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

1. 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/

2. aegean – greece – yes https://en.aegeanair.com/travel-information/special-assistance/traveling-with-people-with-special-needs/?_ga=2.19459581.456210315.1517241237-1951542997.1517241237

3. aerlingus – ireland – yes https://www.aerlingus.com/travel-information/special-assistance/medical-conditions/

4. aeroflot – russian federation https://www.aeroflot.ru/xx-en/information/preparation/special_transportation/disabled

5. air astana – kazakstan https://airastana.com/global/en-us/Experience-Air-Astana/Special-Services

6. air baltic – latvia – yes https://www.airbaltic.com/en/passengers-with-special-medical-requirements

7. air corsica – france https://www.aircorsica.com/flights/assistance/

8. air france – france – yes https://www.airfrance.fr/FR/en/common/guidevoyageur/assistance/pmr_insuffisance_respiratoire.htm

9. air malta – malta -yes https://www.airmalta.com/information/customer-support/special-assistance/passengers-with-medical-needs

10. air moldova – republic of moldova https://www.airmoldova.md/children-and-infants-en/

11. air serbia – serbia – yes https://www.airserbia.com/en/medical-conditions

12. alitalia – italy – yes https://www.alitalia.com/en_us/fly-alitalia/organize-your-trip/special-assistance.html

13. atlas global – turkey – yes https://www.atlasglb.com/en/private-needs/

14. azerbaijan airlines – yes https://www.azal.az/en/information/special-cases-transportation

15. BH air – bulgaria – http://www.bhairlines.com/page.php?id=39

16. Binter canarias – spain https://www.bintercanarias.com/eng/information/mobility-impaired

17. blue air – romania https://www.blueairweb.com/en/gb/special-assistance/

18. blue panorama airlines – italy – https://www.blue-panorama.com/faq

19. bmi regional – uk – yes https://www.flybmi.com/passengers

20. british airlines – uk – yes https://www.britishairways.com/en-au/information/travel-assistance/medical-conditions-and-pregnancy

21. brussels airlines – belgium – yes https://www.brusselsairlines.com/en-be/practical-information/travel-info/before-the-flight/special-assistance/default.aspx

22. bulgaria air – bulgaria https://www.air.bg/en/customer-support/passengers-with-special-needs

23. carpatair – romania http://www.carpatair.com/special-categories-of-passengers/#tab-id-1

24. cobalt air – cuprys – https://cobalt.aero/content/medicalpregnancy-conditions

25. condor – germany – yes – https://www.condor.com/eu/fly-enjoy/special-assistance/assistance-for-our-customers/medical-equipment-and-medication.jsp#c93703

26. corendon airlines – turkey – https://www.corendonairlines.com/en/page/travel-information/special-assistance/request-for-extra-oxygen-on-board

27. corsair – france https://www.corsair.fr/flight/services/flight-book/before-leaving/passenger-assistance

28. croatia airlines – croatia – yes http://www.croatiaairlines.com/Travel-info/Special-passenger-categories/Disabled-persons

29. austrian airlines – austria https://www.austrian.com/~/media/01FF98933DFB4F6D85EB0A7952558A16.ashx

30. chech airlines – czech republic – https://www.csa.cz/cz-en/travel-information/#current_ti-tab-3815

31. el al – israel https://www.elal.com/en/PassengersInfo/Useful-Info/SpecialNeeds-Passenger/Pages/Medician-Air-Flight.aspx

32. evelop airlines – spain http://www.evelop.com/en/fly-with-evelop/passengers-guide.html#

33. finnair – finland – yes https://www.finnair.com/int/gb/information-services/before-the-flight/special-services-health/medical-conditions

34. flybe – uk – yes https://www.flybe.com/assistance/medication/

35. germania – germany – yes https://www.flygermania.com/en/planning/health-travel/special-medical-baggage/

36. 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/

37. icelandair – iceland – yes http://www.icelandair.co.uk/information/special-assistance/special-service/

38. Israir Airlines – israel http://beta.israirairlines.com/?mode=page&page=15463

39. klm – netherlands – yes https://www.klm.com/travel/au_en/prepare_for_travel/travel_planning/physically_challenged/klm_cares.htm#p5

