Traveling by Airplane with Inogen Oxygen Concentrators

With the Inogen One, traveling with your oxygen concentrator is easy. The FAA now allows the Inogen One onboard all commercial aircraft whose flights start or stop within the United States. Many international airlines will also allow the Inogen One onboard. It is important to plan ahead and to check with your airline of choice well in advance of your travel date for specific requirements as well as to coordinate a backup source of oxygen for use at your final destination.

Due to frequent changes in Airline policies, we strongly recommend that you contact your airline directly to confirm onboard use of the Inogen One, including battery requirements, for your desired travel dates and locations, prior to purchasing your ticket. Some airlines may equip their aircraft with onboard electrical power. You may have an opportunity to request a seat with a power port, which can be used to power your Inogen One. However, availability varies by airline, type of aircraft, and class of service. You should check with the airline for availability and always plan on having sufficient battery power for the duration of your flight, plus a conservative estimate of unanticipated delays.

Planning Your Flight

You must obtain a signed statement from your physician before you travel with an oxygen concentrator that includes:

Your ability to see/hear alarms and respond appropriately
When oxygen use is necessary (all or a portion of the trip)
Maximum flow rate corresponding to the pressure in the cabin under normal operating conditions

Physician Statement Template (PDF 45 KB)

The statement shown above is only a template. Some airlines may require that the statement obtained from your physician be printed on his/her official letterhead. This statement needs to be kept with you at all times during your flight. A new statement will not be necessary each time you fly, but the statement should be available during every flight while you travel.

When flying with Inogen One oxygen concentrators you must inform the airline in advance that you will be using your Inogen One on-board the aircraft.
Some airlines may equip their aircraft with on-board electrical power. You may have an opportunity to request a seat with a power port which can be used to power your Inogen One. However, availability varies by airline, type of aircraft and class of service. You must check with the airline for availability prior to your travel and always plan on having sufficient battery power for the duration of your flight, plus a conservative estimate of unanticipated delays.

Before Your Flight

Here are some things to keep in mind the day your flight departs:

Ensure your Inogen One 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 Inogen One for the duration of the flight plus a conservative estimate of unanticipated delays. Contact your equipment provider to obtain additional Inogen One Batteries.
CAUTION 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 Inogen One.
While waiting to board your flight, you may be able to conserve battery power by using the AC Power Supply to power your Inogen One from an electrical outlet in the airport terminal.
You must inform the airline you will be using your Inogen One. Have your physician letter with you and ready for inspection if requested.

During Your Flight

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 Inogen One using an aircraft power port.
During taxi, takeoff and landing, stow your Inogen One under the seat in front of you. Your Inogen One will fit upright under most airline seats. However, if it doesn’t fit you may turn it on its side.
It is not necessary to turn off your Inogen One during taxi, takeoff and landing if your physician’s written statement requires you receive oxygen during these periods.
When you are traveling with the Inogen One and are not planning on using it during the flight, remove the battery from the concentrator.

After Your Flight

Remember to recharge additional batteries you may have used prior to your next flight.
Arrange for the delivery or pick up of your backup oxygen supply.
Have Fun. Enjoy your independence.