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Effective May 13th of 2009 every US air carrier must permit the use of approved portable oxygen concentrator (POC) devices on all domestic and international flights.
This is also true for foreign carriers but only on flights departing or returning to US soil. (see page 27615 on the link below for definition and examples of "flight")
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You can continue reading the below regulations or simply give us a call at 877-736-8691 for a personal answer by one of our professionals.
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Communication between Airlines and Patients about POC’s
According to the DOT ruling, passengers are expected to inform the air carrier about the intended use of POC’s on board while making the flight reservation. Airlines in return are required to give passengers who declare their intention to use a POC aboard the following information:
1. Any requirements for advance check-in. Airlines may require travelers to notify the airline up to 48 hours in advance if the traveler wishes to use a device.
2. Any weight or size limits for devices to ensure they can be accommodated in the aircraft cabin.
3. Any labeling requirements to permit use on board. (In the future the FAA may require device manufacturers to label devices if they are FAA approved.)
4. Airlines may also require one hour advance check-in for flights. However, airlines may not deny boarding on a connecting flight because of this additional hour requirement.
5. Any requirements about contacting the airline regarding the maximum flight duration and battery capacity requirements.
6. The airline may require travelers to provide a statement from a physician stating that the passenger requires the use of a POC.
7. In the event the travel has connecting or codesharing flights, airlines must also inform travelers of any requirements of the other airlines or direct the passenger to contact that airline directly.
Portable Oxygen Concentrator (POC) battery requirements
The airlines may require travelers to carry enough fully charged batteries required to operate the POC for at least 150 percent of the expected maximum flight duration. This includes the total duration of the flight from arrival at the gate, including any possible delays that may occur during a flight.
Official document published by the Department of Transportation (DOT)
www.regulations.gov, docket number DOT-OST-2004-19482-1300
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 want to take this opportunity to let you know what a positive experience we had with the system on our recent cruise to Alaska. The system arrived in plenty of time for me to become familiar with it and it's use. I felt positive in getting on the plane with the system and the batteries held up just fine for the four and a half hour flight, the hour long transfer to the cruise ship and to our suite. We very easily transferred the system to the ship's electrical system and recharged the batteries. It was just so easy to use and so trustworthy. We never had a moment's problem.
I talked to several people on the cruise that were using oxygen and they were amazed at the system itself and at how inexpensive it was to rent the unit compared to what they had to pay for oxygen for the flight, time at the airport and the cruise. They paid almost three times the amount of what I paid and one lady had a malfunction with her system and her rental company had to fly another system to her on the ship!
The instructions provided for assembly and packing for return of the system to your company are very user friendly and easy.
You and your staff have been spectacular to work with. You did everything you said that you would do and it was done in a friendly and courteous manner. That doesn't always happen with every company I have to deal with for accessibility equipment and it's very much appreciated.
Please feel free to use my name in anyway that would be helpful in letting those in need of your services know that this system exists and that it is easy to use and financially friendly!
Thanks again for making our trip such a wonderful experience!