Ted Ladd

OxygenToGo

tedladd@oxygentogo.com

Abstract

Passengers using POCs on short haul flights carry 42 lbs. less in equipment weight on a round trip flight than those using traditional oxygen tanks, which is a 70 percent reduction in weigh. Passengers using POCs on long-haul flights carry 110 lbs. less in equipment for a weight reduction of almost 85 percent.

Methodology

OxygenToGo first calculated the weight of traditional oxygen equipment and contrasted it with the weight of a POC, its accessories, carrying case and power cords to determine the difference in per passenger weight for both short haul flights with four hours of flight time and long haul flights with nine hours of flight time. A typical oxygen user needs about 2.5 liters per minute of oxygen and each oxygen tank weighs approximately 10 lbs. In addition, most airlines will place empty oxygen tanks into the cargo hold for delivery back to their point of origin, doubling the weight for a roundtrip flight.

For short-haul flights, a typical oxygen user would require three oxygen tanks for a total of 30 lbs. Figuring in 30 lbs. for returning the empty tanks, each oxygen-dependant passenger will require the airlines to transport an extra 60 lbs. of oxygen equipment for each leg of their trip. On long haul flights, the same oxygen user will require six oxygen tanks plus the associated regulator for a total of 65 lbs. Adding in the “dead head” return of 65 lbs. for the empty tanks results in 130 lbs. of additional weight per passenger.

In contrast, a portable oxygen concentrator and its accessories, carrying case, and power cords weigh only 15 lbs. For short-haul flights, a passenger would carry three batteries, each weighing one pound, for a total of 18 lbs. of oxygen equipment. For long-haul flights, passengers would carry five batteries for a total of 20 lbs. The batteries provide enough power for 150% of estimated flight time (terminal to terminal) to provide buffers for delays. In addition, because a POC stays with the passenger as carry-on luggage, the airline does not have any “dead head” obligations.

Conclusion

Using market and in-house data, OxygenToGo concluded that using portable oxygen concentrators (POCs) instead of traditional oxygen tanks reduce the weight of oxygen equipment by at least 70 percent on short-haul flights and almost 85 percent on long-haul flights. With the high price of aviation fuel, these savings in weight correspond directly to a cost savings.

In the near future, the demand for oxygen during travel is expected to rise sharply as physicians prescribe oxygen for both a broader range of medical ailments and the Baby Boomers who are preparing to retire and travel. These factors will dramatically increase the number of both rented and owner-provided POCs onboard aircraft.

Besides carrying less weight onboard, the cost for passengers who obtain a POC from OxygenToGo will be much less than if they opted for traditional oxygen tanks. OxygenToGo will also provide pre-qualification, technical support and medical information to passengers who bring their own POCs onboard.

Airline Fuel Savings Report:

We rent several different models of portable oxygen concentrators (POCs) for periods from a week to months. Every rental includes 24-hour access to respiratory therapists and board-certified physicians. And we can deliver these units to you FAST!

Did you know? With the FAA ruling, airlines require that you must have 150% of your flight time in battery time. So with a six hour flight, you would need nine hours of battery time. Call us with any questions at 877-736-8691

Customer Testimonial (view all)

I can’t say enough about oxygentogo.

I have absolutely no problems boarding or while on the airplane from los angeles to honolulu and on my connedting flight to knoa hawaii. It worked with no problems on each flight.

I was very pleased with the oxygen monitor that was included in the kit. It helped me know and realize when I needed the oxygen. There have been times I haven’t used my oxygen as I would just rest and feel fine. By monitoring it I knew when my level was below 90. I can stop fooling myself now and use the oxygen.

Jimmy and david were so helpful in getting me the kit with everything I needed. I ordered only 3 days prior to our flight as I was told by hawaiian airlines to call 72 hours in advance for oxygen. When I called they informed me they gave me oxygentogo’s phone number. I called they immediately explained the service to me.

David faxed me the contract and I faxed my signed copies back to them. The kit was delivered to me on wednesday and gave me time to read and understand the machine.

I had a question that evening as to how to attach the machine to the rolling cart and called the 800 number. Their answering service immediately found jimmy as I told them I had a problem. He was so kind and helpful answering many of my questions. These gentlemen are very polite and caring to their clients.

i feel the oxygentogo should be better advertised. Over a month prior to my trip I called five different oxygen distributotors to try and rent a machine and they all said “no one does that” they’d only try to seel me the equipment. Because of their kindness and concern i’ll be purchasing a machine from your company if I could afford one, however i’ll have to wait until I hit the lottery. But in the meantime i’ll be renting your kit for every flight I take!

Sincerely, Barbara O.