If you require a portable oxygen concentrator (POC) as part of your medical treatment and need to use it on board, you may do so, taking into account these recommendations:
Present an original medical certificate and its photocopy at the airport counter. This document will be valid up to 10 days after its date of issue.
If you require to use your POC during the flight, it will not count as carry-on baggage. If you wish to carry a portable oxygen concentrator or respiratory device that will not be used during the flight, it will be included in your carry-on weight.
If you need to carry the batteries for your portable oxygen concentrator, please note:
- The POC must be used with the battery pre-charged on the ground, it must have a 150% charge for the expected duration of your flight. If you have a connecting flight, be aware of the additional time.
- Verify that spare batteries are in a secure case or have insulated edges to prevent short circuits. This will be included as carry-on baggage.
Spare batteries are accepted in the following quantities:
- Spare batteries with power not exceeding 100 Wh (lithium-ion) or with up to 2 grams of lithium (lithium metal) have no quantity restriction, and you may carry as many as necessary for the operation of the device.
- Batteries with power between 100 Wh and 160 Wh (lithium-ion) or containing between 2 and 8 grams of lithium (lithium metal) can only carry 2 per passenger.
- Batteries with a power greater than 160 Wh (lithium-ion) or containing more than 8 grams of lithium (lithium metal) cannot be carried.
In the event of an operational contingency, the aircraft power outlets cannot be used for these devices. If your device does not have backup batteries, you will not be able to use it on board.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), these are the models allowed on board:
- Invacare Solo 2 – AirSep FreeStyle.
- Respironics EverGo - AirSep FreeStyle 5.
- SeQual SAROS – DeVilbiss Healthcare iGo.
- AirSep Focus – Inogen One G3.
- Delphi RS-00400 – Ivacare XPO2/XPO100.
- Inogen One G2 – Precisión Medical EasyPulse.
- International Biophysics LifeChoice/Inova Labs LifeChoice - Sequal Eclipse.
- OxiLife Independence Oxigen Concentrator – AirSep FreeStyle.
- Respironics SimplyGo – (Caire) SeQual eQuinox / Oxywell (model 400).
- VBox Trooper – Inogen One.
- Ova Labs Choice Activox.
Keep in mind:
- The AirSep LifeStyle device must have a sticker affixed to the inside cover that reads, "RTCA/DO-1600 21 category M Compliant" to indicate that it has been modified for flight. If it does not, it will not be allowed for use on board.
- In case you have an equipment different from those on the list of approved models, you will not be able to take it on board.