Airlines Oxygen Policy Travel
There are some airlines that restrict any kind of oxygen device on board. We searched the oxygen policy of all 280 airlines IATA* members, to find out their supplemental oxygen policy.
Most airlines require you to bring your own portable oxygen concentrator, but not all concentrators are allowed by all airlines. Each airline maintains a list of which portable oxygen concentrators they will allow on board. A small number of airlines will provide you with oxygen on board. There is usually a charge to use an airline’s oxygen. Airlines will not allow you to bring filled oxygen tanks (green cylinders) or liquid oxygen onto the plane.
Be aware of the airline’s specific requirements regarding which oxygen concentrators are allowed and what paperwork is required. Contact your airline for further information.
Below you will find a list of airlines, members of IATA, that have an oxygen on board policy.
Click on the airline’s name and you will be transferred directly to their relative oxygens policy page. (Airlines that don’t have any relevant information online are not mentioned below).
*IATA (International Air Transport Association) is the trade association for the world’s airlines, representing 280 airlines or 83% of total air traffic.
The FAA requires you to have battery life equal to 150% of your expected travel time. Be sure to bring enough batteries – and make sure they are fully charged! The airplane may or may not have an electrical outlet available if your batteries run out. You should also factor in time needed to travel to the airport, waiting to board, layovers, and traveling from the airport to your destination after arrival.
Ask your doctor if you should monitor your oxygen level in flight with a pulse oximeter.
EUROPE
Europian Airlines Oxygen Policy
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adria – slovenia – no https://www.adria.si/en/information/passengers-with-special-needs/personal-assistance/rules-on-carriage-of-disabled-persons-and-persons-with-reduced-mobility/
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aegean – greece – yes https://en.aegeanair.com/travel-information/special-assistance/traveling-with-people-with-special-needs/?_ga=2.19459581.456210315.1517241237-1951542997.1517241237
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aerlingus – ireland – yes https://www.aerlingus.com/travel-information/special-assistance/medical-conditions/
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aeroflot – russian federation https://www.aeroflot.ru/xx-en/information/preparation/special_transportation/disabled
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air astana – kazakstan https://airastana.com/global/en-us/Experience-Air-Astana/Special-Services
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air baltic – latvia – yes https://www.airbaltic.com/en/passengers-with-special-medical-requirements
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air corsica – france https://www.aircorsica.com/flights/assistance/
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air france – france – yes https://www.airfrance.fr/FR/en/common/guidevoyageur/assistance/pmr_insuffisance_respiratoire.htm
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air malta – malta -yes https://www.airmalta.com/information/customer-support/special-assistance/passengers-with-medical-needs
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air moldova – republic of moldova https://www.airmoldova.md/children-and-infants-en/
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air serbia – serbia – yes https://www.airserbia.com/en/medical-conditions
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alitalia – italy – yes https://www.alitalia.com/en_us/fly-alitalia/organize-your-trip/special-assistance.html
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atlas global – turkey – yes https://www.atlasglb.com/en/private-needs/
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azerbaijan airlines – yes https://www.azal.az/en/information/special-cases-transportation
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BH air – bulgaria – http://www.bhairlines.com/page.php?id=39
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Binter canarias – spain https://www.bintercanarias.com/eng/information/mobility-impaired
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blue air – romania https://www.blueairweb.com/en/gb/special-assistance/
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blue panorama airlines – italy – https://www.blue-panorama.com/faq
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bmi regional – uk – yes https://www.flybmi.com/passengers
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british airlines – uk – yes https://www.britishairways.com/en-au/information/travel-assistance/medical-conditions-and-pregnancy
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brussels airlines – belgium – yes https://www.brusselsairlines.com/en-be/practical-information/travel-info/before-the-flight/special-assistance/default.aspx
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bulgaria air – bulgaria https://www.air.bg/en/customer-support/passengers-with-special-needs
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carpatair – romania http://www.carpatair.com/special-categories-of-passengers/#tab-id-1
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cobalt air – cuprys – https://cobalt.aero/content/medicalpregnancy-conditions
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condor – germany – yes – https://www.condor.com/eu/fly-enjoy/special-assistance/assistance-for-our-customers/medical-equipment-and-medication.jsp#c93703
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corendon airlines – turkey – https://www.corendonairlines.com/en/page/travel-information/special-assistance/request-for-extra-oxygen-on-board