40. LOT Polish Airlines – poland -yes http://www.lot.com/us/en/passengers-travelling-with-a-medical-certificate

41. Lufthansa – germany – yes https://www.lufthansa.com/us/en/Mobility-Partner-Program-Healthcare#respiratory_problems

42. luxair – Luxembourg https://www.luxair.lu/en/information/passengers-reduced-mobility

43. neos – italy – yes https://www.neosair.it/en/before_the_flight/special_assistance/portable_oxygen

44. nextjet – sweden – yes https://www.nextjet.se/en/travel-information/special-needs/assistance

45. olympic air – greece – yes https://www.olympicair.com/en/Info/Special/Disabled

46. onur air – turkey https://book.onurair.com/web/template/generalRules_EN.xhtml

47. Pegasus Airlines – turkey https://www.flypgs.com/en/useful-info/other-info/passengers-with-reduced-mobility-and-health#accordion-exclamation

48. Tap air portugal – portugal yes https://www.flytap.com/en-gr/special-needs/medical-assistance

49. Rossiya Airlines – Russian Federation – yes https://www.rossiya-airlines.com/en/travel-planning/category_passenger/people_with_limited_possibility/

50. sas – sweden – yes https://www.flysas.com/en/uk/travel-info/special-assistance/oxygen/

51. sata – portugal – yes https://www.azoresairlines.pt/en/information/special-services/special-assistance

52. swiss – Switzerland – yes https://www.swiss.com/corporate/medicalservices/en/health/passengers-with-disabilities/extra-oxygen

53. tarom – romania – yes https://www.tarom.ro/en/passenger-information/about-your-trip/people-with-disabilities.html

54. Turkish Airlines – turkey – yes https://www.turkishairlines.com/en-us/any-questions/special-assistance-for-passengers/

55. TUIfly – germany https://www.tuifly.com/en/service/bestimmungen_bbb_tuifly.html

56. Ukraine International Airlines – ukraine – yes – https://www.flyuia.com/ua/en/information/passengers-with-special-needs

57. Ural Airlines – russian federation – https://www.uralairlines.com/en/passengers-info/rules/passazhiry-s-ogranicheniyami-zhiznedeyatelnosti/tyazhelobolnoy-passazhir-bolnoy-na-nosilkakh/

58. Uzbekistan Airways – Uzbekistan https://www.uzairways.com/en/flights/rules-pre-selection-and-reservation-seats-uzbekistan-airways-aircraft-cabins

59. Virgin Atlantic – uk – yes https://www.virginatlantic.com/gb/en/travel-information/special-flight-requirements/flying-with-medication-and-equipment.html

60. Vueling – spain http://www.vueling.com/en/vueling-services/prepare-your-trip/information-for-passengers/passengers-with-special-needs

61. 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.

62. 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=

63. Aerolineas Argentinas – argentina – yes http://www.aerolineas.com.ar/en-eu/serviciosespeciales/index/10_transport-of-people-with-illnesses-medical-cases

64. Aeromexico – mexico – yes https://world.aeromexico.com/en/travel-with-aeromexico/special-passengers/passengers-with-disabilities/?site=us

65. air canada – canada – yes https://www.aircanada.com/ca/en/aco/home/plan/medical-mobility/travelling-with-oxygen.html?ak_t=F4661421A2A889B85A8B749C2A4EE48F0215456419260000F5A6705A31D64A6A

66. Air Transat – canada – yes https://www.airtransat.com/en-CA/Travel-information/Special-services/Special-needs-and-Medical-Equipment

67. Alaska Airlines – usa – yes https://www.alaskaair.com/content/travel-info/accessible-services/specialservices-oxygen

68. american airlines – usa – yes https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/special-assistance/mobility-and-medical-devices.jsp

69. Avianca – south america -yes https://www.avianca.com/ec/en/travel-information/plan-your-trip/special-services/oxygen.html

70. Azul Brazilian Airlines – brazil https://www.voeazul.com.br/en/for-your-trip/services/disabled-passengers

71. Bahamasair – bahamas – no – https://www.bahamasair.com/policies/traveling-with-oxygen/

72. Caribbean Airlines – Trinidad and Tobago – yes https://www.caribbean-airlines.com/#/requests-and-special-assistance/oxygen-service

73. Cayman Airways – Cayman Islands https://www.caymanairways.com/customer-service-plan

74. Delta Air Lines – usa – yes https://www.delta.com/content/www/en_US/traveling-with-us/special-travel-needs/disabilities.html

