| Todays smartly designed portable oxygen | | | | * You must ensure the unit is properly stored during |
| concentrator (POC) offers oxygen therapy patients | | | | takeoff and landing |
| mobility that was unheard of just a few years ago. No | | | | Despite the FAA ruling, not all airlines permit POC's |
| more hauling around bulky oxygen tanks or worrying | | | | on-board. Here are some of the airlines that currently |
| about refilling liquid oxygen cylinders. POC's | | | | allow POC's during flight: |
| conveniently plug into standard electrical outlets or can | | | | * American Airlines |
| be used with rechargeable batteries for further mobility. | | | | * Alaskan Airlines |
| A frequently asked question is: "Can I use a portable | | | | * ATA Airlines |
| oxygen concentrator on an airplane?" | | | | * Delta Airlines |
| Thanks to new Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) | | | | * Frontier Airlines |
| regulations, now you can. The FAA's decision has | | | | * Northwest Airlines |
| been hailed by the American Association for | | | | * Southwest Airlines |
| Respiratory Care (AARC) for giving the more than 1 | | | | * Sun Country |
| million Americans requiring daily oxygen therapy the | | | | It is a good idea to check with the carrier anyway |
| opportunity for air travel. The FAA has approved | | | | before you book your flight. Each carrier will have their |
| certain models of POC's for on-board use. Two of | | | | own set of requirements regarding traveling with a |
| those approved models are the Inogen One and the | | | | POC. Here are a few things to do before your flight to |
| SeQual Eclispe. Both of these units are top-of-the-line | | | | help eliminate any potential problems: |
| POC's that offer a variety of benefits for oxygen | | | | * Check in with your carrier well before your departure |
| therapy patients. | | | | time |
| Although the FAA has approved these models for air | | | | * Make sure your POC is clean and in good working |
| travel, there are certain criteria that must be met to | | | | condition |
| use a POC on-board aircraft. They include: | | | | * Make sure you have your written physician's |
| * You must inform the airline of intended on-board use | | | | statement |
| of oxygen prior to departure | | | | * Bring enough fully charged batteries for the duration |
| * You must have a written statement from your | | | | of your flight, including possible delays. |
| physician detailing your oxygen requirements | | | | Don't let oxygen therapy keep you from visiting family |
| * The statement must also declare the POC user has | | | | and friends in distant places. The Inogen One and |
| the ability to hear, see, understand and respond to the | | | | SeQual Eclipse give you the freedom to hop on an |
| unit's alarms | | | | airplane and live the active life you deserve. |