How to Travel with a Portable Oxygen Concentrator — FAA Rules Explained

By Yash, RRT — Licensed Respiratory Therapist & Owner, MyRespCo

Traveling with supplemental oxygen used to mean being tethered to heavy tanks and navigating a maze of airline restrictions. Modern portable oxygen concentrators have changed that — but only if you know the rules. This guide covers every FAA and airline requirement you need to know before you fly with a POC.

FAA Regulations for Portable Oxygen Concentrators

The FAA regulates which medical oxygen devices are permitted on commercial aircraft under 14 CFR Part 382. The key rules:

  • Oxygen tanks and liquid oxygen are prohibited on commercial aircraft cabins
  • FAA-approved portable oxygen concentrators are permitted in the cabin when used as prescribed medical equipment
  • The POC must be labeled with FAA acceptance language or be on the FAA's approved device list
  • You must carry sufficient battery capacity to cover 150% of the total flight time including all layovers and anticipated delays

Is Your POC FAA Approved?

The following MyRespCo units are FAA-approved for in-cabin use:

  • Inogen One G3 — FAA approved ✔
  • Inogen One G4 — FAA approved ✔
  • Inogen One G5 — FAA approved ✔

Always verify FAA approval status with your specific device before travel. Approval status is typically printed on the device label or documented in the user manual.

Battery Calculation for Flights

This is the most commonly overlooked requirement. The FAA requires you to carry battery capacity equal to 150% of the total expected flight time — including all flight segments, layovers, and a buffer for delays.

Example: 6-hour total travel time (flights + layover) × 1.5 = 9 hours of battery capacity required.

For the Inogen One G5: a single battery provides up to 6.5 hours at setting 2. A double battery provides up to 13 hours. For most domestic flights, a double battery comfortably covers the 150% requirement.

What to Do Before Your Flight

  1. Contact your airline at least 48–72 hours before departure. Most airlines require advance notification for passengers traveling with medical oxygen equipment.
  2. Obtain a letter of medical necessity from your physician or Licensed Respiratory Therapist. Some airlines require this; having it eliminates potential gate conflicts.
  3. Carry your oxygen prescription with you — same document, physical or digital copy.
  4. Confirm battery capacity meets the 150% requirement for your full itinerary including layovers.
  5. Pack your AC power adapter — most airports have charging stations; you can top off batteries during layovers.
  6. International travel: Confirm airline policy for each carrier individually. International airline rules vary more significantly than domestic US carriers.

At the Airport

  • Inform the TSA officer that you are traveling with a medical device — you will go through standard security screening
  • The POC will go through the X-ray belt like any other carry-on electronic
  • You may be asked to operate the device briefly to demonstrate it is a functioning medical device
  • Do not place batteries in checked baggage — lithium ion batteries must travel in the cabin

During the Flight

  • You may use your POC throughout the flight including during takeoff and landing (confirm with your specific airline)
  • Notify the flight crew that you will be using medical oxygen equipment
  • You cannot use oxygen tanks — only the FAA-approved POC
  • The seat-back pocket power outlet (if available) cannot be used to charge during flight — rely on your battery capacity

Need a Letter of Medical Necessity?

MyRespCo's Licensed Respiratory Therapist can prepare a letter of medical necessity for air travel as part of an RT Consultation. This letter documents your oxygen prescription, the medical necessity of your device, and the device model for airline submission.

→ Complete POC Buyer's Guide
→ Book an RT Consultation — $49.99
→ Shop FAA-Approved Refurbished Inogen One G3