Many PH patients rely on supplemental oxygen to maintain saturation levels. There are three types of portable oxygen - compressed, concentrated, and liquid. Some types of concentrated oxygen may be permitted for use during airline travel.
Several issues are present with supplemental oxygen on airplanes:
Oxygen on the Plane
Liquid and Compressed Oxygen
Liquid oxygen is easily combustible and is not permitted on airplanes.
Some airlines provide oxygen as compressed gas for a charge. The amount of the charge can vary, but is often high (in the low hundreds). Airlines charge in various ways, including: flat fees, charging by oxygen bottle used, total airtime and number of flight coupons used.
Airlines that do provide supplemental oxygen require advanced notice of necessity including a doctor's note and flow rate information. Policies vary but most airlines require this documentation at least 48 hours before a flight.
Airline carriers who are not hazmat certified do not provide supplemental oxygen to patients.
Oxygen Concentrators
In August, 2005, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) initiated action to allow portable oxygen concentrators on airlines with a proposed rule. PHA joined with other organizations to push for favorable action by mobilizing membership, which resulted in 2000 public comments. The coalition also wrote a letter in support of the rule to Department of Transportation officials.
The final rule issued by the FAA permits the use of some models of portable oxygen concentrators aboard aircraft, but does not require airlines to conform to that standard. However, airlines may voluntarily observe the FAA rule. Inogen offers a list of airline carriers that allow portable oxygen concentrators, but you should confirm this information with your airline before you travel.
On September 7, 2005, the Department of Transportation (DOT) proposed a rule to further expand the impact of the August 2005 FAA final rule.
Oxygen During Layover
Even airlines that provide supplemental oxygen during flights often do not provide the same service during layovers. Patients are responsible to arrange for their own oxygen for this time.
Insurance Coverage for Oxygen
Most private insurers do not cover the cost of supplemental oxygen for air travel. Medicare does not cover the cost either.