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corsair – france https://www.corsair.fr/flight/services/flight-book/before-leaving/passenger-assistance
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croatia airlines – croatia – yes http://www.croatiaairlines.com/Travel-info/Special-passenger-categories/Disabled-persons
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austrian airlines – austria https://www.austrian.com/~/media/01FF98933DFB4F6D85EB0A7952558A16.ashx
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chech airlines – czech republic – https://www.csa.cz/cz-en/travel-information/#current_ti-tab-3815
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el al – israel https://www.elal.com/en/PassengersInfo/Useful-Info/SpecialNeeds-Passenger/Pages/Medician-Air-Flight.aspx
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evelop airlines – spain http://www.evelop.com/en/fly-with-evelop/passengers-guide.html#
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finnair – finland – yes https://www.finnair.com/int/gb/information-services/before-the-flight/special-services-health/medical-conditions
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flybe – uk – yes https://www.flybe.com/assistance/medication/
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germania – germany – yes https://www.flygermania.com/en/planning/health-travel/special-medical-baggage/
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iberia – spain – yes http://help.iberia.com/frequently_asked_question/can-i-carry-an-oxygen-concentrator-cpap-apnoea-breathing-device-or-similar-on-board-and-dialysis-equipment/
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icelandair – iceland – yes http://www.icelandair.co.uk/information/special-assistance/special-service/
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Israir Airlines – israel http://beta.israirairlines.com/?mode=page&page=15463
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klm – netherlands – yes https://www.klm.com/travel/au_en/prepare_for_travel/travel_planning/physically_challenged/klm_cares.htm#p5
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LOT Polish Airlines – poland -yes http://www.lot.com/us/en/passengers-travelling-with-a-medical-certificate
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Lufthansa – germany – yes https://www.lufthansa.com/us/en/Mobility-Partner-Program-Healthcare#respiratory_problems
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luxair – Luxembourg https://www.luxair.lu/en/information/passengers-reduced-mobility
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neos – italy – yes https://www.neosair.it/en/before_the_flight/special_assistance/portable_oxygen
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nextjet – sweden – yes https://www.nextjet.se/en/travel-information/special-needs/assistance
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olympic air – greece – yes https://www.olympicair.com/en/Info/Special/Disabled
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onur air – turkey https://book.onurair.com/web/template/generalRules_EN.xhtml
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Pegasus Airlines – turkey https://www.flypgs.com/en/useful-info/other-info/passengers-with-reduced-mobility-and-health#accordion-exclamation
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Tap air portugal – portugal yes https://www.flytap.com/en-gr/special-needs/medical-assistance
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Rossiya Airlines – Russian Federation – yes https://www.rossiya-airlines.com/en/travel-planning/category_passenger/people_with_limited_possibility/
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sas – sweden – yes https://www.flysas.com/en/uk/travel-info/special-assistance/oxygen/
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sata – portugal – yes https://www.azoresairlines.pt/en/information/special-services/special-assistance
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swiss – Switzerland – yes https://www.swiss.com/corporate/medicalservices/en/health/passengers-with-disabilities/extra-oxygen
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tarom – romania – yes https://www.tarom.ro/en/passenger-information/about-your-trip/people-with-disabilities.html
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Turkish Airlines – turkey – yes https://www.turkishairlines.com/en-us/any-questions/special-assistance-for-passengers/
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TUIfly – germany https://www.tuifly.com/en/service/bestimmungen_bbb_tuifly.html
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Ukraine International Airlines – ukraine – yes – https://www.flyuia.com/ua/en/information/passengers-with-special-needs
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Ural Airlines – russian federation – https://www.uralairlines.com/en/passengers-info/rules/passazhiry-s-ogranicheniyami-zhiznedeyatelnosti/tyazhelobolnoy-passazhir-bolnoy-na-nosilkakh/
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Uzbekistan Airways – Uzbekistan https://www.uzairways.com/en/flights/rules-pre-selection-and-reservation-seats-uzbekistan-airways-aircraft-cabins
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Virgin Atlantic – uk – yes https://www.virginatlantic.com/gb/en/travel-information/special-flight-requirements/flying-with-medication-and-equipment.html
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Vueling – spain http://www.vueling.com/en/vueling-services/prepare-your-trip/information-for-passengers/passengers-with-special-needs
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Wideroe – norway – yes https://www.wideroe.no/en/travel/special-needs
Airlines Oxygen Policy AMERICA
If you are traveling outside the United States, different regulations may apply. Contact your airline for guidance. And remember to bring the correct electrical plug adapter for the country you are visiting.
