How to Travel Safely with a Portable Oxygen Concentrator (2025)

1. Traveling by Air
2. Traveling by Car
3. Traveling by Bus
4. Traveling by Train
5. Traveling on a Cruise Ship
6. Dealing with Emergencies

1. Plan for Your Trip

   Make an appointment with your healthcare provider to confirm you are fit to travel. Topics to discuss include:

   • Method of transportation (car, bus, train, plane, or cruise ship)
   • Destination details, including climate and elevation
   • Access to healthcare providers, hospitals, and medical equipment suppliers
   • Emergency supplies or medications you might need
   • Medical documentation, insurance, and oxygen prescriptions
2. Perform Routine Maintenance
   • Clean or replace intake filters
   • Check for error messages and unusual noises
   • Replace old batteries
   • Inspect accessories such as cannulas, tubing, and connectors
3. Pack the Essentials
   • Travel bag for your POC and accessories
   • Extra batteries, power banks, and chargers
   • Backup equipment, if possible
4. Bring Necessary Medical Documentation
   • Copy of your oxygen prescription
   • Signed authorization forms
   • Insurance cards
5. Plan for Emergencies
   • Research local healthcare providers at your destination
   • Keep emergency contact information accessible

The easiest way to pack your POC and accessories is in its designated carry bag, as these bags are designed to fully support your specific device, and may even feature pouches and pockets intended for oxygen accessories. However, there are additional ways to safely store your POC and its accessories when packing for your trip. Here are some tips on packing and organizing oxygen therapy devices and accessories when traveling.

• Keep most frequently used items in an easily accessible place
• Protect fragile items (like your POC and batteries) by storing them in padded compartments or pouches
• Clean and wipe down your storage bag before packing to ensure it is free of dust, debris, and lint

You may be interested in travel-ready oxygen concentrator kits which simplify packing and help ensure you have everything you need during your trip. A travel kit can include (but is not limited to):

• Particle filters
• Oxygen barb
• Barb wrench
• Accessory bag
• Vehicle fuses
• Extra cannulas and/or tubing
• Swivel connector

Most airlines in the United States allow POCs approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). However, what is required for travel with a POC may vary. When booking your ticket, call your chosen airline and inform them you will need oxygen on the flight. The following are suggested questions to ask when speaking to the airline agent:

1. How much notice is required before my flight? Depending on the airline and your destination, advance notice times may vary. Airlines may require notice anywhere from 48 hours to one month before your flight with an online or printed form.
2. Is my POC on your approved list of travel-safe units? Each airline keeps a list of approved POCs. If yours isn't on the approved list, ask if the airline will supply you with oxygen during the flight (many airlines do for an additional fee). If not, you can rent an approved unit for the flight.
3. What are your POC battery life requirements? On average, most airlines require 150% of the flight time to compensate for delays; some may need more depending on the duration of your flight.
4. What medical documentation should I bring? Many airlines require a specific form to be completed by your healthcare provider that you may have to present when checking in for your flight.

• Security Screening Tips
• Notify the TSA agent. Upon arriving at the security checkpoint, notify the TSA agent that you are traveling with a POC and whether you can or cannot be disconnected from oxygen during screening.
• If your device can be disconnected from oxygen, it will undergo X-ray screening. If you must remain connected, the device will be tested for explosive residue.¹
• Make sure your POC and its accessories are easily accessible during screening. POCs are exempt from the carry-on count and can be transported in their manufacturer-designed carry bag.
• Have signed paperwork and a copy of your oxygen prescription handy. Airlines often require signed documentation from your provider and/or a copy of your oxygen prescription. Without this documentation, you may be denied boarding.
• Battery Requirements
• It is recommended to bring spare batteries, but individual batteries cannot exceed a capacity of 160 watt-hours, per TSA guidelines. Batteries with 101 - 160 watt-hours may require airline approval.²
• POC batteries must be carried in carry-on luggage only.
• Ensure you have at least enough battery life to cover 150% of flight duration to compensate for potential delays and unplanned layovers (some airlines require more depending on flight time).
• NOTE: Manufacturers usually advertise battery life based on operation on its lowest setting. Before your trip, calculate the duration of battery life your device provides on the setting(s) you will need on the flight.

Some FAA-approved portable oxygen concentrators include (but are not limited to) the following:

• Sequal Eclipse 5
• iGo2
• Inogen One G5
• Inogen One G2
• Inogen One G3
• Oxlife Independence
• Precision Medical EasyPulse
• SimplyGo Mini

If you are driving to your destination, it is recommended to plan by taking these steps:

• Map out your route in advance: Plan for regular rest stops and ensure you'll have mobile coverage during your journey in case of emergencies. If traveling through higher altitudes and/or extreme temperatures, you'll need to plan for using more oxygen and ensuring your unit doesn't exceed a safe operating temperature.
• Verify whether your POC can be charged in the car: Check whether your car has a 12-volt DC outlet to charge your POC. If not, you'll need to plan for stops where you can recharge the device.
• Fully charge the device: Ensure the battery is fully charged and pack spare batteries to cover more than the duration of your trip.
• Arrange a backup device: If possible, bring a spare unit if the primary unit fails or malfunctions. Otherwise, make a plan for troubleshooting or finding alternate oxygen sources in case the unit malfunctions.