75. Hawaiian Airlines – usa- yes https://www.hawaiianairlines.com/legal/domestic-contract-of-carriage/090-oxygen

76. JetBlue – usa- yes http://help.jetblue.com/SRVS/CGI-BIN/webisapi.dll?New,Kb=askBlue,case=obj%28272324%29

77. latam airlines – south america – yes https://www.latam.com/en_ue/travel-information/special-assistance/medical-devices/

78. LIAT Airlines – Antigua and Barbuda – yes https://www.liat.com/navSource.html?page_id=591

79. Santa Barbara Airlines – Venezuela https://www.sbairlines.com/seccion/servicios-especiales

80. united airlines – usa – yes https://www.united.com/web/en-us/content/travel/specialneeds/disabilities/customer_oxygen.aspx

81. volaris – mexico – yes https://cms.volaris.com/en/traveling-with-volaris/special-services/medical-needs/

82. WestJet – canada – yes https://www.westjet.com/en-ca/travel-info/special-needs/oxygen

ASIA – PACIFIC Airlines Oxygen Policy 

83. air india – india – yes http://airindia.in/special-needs-faqs.htm#q3

84. Air New Zealand – new zealand – yes https://www.airnewzealand.co.nz/special-assistance-medical-equipment

85. Air Niugini – Independent State of Papua New Guinea http://www.airniugini.com.pg/plan-book/special-needs-and-assistance/

86. Air Tahiti – French Polynesia – yes https://www.airtahiti.com/oversized-heavy-special-baggage#special-baggage

87. Aircalin – New Caledonia – yes https://di.aircalin.com/en/prepare-trip/assistance-and-reduced-mobility#u204

88. All Nippon Airways -japan – yes http://www.ana.co.jp/en/service-info/share/assist/

89. Asiana – korea – yes http://us.flyasiana.com/C/en/homepage.do?menuId=003008007003000&menuType=CMS

90. Bangkok Air – Thailand – yes http://www.bangkokair.com/pages/special_baggage/CPAP-POC

91. Cambodia Angkor Air – Cambodia – yes https://www.cambodiaangkorair.com/en/travel-information/special-needs/meda-passengers/

92. Fiji Airways – Fiji – https://www.fijiairways.com/media/140051/medical-form.pdf

93. Japan Airlines japan – yes http://www.jal.co.jp/en/jalpri/illness/oxygen.html

94. Jet Airways – India – https://jetrevamp.jetairways.com/EN/GR/TravelInformation/medical-case.aspx

95. Korean Air – korea https://www.koreanair.com/content/koreanair/global/en/footers/passengers-with-assistance/

96. Malaysia Airlines – malaysia – https://www.malaysiaairlines.com/hq/en/plan-your-trip/health-medical.html

97. Malindo Air – malaysia – https://www.malindoair.com/the-malindo-experience/special-needs

98. Philippine Airlines – Philippines – yes https://www.philippineairlines.com/TravelInformation/BeforeYouFly/BaggageInformation/SpecialBaggage/MedicationsAndMedicalOxygen

99. PIA – Pakistan http://www.piac.com.pk/WebAssist.aspx

100. Qantas – Australia – yes http://www.qantas.com/travel/airlines/medical-assistance/global/en#jump3

101. Royal Brunei – Brunei Darussalam – yes https://www.flyroyalbrunei.com/en/brunei/information/special-assistance/

102. Singapore Airlines – Singapore – yes http://www.singaporeair.com/en_UK/gr/travel-info/special-assistance/medical-information/

103. Silkair – Singapore – yes http://www.silkair.com/en_UK/sg/travel-info/medical-assistance/impt-medical-info/

104. SriLankan – SriLanka http://www.srilankan.com/en_uk/flying-with-us/special-assistance

105. Thai Airways International – Thailand https://www.thaiairways.com/en/plan_my_trip/travel_information/Health_and_Well_Being_OnBoard.page?