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copa airlines – panama – yes https://www.copaair.com/en/web/gs/ask-ana?id=1416&interfaceID=2&question=Can%20I%20carry%20medical%20oxygen%20with%20me%3F&requestType=
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Aerolineas Argentinas – argentina – yes http://www.aerolineas.com.ar/en-eu/serviciosespeciales/index/10_transport-of-people-with-illnesses-medical-cases
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Aeromexico – mexico – yes https://world.aeromexico.com/en/travel-with-aeromexico/special-passengers/passengers-with-disabilities/?site=us
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air canada – canada – yes https://www.aircanada.com/ca/en/aco/home/plan/medical-mobility/travelling-with-oxygen.html?ak_t=F4661421A2A889B85A8B749C2A4EE48F0215456419260000F5A6705A31D64A6A
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Air Transat – canada – yes https://www.airtransat.com/en-CA/Travel-information/Special-services/Special-needs-and-Medical-Equipment
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Alaska Airlines – usa – yes https://www.alaskaair.com/content/travel-info/accessible-services/specialservices-oxygen
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american airlines – usa – yes https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/special-assistance/mobility-and-medical-devices.jsp
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Avianca – south america -yes https://www.avianca.com/ec/en/travel-information/plan-your-trip/special-services/oxygen.html
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Azul Brazilian Airlines – brazil https://www.voeazul.com.br/en/for-your-trip/services/disabled-passengers
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Bahamasair – bahamas – no – https://www.bahamasair.com/policies/traveling-with-oxygen/
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Caribbean Airlines – Trinidad and Tobago – yes https://www.caribbean-airlines.com/#/requests-and-special-assistance/oxygen-service
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Cayman Airways – Cayman Islands https://www.caymanairways.com/customer-service-plan
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Delta Air Lines – usa – yes https://www.delta.com/content/www/en_US/traveling-with-us/special-travel-needs/disabilities.html
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Hawaiian Airlines – usa- yes https://www.hawaiianairlines.com/legal/domestic-contract-of-carriage/090-oxygen
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JetBlue – usa- yes http://help.jetblue.com/SRVS/CGI-BIN/webisapi.dll?New,Kb=askBlue,case=obj%28272324%29
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latam airlines – south america – yes https://www.latam.com/en_ue/travel-information/special-assistance/medical-devices/
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LIAT Airlines – Antigua and Barbuda – yes https://www.liat.com/navSource.html?page_id=591
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Santa Barbara Airlines – Venezuela https://www.sbairlines.com/seccion/servicios-especiales
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united airlines – usa – yes https://www.united.com/web/en-us/content/travel/specialneeds/disabilities/customer_oxygen.aspx
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volaris – mexico – yes https://cms.volaris.com/en/traveling-with-volaris/special-services/medical-needs/
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WestJet – canada – yes https://www.westjet.com/en-ca/travel-info/special-needs/oxygen
