Traveling by air can be challenging for individuals who rely on supplemental oxygen therapy, especially if their oxygen levels drop at high altitudes. Commercial aircraft cabins are pressurized but still have lower oxygen concentrations than ground level, which can make breathing more difficult for people with respiratory conditions. A portable oxygen concentrator (POC) is often the best solution for air travel. At Belluscura, we design FAA-compliant portable oxygen concentrators that allow users to fly safely, comfortably, and independently with oxygen therapy.
FAA Requirements for Oxygen Devices on Planes
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has strict guidelines on which oxygen devices are permitted on commercial flights. Compressed oxygen tanks are not allowed for passenger use during flight due to safety risks. However, portable oxygen concentrators that meet FAA standards are allowed onboard. Both of our concentrators, the X-PLOR® and DISCOV-R™, are FAA-compliant for in-flight use.
To travel with a portable oxygen concentrator, passengers must notify the airline in advance and provide any required documentation, such as a physician’s statement or medical certificate. Airlines may have different rules regarding check-in times, boarding assistance, and seating accommodations, so it’s important to confirm policies before travel. In most cases, airlines require proof that the device is FAA-compliant and that the passenger can operate it independently.
It is also necessary to carry enough fully charged batteries to power the device for at least 150% of the scheduled flight time, including layovers or potential delays. Both our X-PLOR and DISCOV-R concentrators are compatible with rechargeable batteries that are easy to monitor and swap as needed. Additional X-PLOR batteries and DISCOV-R batteries are available to meet these air travel requirements.
Preparing for a Flight with a Portable Oxygen Concentrator
Planning ahead is essential for air travel with a portable oxygen concentrator. The first step is to schedule a consultation with your healthcare provider to confirm that air travel is safe and to receive an updated oxygen prescription for in-flight use. Some people may require a higher oxygen flow rate during flight due to cabin pressure changes. Make sure your POC can meet this requirement at the prescribed setting.
Once the prescription is confirmed, notify the airline at the time of booking or as early as possible before departure. Provide any required forms and confirm that your Belluscura device is an FAA-compliant unit. Ask the airline about their boarding procedures for passengers traveling with medical devices and whether you will be assigned a seat with an electrical outlet, though power availability is not guaranteed.
On the day of travel, bring your POC fully charged with extra batteries in your carry-on luggage. FAA regulations require that batteries be stored in a way that protects them from short-circuiting. Keep all equipment accessible throughout the flight, as oxygen devices cannot be stored in overhead compartments during use. You may also need to demonstrate that you know how to operate your device.
If you’re using pulse-dose mode, consider monitoring your oxygen saturation with a pulse oximeter during the flight. This helps ensure your oxygen levels remain stable and allows you to adjust settings if necessary, based on your provider’s guidance.
Benefits of Using a Belluscura POC for Air Travel
Belluscura’s X-PLOR and DISCOV-R portable oxygen concentrators are designed with air travel in mind. Both units are FAA-compliant, lightweight, and easy to carry. The compact design allows them to fit under an airline seat without taking up excessive space. Their quiet operation minimizes disturbance to you or other passengers, and the easy-to-read interface makes it simple to monitor oxygen delivery and battery life during flight.
While the DISCOV-R offers a continuous flow mode, both units can offer pulse-dose delivery, which conserves battery power by delivering oxygen only when the user inhales. This not only extends battery life but also ensures that oxygen is being delivered efficiently in real-time. Our batteries provide up to 4.5 hours of operation when fully charged.
Another key benefit is our No Breath Detected Mode, which automatically activates if the concentrator does not detect a breath for 90 seconds. The device then delivers oxygen at 15 breaths per minute until breathing resumes or manual intervention occurs. This is an added layer of safety for long flights where changes in posture or shallow breathing may temporarily disrupt normal sensor function.
Because our devices can run on battery or plugged-in AC/DC power, you have the flexibility to charge between flights or while seated, depending on power availability. The portability of our concentrators also makes them easy to use in airports, taxis, hotels, and other parts of your travel itinerary, ensuring uninterrupted oxygen therapy from departure to arrival.
Travel Tips for POC Users at the Airport and Beyond
Airports can be busy, crowded, and unpredictable, so it’s important to plan for the entire travel experience, not just the flight itself. Arrive early to allow time for check-in and screening. Let TSA agents know that you’re traveling with a medical device. Our portable oxygen concentrators are TSA-compliant and can pass through security screening, although you may be asked to power the device on for inspection.
Stay near a power outlet while waiting at the gate so you can top off battery levels if needed. If you’re traveling internationally, bring the proper plug adapters for your destination. Always pack an extra nasal cannula and charger in your carry-on luggage, as checked bags may be delayed or lost.
Keep your oxygen prescription and medical documentation with you in case it’s requested by airline staff or customs officials. Having this paperwork readily accessible can help prevent delays or issues during travel. Also, identify emergency contacts at your destination in case you need assistance upon arrival.
Whether you’re flying for business or vacation, Belluscura’s POCs are designed to help you travel confidently and safely. The convenience of being able to take your oxygen therapy wherever you go allows for more freedom and independence during travel.
Contact Belluscura Today!
Portable oxygen concentrators are essential tools for individuals who need oxygen therapy and want to travel by air. Our FAA-compliant X-PLOR and DISCOV-R devices meet air travel requirements while providing reliable, lightweight oxygen delivery during your journey. With proper planning, spare batteries, and a Belluscura device, patients can maintain their oxygen therapy on the go and enjoy greater mobility. Contact us to learn more about how our portable oxygen concentrators can support your next flight and help you breathe easier wherever life takes you.