106. Vietjet – Vietnam https://www.vietjetair.com/Sites/Web/en-US/NewsDetail/special-services/1397/special-services–vietjetvj

107. Vietnam Airlines – Vietnam https://www.vietnamairlines.com/vn/en/travel-information/special-services/passengers-with-medical-requirements

108. Virgin Australia – australia https://www.virginaustralia.com/au/en/plan/special-needs-assistance/medical-conditions/

CHINA & NORTH ASIA Airlines Oxygen Policy 

109. Air China – China (People’s Republic of) – YES https://www.airchina.gr/GR/GB/info/assistance/disabilities.html#6

110. Air Koryo – Korea, Democratic People’s Republic of – YES http://www.airkoryo.com.kp/service/assistance/medical

111. Cathay Pacific – Hong Kong SAR, China – YES https://www.cathaypacific.com/cx/en_HK/travel-information/help-for-passengers.html

112. China Airlines – Chinese Taipei – YES https://www.china-airlines.com/uk/en/fly/prepare-for-the-fly/special-assistance/index

113. China Eastern – China (People’s Republic of) – YES http://uk.ceair.com/en/content/information/special-assistance-medical-service/speical-needs

114. China Southern Airlines – China (People’s Republic of) https://www.csair.com/en/tourguide/before_ready/special_assistance/special_passengers/index.shtml

115. EVA Air – Chinese Taipei – YES http://www.evaair.com/en-global/managing-your-trip/special-assistance-and-inquiry/special-assistance/#onboard-medical-oxygen

116. Hong Kong Airlines – Hong Kong SAR, China – YES http://www.hongkongairlines.com/en_HK/services/specialneeds

117. MIAT – Mongolia http://www.miat.com/pagecontent.php?pageId=58&lang=en

AFRICA & MIDDLE EAST Airlines Oxygn Policy

118. Air Austral – Réunion http://www.air-austral.com/en/prepare-your-flight/special-requests/disability-assistance.html

119. Air Madagascar – Madagascar http://www.airmadagascar.com/en/information/medical-care-assistance

120. Air Mauritius – Mauritius https://www.airmauritius.com/specialneeds.htm

121. Air Seychelles – Seychelles – YES https://www.airseychelles.com/en/before-you-fly/travel-information

122. Arik Air – Nigeria https://www.arikair.com/special-services

123. Egyptair – Egypt – YES http://www.egyptair.com/en/fly/special-services/Pages/special-needs.aspx

124. Emirates – United Arab Emirates – YES https://www.emirates.com/au/english/before-you-fly/health/special-needs.aspx#Oxygen_Information

125. Ethiopian Airlines – Ethiopia – YES https://www.ethiopianairlines.com/AA/EN/information/special/differently-abled-passengers

126. Etihad Airways – United Arab Emirates – YES https://www.etihad.com/en/experience-etihad/special-assistance/medical-information/

127. Gulf Air – Bahrain https://www.gulfair.com/special-assistance/medical-cases

128. Iran Air – Iran, Islamic Republic of http://www.iranair.fr/en/faq.html

129. Jazeera Airways – Kuwait http://www.jazeeraairways.com/NewSpecialAssistance.aspx

130. Kenya Airways – Kenya – yes https://www.kenya-airways.com/uploadedFiles/Pages/Kenya/Prepare_for_Travel/Special_Assistance/special%20travel%20info.pdf

131. Middle East Airlines – Lebanon https://www.mea.com.lb/english/Traveler-Info/Passenger-Services#Physically

132. Nesma Airlines – Egypt http://www.nesmaairlines.com/page/Special_assistance

133. Overland Airways – Nigeria – no https://www.overlandairways.com/Travel-Information/SpecialRequirements

134. Precision Air – Tanzania, United Republic of – yes https://www.precisionairtz.com/travel/assistance

135. Qatar Airways – Qatar – yes http://www.qatarairways.com/jba/ba/en_GB/index.html?pregnant

136. Royal Air Maroc – Morocco – yes https://www.royalairmaroc.com/int-en/Practical-Guide/Special-services

137. Royal Jordanian -Jordan – https://www.rj.com/en/info-and-tips/baggage-information/what-not-to-carry

138. RwandAir -Rwanda https://www.rwandair.com/?page=recherche

139. South African Airways SAA – South Africa – yes https://www.flysaa.com/manage-fly/before-flying/special-assistance?inheritRedirect=true

140. Safair -South Africa – yes https://flysafair.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/206319519

141. Safi Airways -Afghanistan – yes http://www.safiairways.com/special-needs

142. Saudi Arabian Airlines – Saudi Arabia – yes https://www.saudia.com/TRAVEL-INFORMATION/Airport-Services/Passenger-special-needs

143. South African Express Airways – South Africa http://www.flyexpress.aero/travel-info

144. 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.

Travelwithoxygen.com