ASIA – PACIFIC Airlines Oxygen Policy
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air india – india – yes http://airindia.in/special-needs-faqs.htm#q3
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Air New Zealand – new zealand – yes https://www.airnewzealand.co.nz/special-assistance-medical-equipment
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Air Niugini – Independent State of Papua New Guinea http://www.airniugini.com.pg/plan-book/special-needs-and-assistance/
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Air Tahiti – French Polynesia – yes https://www.airtahiti.com/oversized-heavy-special-baggage#special-baggage
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Aircalin – New Caledonia – yes https://di.aircalin.com/en/prepare-trip/assistance-and-reduced-mobility#u204
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All Nippon Airways -japan – yes http://www.ana.co.jp/en/service-info/share/assist/
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Asiana – korea – yes http://us.flyasiana.com/C/en/homepage.do?menuId=003008007003000&menuType=CMS
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Bangkok Air – Thailand – yes http://www.bangkokair.com/pages/special_baggage/CPAP-POC
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Cambodia Angkor Air – Cambodia – yes https://www.cambodiaangkorair.com/en/travel-information/special-needs/meda-passengers/
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Fiji Airways – Fiji – https://www.fijiairways.com/media/140051/medical-form.pdf
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Japan Airlines japan – yes http://www.jal.co.jp/en/jalpri/illness/oxygen.html
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Jet Airways – India – https://jetrevamp.jetairways.com/EN/GR/TravelInformation/medical-case.aspx
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Korean Air – korea https://www.koreanair.com/content/koreanair/global/en/footers/passengers-with-assistance/
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Malaysia Airlines – malaysia – https://www.malaysiaairlines.com/hq/en/plan-your-trip/health-medical.html
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Malindo Air – malaysia – https://www.malindoair.com/the-malindo-experience/special-needs
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Philippine Airlines – Philippines – yes https://www.philippineairlines.com/TravelInformation/BeforeYouFly/BaggageInformation/SpecialBaggage/MedicationsAndMedicalOxygen
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PIA – Pakistan http://www.piac.com.pk/WebAssist.aspx
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Qantas – Australia – yes http://www.qantas.com/travel/airlines/medical-assistance/global/en#jump3
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Royal Brunei – Brunei Darussalam – yes https://www.flyroyalbrunei.com/en/brunei/information/special-assistance/
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Singapore Airlines – Singapore – yes http://www.singaporeair.com/en_UK/gr/travel-info/special-assistance/medical-information/
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Silkair – Singapore – yes http://www.silkair.com/en_UK/sg/travel-info/medical-assistance/impt-medical-info/
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SriLankan – SriLanka http://www.srilankan.com/en_uk/flying-with-us/special-assistance
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Thai Airways International – Thailand https://www.thaiairways.com/en/plan_my_trip/travel_information/Health_and_Well_Being_OnBoard.page?