• Keep the unit upright: Find a safe place for your unit where it won't slide or tip over. You can place the unit directly on the floor or on the seat beside you. Use the seatbelt to secure the device in place.
• Avoid the heat: Keep the unit out of direct sunlight while driving and never leave your POC in a hot car.
• No smoking: Don't smoke in the car or let anyone else do so. Additionally, keep the POC away from any other flammable substances.³
• Open the windows: Crack the windows so air can circulate and the POC can operate properly.
• Bring extra accessories: Pack extra batteries, cannulas, tubing, the POC user manual, charging adapters, etc., or anything else you might need during your trip.
• Unplug the DC power supply when the car is off: Leaving the unit plugged in when the car is off will deplete your car battery.

When traveling by bus, you should take the following steps to ensure hassle-free travel with your POC.

• Contact the coach line and confirm their rules and policies for traveling with oxygen.
• Confirm whether it is allowed to recharge your POC on the bus. If yes, try to book a seat near a 12-volt DC outlet. If you cannot recharge on the bus, bring spare batteries to cover the duration of the trip + 50% extra.
• Bring a copy of your oxygen prescription with you - you may even want to ask your doctor for a note explaining why you need oxygen.

Traveling by train is generally the easiest way to travel with a POC. You should note the following when deciding whether to travel by train:

• Amtrak will not allow POCs on board unless it is medically necessary. You will need to call to make your reservation and notify the operator that you require oxygen. For any other rail service, it is still recommended to call the rail company directly to make your reservation and inform them you will be using oxygen on board.
• Your POC must be able to run on battery power for at least 4 hours. Consider the standard battery life of your device and bring spare batteries if the POC cannot run continuously for 4 hours on your required settings.
• All oxygen therapy equipment must be Underwriter's Laboratory (UL) listed or Factory Mutual (FM) approved. You can check if your device is listed by looking for their logos on the device itself ("FM approved" or stylized UL logo) or verifying directly with the manufacturer.

When planning your cruise, remember these tips and information for smooth sailing!

• Contact the cruise line to inform them you will be using oxygen. Many lines require notification anywhere from two to six weeks before your trip. They may also require medical forms such as a copy of your oxygen prescription and/or paperwork from your doctor.
• Most cruise lines accept FAA-approved POCs. Contact the cruise line and ask them about their policies and rules about bringing POCs on board.
• Some ships have limited or hard-to-reach outlets. Check with the operator at the cruise line that your room will have easily accessible outlets for charging your device, or alternate options in communal areas if those aren't available.
• Bring international adapters, if necessary. Depending on where you're traveling, you may need adapters to charge your POC when going on shore.
• Plan for shore excursions. Ensure your battery is fully charged before leaving for shore excursions. Bring extra batteries as you may not have access to power while on shore.

• The POC is not turning on:
• Press the power button twice or hold down for a few seconds.
• If the device is charging, double-check that the power supply adapter and the unit itself are well-ventilated without obstructions. Overheating will cause the concentrator to shut down.
• Open the battery port and check that the battery is securely installed. If the battery is correctly installed, try removing and re-installing the battery.

• The POC has stopped producing oxygen properly, even though the power light and screen are still on:
• Double-check that the tubing is fully connected to the unit.
• Check for any potential kinks or knots in the tubing.
• If using the POC while in its carrying bag, check that the unit is sitting correctly and that there are no blocked vents.
• Check cannula connections and the position of the cannula on your face. If the cannula is not connected or positioned correctly, this will inhibit your oxygen flow.

• The POC is displaying error message(s) onscreen:
• Some common concentrator alerts and errors include:
• Low oxygen alert: Double-check that the airflow is not being blocked or obstructed.
• Oxygen purity is lower than 80%: The intake vent may be blocked or clogged. Turn the unit off before cleaning it out and replace the intake filters, if necessary.
• No breath detection: Check the positioning of the cannula and for any kinks or knots in the tubing.
• Battery or system temperature: If the device is too hot or cold, move it to a cooler or warmer area and wait a few minutes before attempting to use the POC again. Double-check that all inlets and outlet vents are clear and unobstructed.
• Other system errors: Check the manufacturer's user manual for information on specific errors for more troubleshooting information. If those tips do not help, contact the manufacturer directly.

• Performing a hard reset:

If all else fails, you can attempt a hard restart to resolve certain errors or alerts. You can reset the unit with the following steps:

1. Shut off power to the unit (use the power button and remove batteries).
2. If the unit is charging, disconnect the power adapter.
3. Let the unit stand for at least 20 minutes without power.
4. Plug the unit into an AC power supply (do not reinsert the batteries yet).
5. Turn the unit on and use it continuously for ten minutes solely on AC power.
6. Disconnect the unit from AC power and reinsert the batteries.

It is strongly advised to carry a backup unit in case the primary unit fails or malfunctions. However, this is not always possible or you may need a backup oxygen supply in cases of power outage. Backup oxygen solutions should be arranged before your trip and can include:

• Having a stationary oxygen concentrator delivered to your location ahead of time
• Making arrangements with your oxygen supplier in advance and ensuring they provide services at your destination
• Making and keeping a list of local healthcare providers and hospitals that can provide oxygen in an emergency
• Bringing portable oxygen tanks

• ¹ Transportation Security Administration “Respiratory Equipment.” https://www.tsa.gov/travel/tsa-cares/disabilities-and-medical-conditions/respiratory-equipment
• ² Transportation Security Administration “Lithium batteries with more than 100 watt hours.” Lithium batteries with more than 100 watt hours | Transportation Security Administration. (n.d.).
• ³ American Lung Association “Traveling with Oxygen.” Traveling with Oxygen | American Lung Association. (2024, June 7).