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Travel with Oxygen Concentrator

by Courtney Sornberger

Do you want to get out of the house again, and perhaps even travel with an oxygen concentrator? We’re pleased to tell you that you can!  All kinds of activities are still possible for you, even when you have to use an oxygen machine all the time.  

Everything from driving to flying to sightseeing walking tours; you can enjoy that freedom again. It’s much easier than you think to continue your oxygen therapy on the move when you invest in a portable oxygen concentrator from Main Clinic Supply.  

And when you follow our handy portable oxygen concentrator (POC) travel guidelines below, you’ll be prepared for anything.

What this article covers:

Can You Fly with an Oxygen Concentrator?

Yes, you can fly with an oxygen concentrator. However, there are some restrictions and requirements that you need to follow.

  • The oxygen concentrator must be FAA-approved. You can find a list of approved concentrators on the FAA website.
  • You must bring your own oxygen concentrator and accessories. You cannot rent or borrow an oxygen concentrator from the airline.
  • You must place your oxygen concentrator under the seat in front of you. You cannot place it in the overhead bin.
  • The FAA requires oxygen users on aircraft to carry enough oxygen to last for 150% of their flight time, including layovers. This is because the oxygen supply can be depleted during layovers, even if the aircraft is not in the air.
flying with oxygen concentrator

If you follow these requirements, you should be able to fly with your oxygen concentrator without any problems.

Here are some additional tips for flying with an oxygen concentrator:

  • Make sure your concentrator is in good working order before you travel.
  • Bring extra batteries or a power cord in case your concentrator runs out of power.
  • Keep your concentrator clean and free of dust.
  • Be aware of the airline's policies on oxygen use in flight. Make sure to check what airlines allow portable oxygen concentrators.

If you have any questions about flying with an oxygen concentrator, you should contact your airline or the FAA

Why You Can Fly With A Portable Oxygen Concentrator, But Not An Oxygen Tank 

The reason that oxygen concentrators are deemed safe for air travel, but oxygen tanks are not, is due to the main difference between them. Oxygen tanks store compressed oxygen, in either a liquid or gas form. This can pose a safety hazard, as oxygen will cause any potential fire source to ignite more quickly.

Unlike oxygen tanks, oxygen concentrators don’t store oxygen. They concentrate the oxygen in the air around you, by filtering out the nitrogen component. Also, unlike an oxygen tank, there’s no risk of your oxygen concentrator exploding due to changes in temperature and pressure.

Why You Need Your Oxygen Concentrator More Than Ever, on A Plane

The equivalent feet above ground on a pressurized airplane cabin is typically 8,000 feet. This means that the air pressure in the cabin is equivalent to the air pressure at an altitude of 8,000 feet above sea level. So if you live in a lower elevation you will most likely need a higher setting to be comfortable at this pressurized elevation.Be sure to bring your pulse oximeter with you to check your blood oxygen levels.

Traveling with an Portable Oxygen Concentrator

So, it’s possible to travel with a portable oxygen concentrator. Oxygen users all over the world do so daily. Unlike heavy oxygen tanks that aren’t allowed on many modes of transport, POCs are commute and travel-friendly. 

They’re lightweight, user-friendly, and safe for almost all outdoor activities when used responsibly. But what are the top-rated portable oxygen concentrators most suitable for travel? Do you need the smallest possible portable oxygen concentrator? Do any particular brands or models stand out among the rest?

That depends on the type of traveling you do most. You should always select the machine that best matches your own mobility levels and lifestyle requirements. But, based on our observations, the Inogen One series of portable oxygen concentrator machines are ideal for almost all travel conditions.

Inogen One G3 Portable Oxygen Concentrator (Best For Air Travel)

The Inogen One G3 Portable Oxygen Concentrator is small and lightweight and operates quietly. It has a long-lasting battery and the option of a double-the-hours battery for longer periods of travel. 

traveling with oxygen concentrator

The G3, like all portable Inogen models, meets FAA requirements to fly on US-based Airlines, including United Airlines' own approved POC list. 

Traveling abroad? One of the things people often forget when traveling internationally, is a travel adaptor for power outlets. But that’s not a problem here. The AC power that you use when operating and charging your G3 at home, converts to the proper local voltage automatically. 

So, there’s no need to buy special travel adaptors to run your POC. Just plug it in on arrival at your destination, and it’ll work. Now that’s one less thing to worry about, and one less thing to pack, too.  

Inogen One G4 Portable Oxygen Concentrator (Best For Walking/Hiking)

When you’re hiking, or just doing a lot of walking on vacation, you don’t want to lug a heavy machine with you. It will only tire you out, and detract from the joy of being outdoors. 

But at only 2.8 lbs, the Inogen One G4 is the lightest machine in its class. That makes it the best portable oxygen concentrator for hiking, or even sightseeing walking tours while on vacation. 

And the specially designed carry bag with a padded shoulder strap and the G4 backpack make walking and hiking a pleasure. The backpack also has space for spare backup batteries and your smaller personal effects like a wallet and keys.

can you fly with an oxygen concentrator

Inogen One G5 Portable Oxygen Concentrator (Best For Road Trips)

All kinds of travel are possible with an Inogen One G5 portable oxygen concentrator (POC), including road trips. And running an oxygen concentrator in a car doesn’t even have to rely on backup batteries.

Simply plug this POC into the DC power outlet in your car, with the DC cable provided by the Inogen One G5. On older vehicle models, the DC outlet will be the built-in cigarette lighter.

Once you reach your destination, pop it into the optional carry bag with a padded shoulder strap, for hands-free exploring, dining, or gift and souvenir shopping.

Conclusion

Our research studies have indicated that new users have a common fear. They fear that after diagnosis of a respiratory disorder, life won’t be the same. No shopping trips or visiting friends, and no more travel.

But as experts in the oxygen delivery device industry, we’re happy to dispel that myth.  Just follow the guidelines above, and travel with an oxygen concentrator is simple and convenient. 

With a small portable oxygen concentrator from Main Clinic Supply, you can continue to enjoy all the activities you did before starting oxygen therapy, including travel. 

are portable oxygen concentrators allowed on airplanes

Travel with Portable Oxygen Concentrator (FAQs)

Can I take my portable oxygen concentrator on a cruise ship?

Yes, you can take your POC on a cruise ship. 

Any one of the models in this guide is suitable for a cruise. But seaport authorities might want to check your portable oxygen concentrator device before boarding. So arrive early, and inform the boarding officials that you’re traveling with a portable oxygen concentrator device.

May I use my portable oxygen concentrator in hotels?

Yes, you may use your POC in hotels, inns, and B&Bs.

Inform the hotel’s booking agents ahead of your stay that you’ll be using a portable oxygen concentrator. Some POCs are noisier than others. Fortunately, the Inogen portable models operate quietly, and shouldn’t disturb other guests.

Does Amtrak allow travel with a portable oxygen concentrator?

Yes, they do, and any of the POCs discussed in this article are ideal for travel by train.

Of course, you’ll want to start your trip with fully charged backup batteries. Also, request a seat with a nearby power port when making your train trip reservation. Confirm that your allocated seat has a power port upon boarding the Amtrak train.

Did you find the blog helpful? If so, consider checking out other guides:

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