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Vietjet – Vietnam https://www.vietjetair.com/Sites/Web/en-US/NewsDetail/special-services/1397/special-services–vietjetvj
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Vietnam Airlines – Vietnam https://www.vietnamairlines.com/vn/en/travel-information/special-services/passengers-with-medical-requirements
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Virgin Australia – australia https://www.virginaustralia.com/au/en/plan/special-needs-assistance/medical-conditions/
CHINA & NORTH ASIA Airlines Oxygen Policy
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Air China – China (People’s Republic of) – YES https://www.airchina.gr/GR/GB/info/assistance/disabilities.html#6
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Air Koryo – Korea, Democratic People’s Republic of – YES http://www.airkoryo.com.kp/service/assistance/medical
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Cathay Pacific – Hong Kong SAR, China – YES https://www.cathaypacific.com/cx/en_HK/travel-information/help-for-passengers.html
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China Airlines – Chinese Taipei – YES https://www.china-airlines.com/uk/en/fly/prepare-for-the-fly/special-assistance/index
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China Eastern – China (People’s Republic of) – YES http://uk.ceair.com/en/content/information/special-assistance-medical-service/speical-needs
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China Southern Airlines – China (People’s Republic of) https://www.csair.com/en/tourguide/before_ready/special_assistance/special_passengers/index.shtml
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EVA Air – Chinese Taipei – YES http://www.evaair.com/en-global/managing-your-trip/special-assistance-and-inquiry/special-assistance/#onboard-medical-oxygen
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Hong Kong Airlines – Hong Kong SAR, China – YES http://www.hongkongairlines.com/en_HK/services/specialneeds
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MIAT – Mongolia http://www.miat.com/pagecontent.php?pageId=58&lang=en
AFRICA & MIDDLE EAST Airlines Oxygn Policy
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Air Austral – Réunion http://www.air-austral.com/en/prepare-your-flight/special-requests/disability-assistance.html
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Air Madagascar – Madagascar http://www.airmadagascar.com/en/information/medical-care-assistance
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Air Mauritius – Mauritius https://www.airmauritius.com/specialneeds.htm
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Air Seychelles – Seychelles – YES https://www.airseychelles.com/en/before-you-fly/travel-information
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Arik Air – Nigeria https://www.arikair.com/special-services
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Egyptair – Egypt – YES http://www.egyptair.com/en/fly/special-services/Pages/special-needs.aspx
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Emirates – United Arab Emirates – YES https://www.emirates.com/au/english/before-you-fly/health/special-needs.aspx#Oxygen_Information
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Ethiopian Airlines – Ethiopia – YES https://www.ethiopianairlines.com/AA/EN/information/special/differently-abled-passengers
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Etihad Airways – United Arab Emirates – YES https://www.etihad.com/en/experience-etihad/special-assistance/medical-information/
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Gulf Air – Bahrain https://www.gulfair.com/special-assistance/medical-cases
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Iran Air – Iran, Islamic Republic of http://www.iranair.fr/en/faq.html
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Jazeera Airways – Kuwait http://www.jazeeraairways.com/NewSpecialAssistance.aspx
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Kenya Airways – Kenya – yes https://www.kenya-airways.com/uploadedFiles/Pages/Kenya/Prepare_for_Travel/Special_Assistance/special%20travel%20info.pdf
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Middle East Airlines – Lebanon https://www.mea.com.lb/english/Traveler-Info/Passenger-Services#Physically
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Nesma Airlines – Egypt http://www.nesmaairlines.com/page/Special_assistance
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Overland Airways – Nigeria – no https://www.overlandairways.com/Travel-Information/SpecialRequirements
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Precision Air – Tanzania, United Republic of – yes https://www.precisionairtz.com/travel/assistance
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Qatar Airways – Qatar – yes http://www.qatarairways.com/jba/ba/en_GB/index.html?pregnant
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Royal Air Maroc – Morocco – yes https://www.royalairmaroc.com/int-en/Practical-Guide/Special-services
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Royal Jordanian -Jordan – https://www.rj.com/en/info-and-tips/baggage-information/what-not-to-carry
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RwandAir -Rwanda https://www.rwandair.com/?page=recherche
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South African Airways SAA – South Africa – yes https://www.flysaa.com/manage-fly/before-flying/special-assistance?inheritRedirect=true
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Safair -South Africa – yes https://flysafair.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/206319519
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Safi Airways -Afghanistan – yes http://www.safiairways.com/special-needs
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Saudi Arabian Airlines – Saudi Arabia – yes https://www.saudia.com/TRAVEL-INFORMATION/Airport-Services/Passenger-special-needs
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South African Express Airways – South Africa http://www.flyexpress.aero/travel-info
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TAAG – Angola Airlines – Angola http://www.taag.com/en/Plan/Special-needs/Patient-transportation
Tips for Traveling with Oxygen
Before you make any plans to travel, check with your doctor to determine that you are capable of travel and what extra precautions may be necessary.
