Requirements and recommendations on how to take control of your oxygen when traveling
When it comes to taking care of your health while traveling, having the right oxygen concentrator can be an essential part of the equation. However, with so many different models, features, and options to sort through, how do you know which one to choose?
That’s where Oxygen Parts Inc. comes in. Not only do we offer the internet’s best selection of oxygen concentrators and components, but we also make it easy for oxygen therapy users to find the best system for traveling. Today, we’re sharing some expert tips to guide you through the selection process. Once you're done reading, check out our store and discover all of the oxygen concentrators we have available online!
Airline travel requirements for portable oxygen concentrators, and recommendations
April 13, 2021
Requirement for airlines
1) FAA approved device (the FAA requires all medical portable oxygen concentrators that are FAA approved have a label on machine from the manufacturer. All the portable oxygen concentrators sold by Oxygen Parts Inc. are FAA approved. The label is by the serial number. Stationary oxygen concentrators are not FAA approved. They can be put in packaging material and can be checked in as additional luggage.
2) 150% battery supply for duration of flight
3) Airline physician statement form (each airline may have their own specific form or some may not require it all, contact airlines you are traveling with to get the form they require.
Recommendation:
1) Keep all accessories with you, chargers etc.
2) Take a copy of your prescription, in case you need it for any reason while on your travels. (you may need to purchase oxygen in case of unforeseen loss or damage to equipment)
Requirements for domestic rail (Amtrak)
Amtrak allows passengers who use oxygen equipment (e.g., bottled oxygen, oxygen concentrators) to bring the equipment onboard Amtrak trains with certain restrictions. Oxygen equipment transport is allowed on trains only for passengers with a disability.
Making Reservations with Oxygen Equipment
Because it is not possible to make reservations that include oxygen equipment on Amtrak.com, please call 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245) to let us know of your need to bring oxygen equipment and to make your reservations in advance. For TTY service, call 1-800-523-6590. Agents are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Equipment Requirements
Portable oxygen equipment must meet the following specifications:
Power Source: Oxygen equipment, including oxygen concentrators, must be able to operate a minimum of four hours without available onboard electrical power (in the event of a power disruption onboard).
UL or FM Listed: Oxygen equipment must be Underwriter's Laboratory (UL) or Factory Mutual (FM) listed.
Weight Limits: The total weight of all tanks may not exceed 120 lbs (54 kg). Within this limit, we allow:No more than 2 tanks, 50 lbs (22.7 kg) each, or
No more than 6 tanks, 20 lbs (9 kg) each.
Traveling with oxygen:
What you need for the airlines and your portable oxygen concentrator
FAA Approved Device. (POC) ALL portable oxygen concentrators recommended by Oxygen Parts Inc. are FAA-approved! All FAA approved portable oxygen concentrator manufacturers are required to have a lable that indicating that it is FAA approved on the machine.
Most Airlines Require 150% Battery Supply for Duration of Flight. Check with Airlines for a Link to Their Guidlines.
Each Airline May Have Their Own Required "Physician Statement". This is Specific to Each Airline and Requires a Letter You Must Fill Out With Your Physician.
All Our Travel Portable Oxygen Concentrators are Marked by the Manufacturer on the Machine for travel by the Factory!
Links
FAA Approved Portable Oxygen Concentrators - Positive Testing Results
TSA Travel Tips: Traveling With Portable Oxygen
Southwest Portable Oxygen Concentrators
American Airlines Mobility and Medical Devices
United Airlines Traveling with Oxygen
What are your travel needs?
The first step to selecting the best oxygen concentrator for you is to determine your travel needs. Think about how often you plan to travel, what modes of transportation you’ll be using, the lengths of the trips, and the types of activities you’ll be doing. Taking these factors into account can help you choose the oxygen concentrator that will be most comfortable and convenient for you. For example, if you plan on actively exploring a new city, you might want a portable oxygen concentrator that’s lightweight (2.8-5.7 LBS). Recommended small portable oxygen concentrator models OxyGo Next or OxyGo Fit, Inogen G5 or G4 . These produce pulse-dose only, just be aware these are not recommended for sleep. Continuous flow is recommended during sleep. On the other hand, if you plan on lounging or sleeping in your hotel room etc., a continuous flow portable might be more beneficial. These wil produce from .5 to 3 LPM continuous flow. with the continuous flow capabilities, and have a pulse setting up 6 or 9 depending on model. Continuous flow is what is recomended for sleep, 60% or more of us are mouth breathers and have eratic sleeping patterns. They do make portable oxygen concentrators that do continuous flow but these have a hand dolly and are approxiamtelt 10.5-18 LBS. Recommened models for continuous flow and pulse dose settings are Caire Eclipse 5 and Oxlife Independence.
What are your medical needs?
Of course, you should always think about your medical needs, especially when traveling. Consider the oxygen flow rate and delivery system you require for your health. Some portable oxygen concentrators provide continuous flow, while others offer pulse dose delivery. Additionally, think about how many accessories you need and how often you’ll need additional batteries etc., since managing these extras can be a potential difficulty while traveling.
Choosing the best oxygen concentrator for you
Once you’ve weighed your travel and medical needs against each other, it’s time to select the best oxygen concentrator to take on your trips. At Oxygen Parts Inc., we offer a complete selection of oxygen concentrators, so you can find the one that’s perfect for you. Choose from top brands like OxyGo, Inogen, Caire, and O2 Concepts, or use our convenient online tool to compare them all!
Consider a rental from Oxygen Parts Inc.
If you don’t want to deal with the hassle of purchasing an oxygen concentrator, or if you don’t require a permanent solution, you may want to consider renting a system from Oxygen Parts Inc. We offer short-term rentals and long and short term leases to meet your needs, plus we can even arrange to have them delivered directly to your hotel!
Traveling with an oxygen concentrator may seem like pain, but it doesn’t have to be! With highly portable oxygen concentrators and convenient rental options from Oxygen Parts Inc., you can travel without stress, strains, or worries. Start shopping today!