a case-by-case basis, the FAA established the following acceptance criteria for POCs used on an aircraft:

  • The POC is legally marketed in the United States in accordance with U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requirements as stated in Title 21 of the Code of Federal Regulations (21 CFR).
  • The POC does not radiate radio frequency emissions that interfere with aircraft systems. 
  • The POC does not generate a compressed gas. This can pose a fire hazard and other risks inside a pressurized airline cabin.
  • The POC does not contain any hazardous materials (hazmat), except as provided for in 49 CFR part 175, § 175.10 for batteries used to power PEDs, and that do not require aircraft operator approval for carriage, as is the case for certain larger batteries.
  • Required POC Labeling. All POCs that satisfy the acceptance criteria and are not previously identified in SFAR 106 must also bear a label with the following statement in red lettering: "The manufacturer of this POC has determined this device conforms to all applicable FAA acceptance criteria for POC carriage and use on board aircraft."

Three Key Tips for Traveling with Oxygen

  • Confirm Your Device’s FAA Status: Prior to flying, double-check that your POC is approved by the FAA (or has the required label). Be prepared, as some airlines may require an inspection and demonstration of your oxygen device at the gate.
     
  • Bring More Batteries Than You Will Need: Calculate the length of your trip (including multiple delays), multiply by 1.5, and pack enough batteries for that duration. This isn’t only a recommendation so you won’t run out, it’s standard policy for many airline carriers.
     
  • Keep All of Your Documentation in an Accessible Area: Be sure to bring your physician’s note or medical clearance form, your user manual for your POC, proof of FAA compliance, and your oxygen prescription(s). TSA may ask to view these, especially during security screening.
     

Why These Rules Matter

  • Safety: Compressed and liquid oxygen are subject to strict regulations due to the considerable safety hazards they present in a flight environment.
     
  • Legal Protections: The Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) ensures people with disabilities have rights to air travel accommodations, including the use and transport of assistive devices like POCs. This means airlines must provide reasonable accommodations to ensure safe and dignified travel, such as assisting with boarding and stowing assistive equipment.
     
  • Regulatory Updates: FAA's regulations state that POCs and similar respiratory devices are exempt from carry-on luggage limits and require consistent staff training across all airlines.
     

Traveling with oxygen equipment can be a breeze if you plan carefully and follow the rules. By verifying your device’s approval, giving your airline ample notice, and bringing the right documentation and extra power, you can fly safely and confidently. Contact the airline a week or two before your flight to inform them of your needs and requirements, guaranteeing a safe airport and flight experience.

For additional help with your Home Medical Equipment and/or Durable Medical Equipment, visit our keyword search page to find exactly what you need. For additional information about HME resources and supplies, read our previous blogs listed below:

How to Self Advocate for HME Needs 

The Difference Between HME and DME

CPAP Masks: Choosing the Right One

 
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