Have a copy(s) of your oxygen prescription, including oxygen litre flow and hours of use, with you at all times as well as a current list of medications you are receiving. Make several copies of the prescription and medication list as you may need to present a copy to flight attendants or oxygen suppliers during your travel.
Since commercial airplane cabins are usually pressurized to an elevation equivalent to about 1,5002,500 meters (about 5,000-8,000 feet), you will be breathing less oxygen while in-flight. You might need an increase in the oxygen flow rate during air travel, your doctor will know. Be sure to talk to the doctor about this so you have no discomfort breathing during the flight.
You may also require a physician statement indicating your ability to travel, travel itinerary (general) and oxygen flow rates. If arranging your travel through a travel agent, make sure to inform them you will be travelling with oxygen before you book your trip. Contact your oxygen supplier and notify them of your travel plans and they may be able to assist you with your oxygen needs during your trip. Avoid travel travelling to locations at high elevations as these may make your breathing more difficult. There will be costs when travelling with oxygen. Your government oxygen program or private pay health insurance or other payers does not cover this.
Before Purchasing Tickets Inform airline that you will be travelling with your portable oxygen concentrator. Determine the requirements for batteries for your desired travel dates and locations. Confirm that your plane will have available electrical power onboard. Request seating with an available power port. Ensure that you have sufficient battery power for the duration of your flight, including a conservative estimate of unanticipated delays. Fly non-stop if possible. This eliminates the hassle of arranging for oxygen deliveries to the airport which results in extra charges.
Day of Flight with portable oxygen
Here are some things to keep in mind the day your flight departs:
Ensure your POC is clean, in good condition and free from damage or other signs of excessive wear or abuse.
Bring enough fully charged batteries with you to power your POC for the duration of the flight plus a conservative estimate of unanticipated delays. Contact your equipment provider to obtain additional POC batteries.
Extra batteries must be carefully packed in your carry-on. You must ensure that terminals on batteries are taped and protected from coming in contact with other items (Some batteries have recessed terminals, which do not need to be taped). You will not be allowed to bring your batteries with you if they are not packed properly. Your portable oxygen concentrator and extra batteries are considered medical devices. While they will need to be screened by TSA personnel they will not be counted against your carry-on baggage allowance.
You will need to plan ahead and bring enough batteries to power your POC for your entire flight, including gate time, taxi time, take off, in-air time and landing
Airlines may not be equipped to provide backup oxygen.
Regional/Commuter airlines do not offer on-board electrical power. If your travel plans call for flights on regional airlines, you will need sufficient battery power for the duration of the flight, plus a conservative estimate of unanticipated delays.
Arrive at the airport early. Airport security screening personnel may require extra time to inspect your Oxygen equipment.
While waiting to board your flight, you may be able to conserve battery power by powering your POC from an electrical outlet in the airport terminal.
During Your Flight with portable oxygen
FAA regulations also describe where passengers using POC’s must sit & where they must stow their POC’s. Passengers using POC’s may not sit in exit rows, nor may their POC block another passenger’s access to seats or to the airplanes aisles. You must be able to see the alarm lights on your POC when it is stowed. Air carriers are not required to let you plug your POC into the planes electrical system.
When you find your seat, locate the power port, if available. If your seat does not have a power port or if you have difficulty plugging in your power supply or AC power supply, ask a flight attendant for assistance.
You must remove the battery from the concentrator when operating the POC using an aircraft power port.
While FAA regulations do not require that you tell your air carrier about your Portable Oxygen Concentrator in advance, nearly all airlines ask that they be notified at least 48 hours in advance to travel. In order to bring your POC onto the plane with you, you will need to furnish a copy of a physician’s order for your airline. You should check with your airline before obtaining this order from your doctor, some airlines have forms that they require you use.